Do less. Be lazy.

The Lazy Manifesto: Do Less. Then, Do Even Less.

“Practice not-doing and everything will fall into place.” - Lao Tzu

Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on Twitter.

How many of us don’t get lazy every now and then? Of course, some of us get lazy more than others — my mom (always a hard worker) once told me she gets lazy, but then she just does the work anyway. I replied, “Mom, that’s not lazy! That’s the opposite of lazy!”

Lazy is often seen as a bad thing, but I disagree. Lazy is an amazing thing.

Here’s just a few reasons why:

Lazy means that your body and mind are tired and want to rest. That’s a sign that you should actually rest. When you ignore these signs, that leads to burnout. So rest, and feel good about it!
Lazy means you don’t want to work too hard, which often leads to figuring out how to do less work. Just about all of the advances in technology come from laziness: we drive cars instead of walking because we’re too lazy to walk, we use washing machines because we’re too lazy to do it by hand, we use computers because writing things out by hand is hard. Of course, reliance on machines isn’t a good thing, but using laziness to figure out better ways to do things is a good thing.
Lazy people don’t start wars. Who wants to go through all the trouble to fight a war? Peace and friendliness is much easier.

“Simple Productivity” has been the motto of Zen Habits from its early days (even though I talk about a lot of other things as well) … and today I’d like to set out the reasons “Do Less” is one of my Four Commandments, and why it’s the ultimate extension of Simple Productivity.

Do Less: The Ultimate Simple Productivity

It may seem paradoxical that Do Less can mean you’re more productive — and if you define “productive” as meaning “get more done” or “do more”, then no, Do Less won’t lead to that kind of productivity.

But if instead you define “productivity” as a means of making the most of your actions, of the time you spend working (or doing anything), of being as effective as possible, then Do Less is the best way to be productive.

Consider: I can work all day in a flurry of frenetic activity, only to get a little done, especially when it comes to lasting achievement. Or I can do just a couple things that take an hour, but those are key actions that will lead to real achievement. In the second example, you did less, but the time you spent counted for more.

Let’s take the example of a blogger: I can write a dozen posts that really say nothing, mean nothing, but take up my entire day … or I can write one post that affects thousands of people, that really reaches to the heart of my readers’ lives, and takes me 1.5 hours to write. I did less, but made my words and time count for more.

If you’re lazy, as I often am, then the choice is simple. Do Less.

But do it smartly: Do Less, but make every action count. Send fewer emails, but make them important. Write fewer words, but make each word essential. Really consider the impact of every action you take, and see if you can eliminate some actions. See if you can achieve a great impact doing less.

This doesn’t mean “less is more”. It means “less is better”.

Do Less: Of Everything

But Do Less means much more than being productive. It goes to the heart of everything we do, of our society. Do Less is nothing less than a two-word manifesto for living.

Here’s how the two-word manifesto of “Do Less” can change everything:

1. Do Less buying. If you spend less, shop less, acquire less, then you will own less, need less, get into less debt, be in better financial shape, have less clutter, and have more time for things that are truly important.

2. Do Less busy-work. Instead of running around doing lots of little things, slow down. Do Less. Live a calmer, more peaceful life. Be content to sit, to do nothing. Relax a little. Smile and be happy.

3. Do Less managing. If you are in a position of authority over others, whether it’s as a manager, executive, or parent … the less you do the better. Many people over-manage, or over-parent. This gives their employees, or children, very little freedom, room for creativity, room to learn on their own, to succeed and fail. The less you do, the more others will figure out how to do things. Do little things to guide and teach, but for the most part, back off and let them be.

4. Do Less communicating. Less talking, less yelling, less arguing, less emails and IM and Twittering, less phone calling. While I think communication is extremely important, and should be one of the keys to any relationship, I also think we do it too much. Especially as most of it becomes nothing but jabbering at each other, with very little actual listening. It is noise. Let silence into your life. Let stillness pervade our minds. When you do communicate, make it count, make it sincere, and more than you talk, listen. Make every email count. Only IM when it’s necessary. Spend less time on the phone and Twitter and Blackberry and iPhone, and more time with humans, more time with yourself, more time in the present.

5. Do Less complaining and criticizing. I won’t rant about how these two things can drag down you and those around you … but instead will say that if you did less of these two things, your life would be better. And we all do them — fess up! I do, and I try to do less of it. Instead, do more kindness, compassion, understanding, accepting, loving.

6. Do Less planning and worrying and future thinking. Spend more time in the moment. We worry too much, and it does us no good. We think about things that haven’t happened, instead of what’s happening now (and yes, I know that’s the name of an old sitcom). And while some planning is necessary, too much of it is a waste of time — there’s no way to predict the future, and trying to control every little thing that’s going to happen is futile. Learn to go with the flow, look for opportunities, find the natural path of things, and do what is needed in the moment. You can’t control outcomes, but if you learn to work more fluidly (instead of rigidly following plans), you can get to outcomes that are good.

7. Do Less judging and expecting. Acceptance is something I’m trying to learn to do more. And that means I need to be less judgmental, and stop having expectations from everything and everybody. If you have no expectations, and don’t judge things, you can accept them. And acceptance leads to peace, leads to happiness. So when you find yourself judging, think “Do Less Judging”. When you find yourself expecting someone to be a certain way, think “Do Less Expectations”. People won’t disappoint you that way, because you’ll learn to accept them as they are, and learn that they are already perfect, as they are.

“Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu

How to Do Less

If you are sold on the two-word manifesto — Do Less — you might be saying to yourself, “Self, that sounds good, but how exactly do I go about doing less?” It’s simple:

1. Do Less. Yes, it really is that simple. Do Less. Take how much you usually do, and Do Less than that. If you’re smart, you’ll naturally choose the more essential things to do, but it’s possible that you won’t, and you’ll just choose whatever is easy or convenient or fun. That’s OK. Go with that. Eventually you’ll probably have to do the important stuff, because it probably has to be done sometime. Or maybe you won’t, and you’ll end up getting nothing done. Then you’ll think to yourself, “Self, there has to be a better way. Either I have to go back to doing more, or I have to choose more wisely in what I do.”

