To make great changes in your life, follow the philosophy of kaizen

Authors

Jonny Thomson

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Top Highlights

• It literally translates as “good change,” and it’s the practice of gradual, continuous improvement. It’s the philosophy that says we can all better ourselves, but the best (and most sustainable) way to do so is slowly and in small steps.

• the point is not to be perfect, but to be better; flawlessness is impossible.

• It literally translates as “good change,” and it’s the practice of gradual, continuous improvement.

• It literally translates as “good change,” and it’s the practice of gradual, continuous improvement.

• The philosophy of kaizen is also found in expressions like, “Rome was not built in a day,” and, “Good things come to those who wait.” It’s a hard trick to realize in an age where “slow” is seen as a vice. But, slowly, slowly and over great time, great things can be done.

• But the point is not to be perfect, but to be better; flawlessness is impossible

• It’s a business practice popularized in the 20th century by Toyota — as in the car manufacturer.

• Kaizen is the principle of gradual change. It asks us to make small changes, slowly and over great time. It's a hard skill to master in an age of instant gratification.

• Kaizen is the principle of gradual change. It asks us to make small changes, slowly and over great time. It's a hard skill to master in an age of instant gratification. Here are three practical ways you can employ kaizen.

• We don’t do well with vastness, and a distant horizon makes a lot of people say, “Screw it, I’m off for a drink.” And this has knock-on effects. When we fail in our goals, we are less likely to do well in the future. Success begets success, and failure repeats itself.

• Kaizen is not some ancient, arcane secret buried deep within some lost monastic scrolls. It’s a business practice popularized in the 20th century by Toyota — as in the car manufacturer.

• When we fail in our goals, we are less likely to do well in the future. Success begets success, and failure repeats itself.

• But the point is not to be perfect, but to be better; flawlessness is impossible.

• Trite, vapid, and ill-defined targets will get you nowhere.

• We live in an age of quick fixes and instant gratification, but kaizen is neither. Its slow, determined improvement can seem pointlessly small and insignificant when taken alone.

• But just as many drops will one day make an ocean, kaizen can transform any life. As the days turn to years, you will look back on who you were with new eyes.

• Tidying your house.

• Sporting achievement.

• But any race or feat of endurance is simply one small step after another.

• Changing your character.

Toughts & Comments

Karen Redd

Kaizen is a foreign concept for most Americans.  We like innovation, and the bigger the better.  However, the concept of Kaizen is absolutely life-changing.  It reminds me of the hilarious movie "What About Bob" where his mantra was "baby steps" in order to overcome his fears.  It certainly worked for him (however, he drove his psychiatrist crazy!)