10 Small Habit Changes to Double Productivity: Master Soshin and the 5 Whys
Last updated: October 21, 2025 Read in fullscreen view
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01. CHANGE A FEW SMALL HABITS EVERY DAY
Start with simple habits that are easy to do and maintain. You can begin by tidying up your desk, reorganizing your drawer, or learning one new word every day.
02. ASK THE QUESTION: "WHY AM I STILL DOING THIS WORK?"
This helps you realize that not every task yields high efficiency. You can eliminate repetitive or unnecessary tasks.
03. ASK "WHY" 5 TIMES TO FIND THE RIGHT ROOT CAUSE
Instead of solving problems emotionally, use the "5 Whys" method to find the root cause of the problem, and thus solve it thoroughly.
04. WRITE DOWN WHAT NOT TO DO
Instead of listing what needs to be done, write down what you will not do. This helps you eliminate distracting or ineffective tasks.
05. IMAGINE IF SOMEONE WHO HAS SOLVED THIS PROBLEM...
Imagine how someone you admire would solve this problem. This helps you broaden your perspective and find more creative solutions.
06. OCCASIONALLY CHANGE YOUR WORK LOCATION
Changing your work environment can bring new inspiration. You can work at a coffee shop, a library, or another quiet corner in your house.
07. SELF-ASSESS YOUR STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND RISKS
Apply the SWOT analysis method to understand yourself clearly, thereby making the right decisions about your work and career.
08. SPEND 10 MINUTES EVERY DAY TO "DUMP" YOUR THOUGHTS
Write down your thoughts, feelings, and unfinished tasks. This helps you reduce stress, organize your thoughts, and improve focus.
09. KEEP THE BEGINNER'S MINDSET
Always maintain curiosity, be willing to learn, and accept mistakes. This mindset helps you continuously grow and discover new things. SOSHIN (The Beginner's Mind) is a concept in Japanese Zen Buddhism that advocates approaching everything with openness, eagerness, and no preconceptions, just like a beginner, even if you are an expert. It is the very absence of old assumptions and experiences that allows you to view everything with fresh eyes and infinite potential.
10. WHEN STUCK, TEMPORARILY PAUSE FOR 10 MINUTES AND DO SOMETHING ELSE
If you feel stuck, stand up, take a walk, listen to music, or do something completely different. This helps "reset" your brain and spark new ideas.
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