The internet is filled with lists of simple tips to improve your life, be a better business owner and become better at almost any skill you can think of.
These bite-sized chunks of information appeal to our desire to seek the path of least resistance towards our goals, but it can quickly become a way to procrastinate.
I know it because, when I started reading about self-improvement I fell into that particular trap.
I used to scourge the internet for as much information, tips, tricks and tools that would help me achieve my goals in the least amount of time.
I tried to follow the morning routines of successful people, implement the latest tips to improve my work performance, and use the latest tools to make my life easier.
And, nothing seemed to work.
It was until I started to understand the personal part of personal development that I stumbled across the concept of Kaizen, and I discovered that small steps can lead to substantial life changes.
So, what is Kaizen?
Kaizen means to improve continuously. Yep, it’s not an ancient philosophy or hidden ninja secret, in fact, is a somewhat recent concept.
The plan was to make changes on how things were managed within Japan’s industries to rebuild the country after World War II. In a nutshell, the idea was to create a culture around constant tiny improvements that will increase the quality of products and services.
After a wildly successful implementation, the concept started to get out of Japan and into other areas of business, but it can be applied to any area of your life.
As long as you can make tiny improvements, you can apply Kaizen.
It may sound like a simple idea, but it’s incredibly powerful. Mainly because you are not using all your willpower at once. It increases your chances of success immediately.
For example, instead of trying to quit drinking soda overnight, which requires a massive amount of willpower depending on how much you drink, you could try reducing the amount of soda you consume every week until you don’t need to drink it anymore.
Or you could try meditation for one minute for a full week, then increasing to two minutes, on and on until you reach your target goal.
By now you must be thinking, that this is so easy to do, that you probably can start right away. And you are right, but I want you to merge the constant improvement philosophy of Kaizen with your purpose.
Remember how your purpose can be the driving force that can help you succeed in any challenge that you are facing?
Now, imagine how unstoppable you will become when you also have a clear road made of tiny, easy to complete steps towards your goal. Sounds nice, uh?
It’s all about playing the long game, using your energy wisely, making constant improvement a part of your daily routine, and understanding that massive change is built with each small victory you achieve.
So, I want you to take any goal you are pursuing and break it down into tiny steps that you can achieve every day. Just pick one that feels right for you and then take the first step today, I promise that before you know it, you will be achieving your goals faster than you have ever imagined.