2. Then Do Even Less. If you followed the first step, and you’re now doing less than you were before, congratulate yourself! Pat yourself on the back! Celebrate by going to take a nap. Now, when you’re ready to get started again, try to do even less than you were doing in Step 1 above. Pare some of your actions down. Look for more fat to trim. See if some things really aren’t as necessary as you thought they were. Pass some things on to others, automate other things, delay on still others, and get out of doing still others by calling up someone or emailing them and explaining, “I’m sorry, I just can’t do as much as I originally planned.” Now you’re doing less than before!

Repeat. Keep doing less until you’re doing almost nothing. When you’ve reached that point, congratulations! You’re a master. When you can get by with doing nothing at all, you’ve reached Nirvana and enlightenment and you should really be teaching me instead of the other way around. Feel free to come write a guest post for Zen Habits when you’ve reached this state!

Some other ideas to consider when learning to Do Less:

Go with the flow. Imagine the effort required to swim upstream compared to moving with the flow of a river. If you go with the flow of things, rather than against them, you will naturally do less, and with less effort.
Don’t force things. A common mistake — trying to hard, forcing something that doesn’t want to be forced, forcing people to do things they don’t want to do. A lot of effort, action, and time is wasted. Instead, find a smoother way — think of water, which flows around things rather than trying to force its way through them.
Find the pressure points. In martial arts, instead of using maximum force, you are wise to find the points in the body where less force can be used to greater effect, whether that’s to cause pain or imbalance or some other effect. Well, I don’t advocate finding pain, but the idea of pressure points is a good one: if you can find the little spots where a little action can change everything, can go a long way, you have mastered the Do Less philosophy.
Let others do. Give others the room and freedom to move, to create, to invent, to learn, to work, to do, on their own. Less time, effort and action spent trying to control others means that you do less, but let others make things happen. It means letting go of control, but that’s a good thing. Other people have creativity, imagination, dedication, good ideas too.
Let things happen. Often our actions interfere with events that would happen without our actions. In other words, if we took no action, things would happen without us. Sometimes it’s better to let things happen. Step back, don’t act, things will happen without us.

“Doing nothing to disturb the spontaneous flow of things.” - Lao Tzu

—
If you liked this article, please share it on Delicious or StumbleUpon. I’d appreciate it. :)
—
Read more about how and why to Do Less in my book, The Power of Less. Help the book do well! A few ways you can help: buy the book for others, spread the word with friends and family about the website, review the book on your blog. Thanks everyone!
—

The Lazy Manifesto: Do Less. Then, Do Even Less.

“Practice not-doing and everything will fall into place.” - Lao Tzu

Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on Twitter.

Lazy is often seen as a bad thing, but I disagree. Lazy is an amazing thing.

Here’s just a few reasons why:

Lazy means that your body and mind are tired and want to rest. That’s a sign that you should actually rest. When you ignore these signs, that leads to burnout. So rest, and feel good about it!
Lazy means you don’t want to work too hard, which often leads to figuring out how to do less work. Just about all of the advances in technology come from laziness: we drive cars instead of walking because we’re too lazy to walk, we use washing machines because we’re too lazy to do it by hand, we use computers because writing things out by hand is hard. Of course, reliance on machines isn’t a good thing, but using laziness to figure out better ways to do things is a good thing.
Lazy people don’t start wars. Who wants to go through all the trouble to fight a war? Peace and friendliness is much easier.

Do Less: The Ultimate Simple Productivity

If you’re lazy, as I often am, then the choice is simple. Do Less.

This doesn’t mean “less is more”. It means “less is better”.

Do Less: Of Everything

But Do Less means much more than being productive. It goes to the heart of everything we do, of our society. Do Less is nothing less than a two-word manifesto for living.

Here’s how the two-word manifesto of “Do Less” can change everything:

“Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu

How to Do Less

If you are sold on the two-word manifesto — Do Less — you might be saying to yourself, “Self, that sounds good, but how exactly do I go about doing less?” It’s simple:

Some other ideas to consider when learning to Do Less:

Go with the flow. Imagine the effort required to swim upstream compared to moving with the flow of a river. If you go with the flow of things, rather than against them, you will naturally do less, and with less effort.
Don’t force things. A common mistake — trying to hard, forcing something that doesn’t want to be forced, forcing people to do things they don’t want to do. A lot of effort, action, and time is wasted. Instead, find a smoother way — think of water, which flows around things rather than trying to force its way through them.
Find the pressure points. In martial arts, instead of using maximum force, you are wise to find the points in the body where less force can be used to greater effect, whether that’s to cause pain or imbalance or some other effect. Well, I don’t advocate finding pain, but the idea of pressure points is a good one: if you can find the little spots where a little action can change everything, can go a long way, you have mastered the Do Less philosophy.
Let others do. Give others the room and freedom to move, to create, to invent, to learn, to work, to do, on their own. Less time, effort and action spent trying to control others means that you do less, but let others make things happen. It means letting go of control, but that’s a good thing. Other people have creativity, imagination, dedication, good ideas too.
Let things happen. Often our actions interfere with events that would happen without our actions. In other words, if we took no action, things would happen without us. Sometimes it’s better to let things happen. Step back, don’t act, things will happen without us.

“Doing nothing to disturb the spontaneous flow of things.” - Lao Tzu

Spewed into the world on 12 January 2009 in Happiness, Productivity & Organization, Simplicity |
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Brilliant comments (128)

Chris - Zen to Fitness Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:29 am

I like it, Interesting how that when feeling lazy its easier to do things at a higher quality rather than rushing through them. Its a good reminder to save fiddly or important things for times when your potentially feeling a bit lazy….Its a great point and something I only realize now after reading the post.

Bruce Barber Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:38 am

Leo,

You are SO RIGHT! How often do we consider ourselves productive when we’re actually “spinning our wheels” with unnecessary (and sometimes detrimental) activities…

sital Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:46 am

I think many of us have an inbuilt guilt mechanism - ie we feel we need to be ‘busy.’ ‘Lazy’ it seems is a dirty word.

