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Japanese Philosophy and Productivity: Lessons from Picasso’s Path to Mastery

Before he revolutionized art, Pablo Picasso was a young artist meticulously copying classical masterpieces in his father’s studio. He spent hours perfecting traditional techniques, replicating the works of great masters. This dedication mirrors the Japanese philosophy of Shuhari, a path to mastery that can transform your approach to productivity.

Author

Benjamin Knight
November 28, 2024

Shuhari outlines three stages of learning:

  1. Obeying the rules

  2. Breaking them

  3. Transcending them

By applying these stages to productivity, you can evolve from simply copying or reinventing existing techniques to developing your own efficient workflows.

Shu (Protect or Obey)

In the Shu stage, you focus on learning the basics by strictly following established methods.

Like Picasso mastering classical art, or Daniel in The Karate Kid waxing cars without knowing why, this phase is about building a solid foundation through repetition and discipline.

By diligently following a proven productivity method—be it the Pomodoro Technique or time-blocking—you absorb essential principles that will serve you later.

Ha (Detach or Digress)

As Picasso’s confidence grew, he began to question traditional boundaries, experimenting with new styles and perspectives.

This is the Ha stage, where you start adapting what you’ve learned to better suit your needs.

You might explore different productivity tools, mix methods, or tweak techniques. The key is to understand the underlying principles so you can customize them to your workflow.

Ri (Leave or Transcend)

Ultimately, Picasso transcended traditional art, developing a groundbreaking style that changed the art world forever.

In the Ri stage, you internalize the principles so deeply that innovation becomes instinctive.

You’ve mastered productivity to the point where you create your own system, one that feels natural and intuitive.

Trust your intuition and let your personalized style evolve naturally.

Embrace Your Journey

From devoted apprentice to pioneering master, Picasso’s evolution embodies the essence of Shuhari in productivity.

By starting with the basics, experimenting, and finally transcending established methods, he reached unparalleled heights.

Now it’s your turn to embrace the process—learn, adapt, and ultimately, transcend.

Remember, becoming the most productive version of yourself is a journey of growth and self-discovery.