[Baking Typewriter] Not Doing Brought Me Closer to Success

The Paradox of "Not Doing":
How Workman Achieved Success by Focusing on the Essentials and Letting Go of the Unnecessary

There was a time when "minimalism" became a widespread trend. In the era of "maximalism," people weary of abundance gradually began to recognize the need for organization and letting go. Recently, however, the concept of minimalism is being redefined. Rather than simply discarding or eliminating possessions, it is now seen as organizing what you already have and reducing unnecessary consumption-an act of letting go that also benefits the environment.

In an era overflowing with material abundance like today, the aesthetics of "not doing" shine. The atmosphere is shifting from an age of working and consuming more to one where people seek satisfaction as things are. For example, instead of buying a new tumbler for environmental reasons, people are choosing to use cups they already own at home. In personal lives as well, there is a growing call to focus on the essence of life rather than endless striving.

This book introduces a case where such a philosophy was applied to fashion management. "Workman," a fashion company in Japan that surpassed Uniqlo and achieved the highest profits for ten consecutive years, boldly eliminated stressors for employees such as overtime, deadlines, and performance targets. Instead of pushing employees to work harder, the company removed deadlines and allowed employees to set and pursue their own goals.

Workman's "not doing" does not literally mean doing nothing. The core lies in focusing on the essence and eliminating the unnecessary. For example, Workman does not hold seasonal sales. This is because discounts create inequality between those who buy at a reduced price and those who pay full price. Instead, the company aims to create clothing that will sell even without discounts.

Workman is also clear about what it sells. The simple proposition that "well-made, durable workwear can be used anywhere in daily life" resonated with consumers. By proposing workwear that is comfortable and stylish for everyday wear, rather than expensive clothes for special occasions, Workman opened up a new realm in fashion.

After reading the book, one realizes that not doing something is actually the hardest thing to do. It requires the insight to see the essence and the courage to turn away from even more opportunities. The achievements Workman gained were sustainability and stability. The customer trust built up over decades and the steady demand that does not waver with trends are rooted in the solid foundation of "trust." The author states that the moment you decide not to do what is unnecessary, you gain the power to protect what truly matters.

The message of this book remains relevant today. In a society exhausted by excess and fatigue, rediscovering the value of "less" can provide a new breakthrough for both individuals and organizations. There are things in our lives that we, too, need to let go of. When you clarify what you love and confront what you do not know, the path forward becomes simpler and clearer.

The case of Workman goes beyond a simple corporate success story to show the direction modern people should pursue in life. This book, which details how the paradoxical strategy of "not doing" can lead to true success, offers a new perspective to those worn out by complex and busy daily routines.

How Did Those Lazy People Make 1 Trillion Won? | Written by Tetsuo Tsuchiya | Philotic, 264 pages