But you’re right - being lazy and doing less allows you to be happy, healthy, be successful and make more of an impact.

My best 2 blog posts of 2008 were written and posted within an hour. Both times an idea came to me out of nowhere, I started writing and within an hour posted the article without too much thinking.

A lesson for me in doing less, being present and following my instincts more than my rational head.

thanks for an inspirational post!

Corey - Simple Marriage Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:46 am

It’s about time that we begin to change the meaning of the work lazy to a more positive thing. Perhaps we will one day see job postings looking for someone skilled at being lazy!

Miguel de Luis Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:48 am

Hi,

What I am reading here is that we should do everything that matters, and nothing else.

So forgive me for a brief post. :)

Very Evolved Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:51 am

Leo,

I like your take on this. If I might add I think the word lazy has a lot of negative connotations. If however we change the definition of lazy to this:

“The path of least resistance to your goals, without causing harm”

Then that’s just pure evolutionary efficiency at work!

Patrick

Kimberly Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:53 am

Reminds me of the scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshell where the surfing teacher tries to teach Peter how to stand on the board. “No you’re doing too much. Do less. Do less.” Finally Peter just lies there and the teacher goes “well, you gotta do a little more than that!”

Writer Dad Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:54 am

Over the last half year, I’ve had so much on my plate it’s ridiculous. A common thing my wife has said to me is, “Breathe Honey. You need to come up for air.” This advice has gone often ignored, but once I started listening, my productivity soared. Sometimes doing nothing is far more effective than doing a marginal job at something.

Dominik Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:59 am

And.. what if I just don’t do anything besides sitting on the couch and play video games? Does this qualify as lazy or as zen-productivity?

Eric Moritz Says:

January 12th, 2009, 10:59 am

Laziness is one of the reasons I find Buddhism so appealing. I’m to lazy hold a resentment towards someone. It just takes way to much mental energy to hold a grudge. Letting it go is the lazy way of handling it :)

Leo Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:04 am

@Kimberly: Ha! I forgot about that scene. Thanks for the reminder and the smile.

@Dominik: Both! I’ve had my best days lying on the couch, my best ideas playing video games. And while I was doing that, I allowed things to happen, allowed others to do. Lazy productivity. :)

@Eric: Yes! Letting go is a great use of laziness.

@Corey: When you see that lazy-person job announcement, let me know … I might give it a shot. However, I think if you actually apply for the job, you’re automatically disqualified for not being lazy enough. :)

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:06 am

Great article Leo - I like the concept of doing less but being more productive at the things that I am doing. And my husband will like the concept of doing less buying!

Allena Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:21 am

I have feet issues, Leo. Otherwise, great article. :)

I think us americanized folk are going to have such a hard time with DO LESS. It’s so counter-culture. I can’t hardly even vacation in a “less” frame of mind. Even when I’m laying on the beach, I’m thinking “Well, this is ok, this is good, because I’m getting my Vitamin D.” That’s seriously my thought process. Everything I do must have a value attached to it!

Interesting thoughts…. thanks….

Andy Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:23 am

Excuse me, but I think you’ll find that it is precisely the lazy people who start wars. Think about it.

RobWarren Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:29 am

Please. Please. Publish your books in the Kindle format. I would have bought your new book without a thought. I headed to Amazon and only found a hardcover. It’s not that hard. Perhaps it’s an issue with your publisher. Convince them.

Sarah Hudson Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:34 am

okay, I’m starting riiiiight…. after I post this comment. :)

“Be lazy” just sounds crazy; I’m one of the many who sees “lazy” as being a bad thing though. But I get what you’re saying, and you’re right. And, as usual, you’ve made some great points that I’ll be trying out.

So, thanks for the post and for the reminder, Leo!

-Sarah

Leo Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:37 am

@RobWarren: The book is already in the Kindle format — see the Kindle page here. Unfortunately the Amazon page for the hardcover book doesn’t link up to the Kindle page, but I’m looking into that.

Thanks!

@Andy: I disagree. Hitler, Saddam, Bush, Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, the Romans, the “barbarians” … none of these types of people are considered lazy or underachievers.

If you mean that these people are too lazy to try to actually understand others, find compassion and make peace, there might be truth in that, but actually I think it’s just they’re in the wrong mindset, it’s not laziness.

Jennifer Hofmann Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:40 am

My trick to doing less?

I brain dump all of my “to-do”s on a pad of paper and then cross off at least half of the tasks. Or more.

It’s painful, but - wow. Then I have permission to really stop working.

Bruce Elkin Says:

January 12th, 2009, 11:45 am

I Dugg it! The whole thing. I especially liked th Lao Tsu quote about realizing that there is nothing lacking. That is such a powerful realization. So liberating, so empowering, so relaxing. ‘Nuff said.

Julie Says:

January 12th, 2009, 12:02 pm

I definitely see how Doing Less is part of productivity. If you do less then you’ll focus more on tasks that are important. Why procrastinate when you can just finish you work? Do it well - and then be lazy.

Thanks Leo!

Clint Stonebraker Says:

January 12th, 2009, 12:27 pm

I love this post. I am constantly encouraging my employees to do less. It is so easy to get caught in the trap of bragging about “how long”we spend on a task or how little sleep we get, etc. To me it is important to remember that the most important part of my life is my relationships. By doing less I have more to give.

Shanel Yang - Easy Steps to Success Says:

January 12th, 2009, 12:30 pm

Doing less of the unimportant stuff so you can do more of the important stuff is excellent advice. There really is no other way to do it! How do you know what is the important stuff? 1. Find out what you want to succeed in the most. 2. Find someone who has succeeded in that goal, preferably someone you can ask how they did it (or can read about how they did it). 3. Then copy exactly what they did until you figure out ways to improve on it to fit your own personality better. That’s exactly the formula that Brian Tracy taught in his great book Eat that Frog! which I summarized at http://shanelyang.com/2008/06/02/eat-that-frog/ Works for me! ; )

Glenn Smith Says:

January 12th, 2009, 12:38 pm

Well said Leo,

Having been a meditator for many years I have the lazy thing down pat. It is true that in the spaces between the moments of doing inspiration comes.

