Fast Company published an opinion piece arguing that laziness, when applied strategically, can be a superpower for productivity and creativity. The author, a career coach who launched a second career in his late thirties, credits his success to a deliberate practice of doing less.
The concept, dubbed 'strategic laziness,' is framed as an evolution of the 'work smarter, not harder' mantra. It involves consciously choosing when to disengage, ditching low-value tasks, and conserving energy to focus on what truly matters.
The piece contends that in a culture prone to burnout, allowing oneself to be perceived as unproductive without guilt is essential. By remixing prioritization and rejecting the need to give 100% effort at all times, individuals can optimize their time.
This perspective challenges the relentless hustle culture prevalent in many industries. It suggests that peak performance may come not from grinding harder, but from disciplined rest and selective focus.
The author's personal narrative—building a coaching career from a desire to 'declutter and have and do less—serves as the central case study. However, the piece is an opinion, not a study, and its prescriptions may not apply universally.