Successful Living Series Part 1: The Seven Habits of Moderately Lazy People

People in Taiwan read two types of book. One is The Da Vinci Code like everyone else. The other is the business self-help genre, keys to profitable management strategies written by smug white men. Being smug, white and male myself I quickly perceived that the best way to get rich is to write a book about the best way to get rich. Over the next few posts I intend to share with you some of the philosophies and practises which have made me what I am.

Part One: The Seven Habits of Moderately Lazy People

1) Be Decisive
Every decision is a consideration of calculated gain weighed up against the investment (time, effort, expense) required to achieve it. Do you want a packet of fruit pastilles enough to leave the house and go to the shop? If yes, then go for it! Otherwise, leave it - it's hassle you can do without.

2) Set Objectives
It's important to set yourself achievable goals. For example:

• Short term goal- have a lie down.
  
• Mid-term goal - look to maximise potential opportunities for further lie-downs.
  
• Long term goal - one day to start to think about setting some long term goals.

3) Prioritise
Never put things off until later - unless there's something good on TV. If there isn't (and unfortunately this is often the case) then you may need to persevere. Maybe there will be something good on later. Channel hopping is not a symptom of indiscipline; it's a sensible strategy to avoid committing yourself prematurely. Or you could watch a DVD.

4) Don't Time Waste
Time is precious. Don't waste it by categorising your behaviour in this meaningless way. Accept that whatever habits guide your behaviour, they were probably formed a long time ago and you're unlikely to change them now. Have a cup of tea instead. Unless you've run out of milk, in which case, refer to #1.

5) Be Willing to Compromise
Don't limit yourself by being too rigid. Did I say seven habits? You don't actually have to have seven - it's just a symbolic number and anyway, Malcolm in the Middle is about to start.