The toughest part is convincing all the other people who disdain doing less how valuable it is. Our society bases effectiveness on outcome but fail to realize that every idea that has moved society forward has come during moments of inspiration.

Let’s all get lazy and inspired.

15 Minutes to Riches! Says:

January 12th, 2009, 12:50 pm

“The Lazy Manifesto”…

Finally, a manifesto I can identify with! ;)

Sarah Hudson Says:

January 12th, 2009, 13:23 pm

@Shanel Yang that’s a great point too, thanks!

Slacker Says:

January 12th, 2009, 13:24 pm

Leo you’ve captured somethinjg very near and dear to my heart and put it into words. Society thinks lazy is bad but they never to stop to think of the reasons why…

- Slacker

Edward Says:

January 12th, 2009, 13:43 pm

“Lazy people don’t start wars. Who wants to go through all the trouble to fight a war? Peace and friendliness is much easier.”

That is one of the best quotes I have ever seen. Enough said.

Very Evolved Says:

January 12th, 2009, 14:08 pm

BTW My hat goes off to all the people reading this and not posting.

They are letting us do all the work and are lazily sitting back enjoying the ride. Genius!

Patrick

KyNam Doan Says:

January 12th, 2009, 14:09 pm

I have a feeling the Spanish understand this concept much more than Americans do :D.

You’ve made some great points, but your concept of “lazy” is a very fine line for most people to walk. I’m not going to try and flirt with it until I’ve gained more of a grasp of my own balance (or even periodical unbalance)

Thanks,
KyNam

TheDutchSchoolKid Says:

January 12th, 2009, 14:21 pm

I’ve got a problem with the first point you make, that lazy means that your body is tired.
I think that can be true if you are talking about all the necessary things, like getting food, finding a place to sleep, as human beings used to do thousands of years ago.
But what I see as lazy, things as making homework, doesn’t come close to the first life needs. Is my body/mind tired then? And why I’m also thinking that in the morning, when I just got 9 hours of sleep and a fantastic breakfast.

And one of the last points you said, was an eye-opener to me! ‘Let other do’.
I really have problems with that, I’m always afraid that it won’t be as good as it will be if I do it. So assignments for school in a group, I also end up with most of the work. But I shouldn’t do that anymore, I should divide it better, and make some free time for myself indeed.
Good post!

Stefan/DSK

Real Julie Says:

January 12th, 2009, 14:21 pm

Thanks Leo, now I don’t have to feel guilty about my lazy morning Saturdays watching cartoons!

Julie Acda (Fitness Wife) Says:

January 12th, 2009, 14:27 pm

I think “lazy” is just a label we’re giving to the concept of “working more intelligently.” Like Miguel de Luis said, “Do everything that matters. Nothing else.” If you stop wasting time on things that don’t matter, you’ll naturally have more time to just relax! That’s hardly being lazy in my book! You’re still producing, but staying healthy and balanced.

Kelly Says:

January 12th, 2009, 14:34 pm

Sital had a point - we do have a built in guilt mechanism. Oh the times I have sat down just to sit down and unwind but instead berate myself for not “doing something productive”

I am learning to let go of that train of thought.

e Says:

January 12th, 2009, 15:19 pm

Yes, this post was clearly not meant for my girlfriend or most of my friends, who seem to have lazy down pat. They sleep much of the day, move as little as is possible (and hence most are 30 lbs. over weight), and have great difficulty doing anything beyond flipping the TV remote or video game controller (they do have strong finger muscles though)… except for the occasional jaunt to the fridge to grab a beer. They are indeed experts at just “letting go” and freeing the mind when it comes to taking the trash out or changing the cat litter. They will be very happy to be informed that they are well on their way to being zen masters.

sri Says:

January 12th, 2009, 15:23 pm

Leo,
If this article is about Exhaustion Management the tips are great. But if you built this Article from Lao Tzu’s Tao Practice Not-doing, I am afraid you got it utterly wrong.
Not-doing is a state to get into the Gap between thoughts. It’s a state of Consciousness where you Allow things to happen. You don’t Plan, think or React.
You don’t program your mind for anything; Efficiency, doing more or doing less.
Allowing is a Natural yet painstaking process because we’ve drifted away from Natural Living.

Kathy Condon Says:

January 12th, 2009, 15:23 pm

Three years ago, my Executive Coach told me I had to take a day off— that meant no phones and no emails. Couldn’t sleep the night before–thought that was a crazy idea since I was self-employed. Did what she suggested–had a wonderful day AND was extremely creative the next day….I continue to take a day a week off totally. Even my friends remember Thursday is my day.

fanf Says:

January 12th, 2009, 15:26 pm

Thanks for the advice ;)
I’m working at it.
Just a note : I do not use computer because I find it simple to type than to write. I find writing pretty much easy and instinctive ‘on the flow’. But what’s type is easy to save, reuse and spread. Internet is here to blow my mind. And computing allows easy automation :)

Happy new year to everyone here !

isabella mori Says:

January 12th, 2009, 15:45 pm

i love this! i actually had a physical feeling of “YES!” in my body as i read this. THANKS!!!!!

Anna Says:

January 12th, 2009, 16:23 pm

That part about lazy people not starting wars was just added to my favorite quotes on Facebook.

Jeremy Says:

January 12th, 2009, 16:35 pm

I’ve always been pretty lazy, and it was always painted as something bad by ‘the elders’, I even had teachers complain that I was still able to get things done or get away with things even though I was lazy… I still don’t understand how that’s a bad thing, I still get things done, but I’m hardly ever stressed out. I guess sometimes people complain that I don’t reach my full potential, but I don’t like wasting my energy on things I don’t find important enough. When I really need to work I work HARD, unless I can achieve the same thing by working smart… It’s good to see someone else besides myself put laziness in a good light :)

Tara Says:

January 12th, 2009, 16:53 pm

In the introduction of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche, the author (I think) discusses laziness. He describes what he calls the laziness in the East, where people lounge around and smoke hookahs all day (I’m paraphrasing). But in the West, he says that people are lazy by being busy - filling their days with unnecessary movement and busywork. I always thought that was an interesting take on laziness.

And in the Tao Te Ching, scholars have best interpreted “wu wei” NOT as “inaction,” but as “no wasted action.”

Just some food for thought. Great post, Leo. :)

Stephanie Says:

January 12th, 2009, 16:55 pm

Doing less means focusing more. Yes, it leaves more time for being lazy or spending time on other projects. When I’m focused I accomplish higher quality work, and feel better not only about that task I finished, but about everything else in my life.

Rob Says:

January 12th, 2009, 16:59 pm

People should use simple techniques like the pareto principle to highlight the top 20% of activities which account for 80% of a task or series of tasks.

Timothy Ferriss argues that one should rarely multitask and should instead devote full attention to completing a very small set of defined goals. Barry Schwartz has noted that, given the media-rich landscape of the Internet era, it is tempting to get into a habit of dwelling in a constant sea of information with too many choices, which has been noted to have a negative effect on human happiness.

Switching continuously between lots of individual tasks over time generally means less is achieved. Work on one task at a time to completion, one after another? People say that they must start one task before completing another because of a deadline. I would agree that a deadline is a practical implication, but it suggests prioritizing work by deadline, not the need to multi-task!

Carla Says:

January 12th, 2009, 17:13 pm

I think I got caught up in the “paying my dues” mentality that is highly distructive to your health and relationships with others. What you wrote is exactly what I need to do for myself. I got so caught up with doing more, more, more, that I forget what I’m doing all of this for.

Eric Says:

January 12th, 2009, 17:40 pm

Interesting concept, but I would have to subscribe more to your non-multitalking form of “being busy”. I think being busy is great, just busy with one thing at a time and developing “flow”. There is no finer euphoria than “flow” when you are single-tasking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

Eric Says:

January 12th, 2009, 17:41 pm

^^^ if you click the link above in my previous comment, choose the “psychological” definition of flow.

Carob Says:

January 12th, 2009, 17:47 pm

For me this concept was so difficult, like I couldn’t get it. this weekend I just had time to do the things I love, I even forgot to eat, and I let my self to not feel guilty for it and it’s been wonderful… I’m happy!!!
This blog grounded my thoughts… THANK YOU****

Maura Says:

January 12th, 2009, 18:08 pm

Inhale (pause), exhale (pause). @Glenn has it right. The spaces in between are very productive.

jessica Says:

January 12th, 2009, 18:10 pm

This is something I’m still figuring out…especially the lure of doing “busy tasks” that really amount to hardly anything.

Tess THe Bold Life Says:

January 12th, 2009, 18:50 pm

Leo,
I think I’ll be working on this until I die. My ADHD makes it difficult. (But not impossible.)

ward Says:

January 12th, 2009, 19:18 pm

I read this somewhere about the Army……they give the hardest job to the laziest person, in hopes that this person will find the easiest way to do it. (apologies if this has been posted)

Paul Hughes Says:

January 12th, 2009, 19:31 pm

Cory Doctorow has just written a great piece, “Writing in the Age of Distraction”, about how to write books by “doing less”. His strategy - write just 20 minutes a day. This works out to 1 or 2 pages a day, or at least one book per year. This keeps him focused, is doable (who can’t find 20 minutes of undistracted time a day), and productive.

Juanita Says:

January 12th, 2009, 19:53 pm

It’s funny. Last night, I was chillin’ at a freind’s house. Doing nothing. No TV, not even talking hardly. Just lying about, and I felt guilty. I’m single, but I keep myself busy and am hardly ever in my apartment. I leave early and come home late. Yet I feel I should be doing more. That’s really nuts. I was trying to avoid having to go grocery shopping but at the same time, the grocery wasn’t going anywhere, and it’s open 24 hours. It was nice to just let 3 hours just kind of dwindle by, play with my goddaughter, and chill out with friends who don’t feel they needed to entertain me.

adelaide website designer Says:

January 12th, 2009, 20:19 pm

What a wonderful post! I love the idea of doing less but, for some reason, it seems so counter intuitive to me. Thanks for the great tips.

Jeff Says:

January 12th, 2009, 20:24 pm

As long as we don’t get lazy about exercise! (again)

Then again, get lazy about exercise all you want if you have more efficient workouts as a result.

hellen Says:

January 12th, 2009, 20:30 pm

I always planning everything and worrying the future , if the thing agaist my plan, I feel awful and guilty.

I must change my habits but it’s too difficult.

anyway, thanks for the great post.

lisa Says:

January 12th, 2009, 20:49 pm

I love the idea of doing less to get more. More quality, more focus, etc. Great post, leo. Thanks

Steve @ Freedom Education Says:

January 12th, 2009, 21:37 pm

Leo - I think this is one of your best posts so far…. less is definitely more. Quality is more important than quantity.

“2. Then Do Even Less. If you followed the first step, and you’re now doing less than you were before, congratulate yourself! Pat yourself on the back! Celebrate by going to take a nap.” ~ Leo

that made me laugh :)

But I have to say you’re not the only person who lives “the do less” philosophy,

The Lazy Way to Success ~ How to Do Nothing and Accomplish Everything by Fred Gratzon

This is a fantastic book - click the link to get the first chapter free!

Kate Says:

January 12th, 2009, 22:15 pm

I was just talking about this with a colleague - this really hit home for me. Thanks!

Jeremy Says:

January 12th, 2009, 22:53 pm

The hardest part of this whole thing is letting go of that feeling of control when you’re “doing” things. Even if it’s not effective, activity is confused for productivity. I know, this is a common behavior I have to check myself on. Allowing things to unfold on their own without forcing them is another struggle I have. Good advice, but hard to actually implement. One thing I have gotten better at is talking less and listening more, and it has produced great results. I need to pick something else to start doing less of and getting more - thanks for sparking some ideas!

Japanese Elegance Says:

January 12th, 2009, 22:53 pm

Great Ideas. My idea of doing less is staying home on Sundays and turning off my cellphone instead of running all over my city doing a zillion activities, that cost money. When I stay home, I have time to reflect, plan, read, write, practice tea, drink tea, deep condition my hair and groom my nails (instead of going to a salon), and maybe watch a foreign film which I love. It may not seem that I am doing less, but for me, I am doing less of the unimportant things and more of the important things that allow me to feel rejuvenated, calm, and organized for the week up ahead.
Sayonara

Liara Covert Says:

January 12th, 2009, 22:53 pm

Its curious how many societies condition people to think that being lazy is bad. To choose not to do is viewed as undesirable,a s if to say rest is not valued. The message shared in this blog piece reminds people not to listen to external judgement. Learn to listen to yourself, your mind body and spirit. You intuit what is best for you, now listen.

Cole Christensen Says:

January 12th, 2009, 22:54 pm

I’m too lazy to even read this.

Gennaro @ Enduring Wanderlust Says:

January 12th, 2009, 23:38 pm

This goes well with the story of the Mexican fisherman who meets a Harvard MBA looking to make him more productive.

Simson Li Says:

January 13th, 2009, 1:13 am

I really like this routine. Laziness –> Less –> Better.

Simona Rich Says:

January 13th, 2009, 2:08 am

I will need to learn this as I like to be active throughout the day.

Vincent Says:

January 13th, 2009, 3:08 am

Hey Leo,

By doing less we are forcing ourselves to find and do the most essential stuff instead of doing things that provide small value. I believe the 80/20 rule definitely help in this case. This is an article on the 80/20 rule, hope you guys find it useful.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-This-to-Double-Your-Productivity-and-Double-Your-Time-Off&id=1695343

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

pierre Says:

January 13th, 2009, 4:17 am

simplicity is not always the best, but the best is always simple.

J.D. Meier Says:

January 13th, 2009, 4:42 am

Sounds like ruthless lessness.

I like it.

chaotic kitten Says:

January 13th, 2009, 5:58 am

I love this post, thank you. I often berate myself for laziness, but maybe I’m not so bad after all :)

Nicolai - Happiness Cafe Says:

January 13th, 2009, 6:29 am

I really enjoyed this article particularly how I can do less.
I will definite implement this philosophy into my life.

Robert Says:

January 13th, 2009, 6:58 am

When my kids say “I’m bored.”
I say “Great. Boredom is an essential ingredient in creativity. I’m excited!”

renaissanceloveroflife Says:

January 13th, 2009, 7:32 am

Awesome post!
I second the comments about the spaces in between. Most of my creative & huge life & business decisions seem to come to me during sad times or lull supposedly lazy times. Even in those “lazy” times we are working in a non visible way. For me if something is boring me, then it’s a sign that I either need to do something else or revamp my present platform to make it more exciting for me. Great post!

Katrina Says:

January 13th, 2009, 7:53 am

The sad thing is that I know that you are right however we are so hard wired to do as much as we can that it is a hard habit to break. We were raised to work, work, work. Doesn’t matter if you are tired or sick… if your feet can hit the ground, you go to work/school.

Out of everything, I seriously think this will be the hardest for me…

noell Says:

January 13th, 2009, 8:08 am

Ha! I love reason #3 for why laziness isn’t always bad…lazy people don’t start wars, lol.

I woke up at 2 this morning and couldn’t go back to sleep because I’ve been so worried about everything I need to do today. I finally got up at 4 to get an early start on my tasks.

As I sat down to write and format my weekly newsletter for the Paperclipping podcast, I remembered your post, which I read yesterday…and decided to do less. I just sent out a very simple newsletter with only the one important reminder, and a tip to read your this article.

Thanks for helping me simplify my day. Now I’m off to start my MIT #2, and then, hopefully, a nap.

Scott Williams Says:

January 13th, 2009, 8:12 am

Many times my problem is that my mind doesn’t stop… go go go, think think think!

Jugsi Funny Says:

January 13th, 2009, 8:50 am

Interesting post. So, being laisy is good. I must do business with laisy people. Joking. Still, what your saying is kind of real. It’s like that saying: “I’m too poor to buy cheap stuff”.:)

Vladimir Hrouda Says:

January 13th, 2009, 9:11 am

Great insight. I agree. Lazy is the core of happiness. My 10 years old son asks often: I don’t know what to do. My answer is “do nothing now, it’s very important…”

shann Vander Leek Says:

January 13th, 2009, 10:02 am

Luxurious, Luscious, Laziness …

My idea of a lazy day - Being, Breathing, Napping - Repeat.

Shann

Rashin D'angelo Says:

January 13th, 2009, 10:16 am

You’re absolutely right on. There have been studies, showing how we are more effective at completing tasks if we take many breaks and slowing down. That being said, our culture often rewards those who do less.

Caleb - Double Your Gains Says:

January 13th, 2009, 10:30 am

I like the part about spending less. Also, the part about learning to let things happen, I think that’s really important and it’s something that’s really helped my life!

– Caleb

Marcus Says:

January 13th, 2009, 10:30 am

I agree with Scott: “Many times my problem is that my mind doesn’t stop… go go go, think think think!”
We are all educated that doing things is the right way forward.
I believe “Doing Less” is important and so much more relaxing too.

Adrilia Says:

January 13th, 2009, 11:39 am

I agree with you, Leo. Being able to recognize when to do less is an art and a necessity! And if we learn how to listen, our life does tell us. I recently blogged about this http://www.adriliavpedersen.com/being-productive-during-a-lull.

Some of us are so conditioned to do more, that we forget the power in being still … we miss out on the gifts that come from learning to navigate the quiet times.

Nys Says:

January 13th, 2009, 11:50 am

I love the idea of lazy as your body’s way of making you slow down! I think that is just what i needed to read to give my dh a break. and will help our relationship considerably–but i am too lazy to elaborate on that ;)

HOWEVER, there is another kind of lazy–
LAZY IS THE ROOT OF WAR-for instance modern war is largely driven by the need of oil-the power to control oil (and religious tensions are exploited for this cause). We need oil to be lazy! our washer, cars, factories, etc. It is all about the oil….
Hitler, stalin, ohters you mentioned–what did they want? Power? war is not the only means to this end, but these people found it EASIER to send other to their deaths while they were WAITED on by those “under” them. They often did not feel the hardship they were causing other–at least not until the end when it all caught up to them.

So there are different kinds of “lazy” seems, as others stated, perhaps we need more specific terms.

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome Says:

January 13th, 2009, 12:18 pm

Part of my January planning was to figure out how I could do less and still earn what I wanted to. And I’m happy to say I’ve figured it out, making me very happy and totally ready to relax and put my feeet up.

V. Higgins Says:

January 13th, 2009, 12:40 pm

Awesome post!
On the topic of less complaining, check out yesterday’s Simple Marriage post on the 21 Day No Complaining Challenge. I started yesterday and I’m already seeing a change in my attitude and perspective, it’s such a nice change!

Mumbai Says:

January 13th, 2009, 13:24 pm

It’s all about perspective. Often it’s others who are jealous of you who call you lazy. I often see efficient people being called lazy by people who pretend to work hard and do mindless chores rather than look at ways of making things easy.

Dan Massicotte Says:

January 13th, 2009, 13:47 pm

Oh my, did you say “do less Twitter”? First time I hear that one, especially with the latest hype over it!

The Personal Finance Playbook Says:

January 13th, 2009, 15:11 pm

@ Patrick - great point. Posting is for overachievers.

I love this as a topic. All my New Year’s resolutions had to do with doing more…perhaps I should revise some of them so I do less.

Eric Tan Says:

January 13th, 2009, 19:14 pm

I too need to learn how to do #7. I believe all of us when we were growing up have been subjected to a mantra of judging and expecting… now its time to Do LEss

George Resch Says:

January 13th, 2009, 23:23 pm

I agree with some aspects of this article. I relate most to the part about needing rest. I find that for myself, if I go for more than one day acting like a slug and really putting important things off, that causes a slippery slope effect I have a hard time digging myself out of. The only way to stop this vicious cycle is to ACT, no matter how far down the slug hole I have gone. I do believe in rest though, and here’s why: because it’s hard. Anytime I have a hard time doing something, it’s probably good for me.

Merry Mary Says:

January 14th, 2009, 1:18 am

Being lazy is good because lazy people don’t start wars. Well, I never thought of that particular point.

I definitely agree with the idea of doing less, especially of the time consuming things that don’t contribute to your quality of life, but the application of the principle seems a little lacking. Just do less? For most of us that goes completely against every thing we have been taught.

James Irvine Says:

January 14th, 2009, 1:34 am

Another benefit of doing less and entering stillness is that you become aware - aware of yourself thinking, feeling or doing. And when you are conscious of your thoughts, emotions and actions, you are better able to say to yourself. “Is this in my interest?” Then you are really on the path to recovery.
James Irvine, Singapore

chanel Says:

January 14th, 2009, 2:06 am

thank you for your post … i have just stumbled on your blog and your new book … it is exactly the answer i need. i am an over-achiever and i feel burnt out … i am going to buy the book and learn some of these techniques to change my life!

Glen Allsopp Says:

January 14th, 2009, 5:42 am

Excellent post Leo, I’m definitely going to try to spend less in 2009 and save up all the money that I do make.

Then, I’ll go crazy with it all in January 2010, just kidding ;)

Cheers,
Glen

Salutis Says:

January 14th, 2009, 7:29 am

Very good article. Thanks for sharing.

dr aletta Says:

January 14th, 2009, 8:10 am

As much as we may agree with your essay, changing our concept of what ‘lazy’ means can be very hard. This is often because we have incorporated someone else’s voice (usually an unenlightened but well-intentioned parent) that is admonishing us to get off our *lazy butts*.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us isolate and turn down the volume on those ‘other’ voices and find and turn up the volume on our own. It’s a proven effective process.

George Siamandas Says:

January 14th, 2009, 11:53 am

Great article. I agree completely and was telling a harried friend she should take it easy and do less.

My only quble is “less emails” should have been “fewer emails.” If you can count items (emails) fewer is used, if you can’t count items (arguing ) less is correct. Had the word been arguments then fewer would have been correct.

It’s one of my biggest bugaboos. I apologize for any offense but I think you are too good a writer to not know this.

George Siamandas

Daniel Fackrell / Intchanter Says:

January 14th, 2009, 12:56 pm

Wow, Leo, I love this!

Now to figure out how to apply it more widely. Can you imagine if companies big and small and maybe even governments did this? Especially in government, there’s so much busy-work, frantically worried future-think, and trying to force things to happen that in the long run makes things much worse than going with the flow.

As for myself, I’m making some progress, and will continue striving to do less of what’s not important.

Jonathan Says:

January 14th, 2009, 14:44 pm

In regards to acceptance, I think it’s important to point out that acceptance is not the same thing as apathy. I’ve seen people say that they accept something, when what they really mean is that they don’t care anymore.

It’s a good goal to accept everything.
Not such a good idea to not care about anything.

Nina Says:

January 14th, 2009, 15:08 pm

Reminds me of the pretty book “The Art of Doing Nothing”

rss Says:

January 14th, 2009, 15:56 pm

Lazy people makes the world turning.

jesse Says:

January 14th, 2009, 19:56 pm

Less is more! and that is so true. Nice article and bookmark:)

MyHealthExperts Says:

January 14th, 2009, 20:20 pm

“When nothing is done, nothing is left undone” Lao Tzu

Great post, my teacher said simply: “eat less. breathe less”

another word for ‘awe’ is ‘breathless’
:)

eileen Says:

January 15th, 2009, 21:15 pm

Love your article! Now I don’t feel so bad about slacking off:-)!

jana Says:

January 16th, 2009, 19:29 pm

re “we feel we need to be ‘busy.’ ” - i agree. the culture of contemporary society makes some people think it is a plausible thing to do. also, slowing down means one has to be with oneself more often, and cannt override nagging thoughts with hectic action, if you catch my drift

Chris | Martial Development Says:

January 16th, 2009, 22:33 pm

A fine sentiment, but I am afraid that lazy people DO start wars. World history demonstrates that it is one of the easiest ways to earn a living.

Chris | Martial Development Says:

January 16th, 2009, 22:52 pm

P.S. All the evidence for my assertion may be found in Section III of “The Creature from Jekyll Island”. I encourage you to read it.

If I remember correctly, Lao Tzu also said Do your work, then step back–which seems a more appropriate prescription for Americans today, each of whom is more than $30,000 in debt!!!

ville Says:

January 17th, 2009, 12:05 pm

Doing more helps sometimes, too!

auntiegrav Says:

January 18th, 2009, 11:46 am

I call it “Net Creativity”, but am changing to calling it “Net Usefulness”.
Any species survives based upon its Net Usefulness to the universe in the future. (NFU?)
When you consider the equation which is “net future usefulness = total usefulness (minus) consumption”, then reducing our activities as much as possible is much more effective at producing a future net usefulness than by going crazy at increasing our production. All production requires some consumption of resources.
Much better to reduce the consumption to survive.
By the way: YOU don’t determine your total usefulness; the universe does in the future. Ergo, you might as well live in the Now because the future you imagine isn’t yours to evaluate. The children are not OUR future, they are their CHILDREN’s future.

J. Lynne Says:

January 19th, 2009, 21:31 pm

Unfortunately, all of my doing less has led to a messy house and working twice as hard. :P I’m glad I discovered this post though because it’s my dream to be productive by exerting the least amount of energy and I’m determined to make this year the year. This has been quite motivating.

Oh, and here’s a quote for you:
“Anything not worth doing is worth not doing well.” — Robert Fulghum

justeezy Says:

January 20th, 2009, 5:10 am

Wow! You pretty much translated my thoughts and actions into an article. You pointed out things about myself that I didn’t even know I did! (in a good way)

This is a great blog, Thank you.

Mavky Says:

January 20th, 2009, 10:40 am

This is fine along as you’re not depending on others (traditionally your mother, your wife, women and people of color) to clean up after you. That’s why the Buddhist monastic tradition has rules about this, and why we have the classic image of the Zen monk sweeping the temple. Also a good reason to go right to the source, the Buddha’s teachings, so you get the full view.

lifeonion Says:

January 28th, 2009, 10:23 am

Thank you for this post. I don’t want to get too lazy sometimes. The key is in working smart.

Grigory Javadyan Says:

January 30th, 2009, 4:26 am

Wow, that’s a really good post.You’ve just opened my eyes. I think I’ll be reading this blog from now on!

foobar Says:

January 30th, 2009, 17:48 pm

Yes, you just reassured me :)

K Says:

February 2nd, 2009, 12:43 pm

“Lazy people don’t start wars. Who wants to go through all the trouble to fight a war? Peace and friendliness is much easier.”

Leo, this is the BEST statement I’ve ever read in the last month (well, ok it’s technically February). Thanks for this…

Now I gotta read the rest of your article ;)

narog Says:

February 5th, 2009, 17:57 pm

very interesting thanks

Georgia Stath Says:

February 15th, 2009, 12:55 pm

You know how you tell yourself you are studying because you have your certification books opened in front of you? But you are really clicking on Stumble Upon to find interesting posts to read?

Yeah well, I came across yours and had to write to tell you I enjoyed it very much. I gave it the thumbs up, so more people can come across it and enjoy it also.

Marino Says:

February 25th, 2009, 17:45 pm

Do less? The author has six children!!!
Breed less, then there will be less to do.

Chris | Martial Development Says:

February 25th, 2009, 18:00 pm

Hey, better a sexto-dad than an octo-mom, right? Ha ha.

Michael Palmer Says:

March 9th, 2009, 14:22 pm

Some great thoughts. I say do what you love and you can’t go wrong. For me that is sometimes being lazy and sometimes being busy. Enjoy what you are doing be observant of the footprint that you are leaving as this place does not belong to us.

Jazz Says:

March 10th, 2009, 19:08 pm

Another mantra of laziness - all what i’m doing is perfect. All what i’m not doing is perfect too.

Laurens Bonnema Says:

March 25th, 2009, 3:21 am

Great post, made me realize I am currently too lazy to start doing less, which is madness of course. Time to start Lean living, do less now, and then even less ;-).

Jerry Says:

April 30th, 2009, 9:08 am

My sensei tells me; “be mindful, breathe in-breathe out and keep a gentle smile on your lips”. If I do any less… I’ll disappear ;-}

Gary Says:

May 5th, 2009, 18:02 pm

I see the point about doing less and the need to relax and focus on just the most important work. But I don’t know how to get around the fact that there actually is a lot of work to be done (at least at my company) and as soon as I start falling behind on e-mails or following-up on tasks and status, things start to fall apart and I start to get angry e-mails, voice-mails and questions from my manager. In fact, a few minutes ago I just had to explain to my boss’s boss why an exception form that he needed to sign wasn’t presented to him until the last minute. Never mind that I just found out about this exception form today. This type of feedback tells me that I need to do more to stay on top of things - not less.

Some days I just walk away from it all in order to enjoy my evening or the weekend, but inevitably it catches back up with me and I find that I have to work evenings or weekends to catch up.

I’m sure others are in the same boat, right?

Jonathan Says:

May 8th, 2009, 21:33 pm

I’ll tell you my favorite part of this post, right after my nap.

Almeida Says:

June 15th, 2009, 7:30 am

Hello.
The first part of the article is quite good. However, it follows an oriental point-of-view, if you know what I mean. Since I’m mainly influenced by ocidental cultures, I disagree with the main idea. However, like I said, it’s a quite good article.
The second part of the article is… I don’t know. The fact is that the article is too big and I’m too lazy to read it. When I realized that, I started laughing, and I had to send you a comment.
Cheers.

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