I am sure each of us has goals or tasks we want to do but just can not seem to get to them or complete them. We create lists, set start dates, or make plans only to have them forgotten or pushed aside. I can show you a method to accomplish any goal or task you have regardless of the time or effort involved.
Kaizen is a Japanese word that simply means “improvement”. It is a daily activity commonly used to improve the workplace. Kaizen can also be used daily to improve your life with remarkable results. By using the Kaizen method you can accomplish any goal, any task or improvement you want to make. The key is to use small steps to reach your final goal.
Small Steps
Using the Kaizen method you take small steps towards improvement. Weight loss, home improvements, personal goals, regardless of the goal or task the Kaizen method can help you achieve them. The Kaizen method addresses all the issues that have blocked you in the past. Whether it is time, money or a mental block you will be able to overcome them all and reach your goal.
Let’s use improving your health as an example. People usually take an all out approach to these changes and end up failing to stick with them. The reason is the mind by nature resistant to change. By using the Kaizen method of small, but continuous change you will achieve the results you desire and be able to stick with it.
Perhaps you need to get more exercise so you decide you want to start walking one mile per day. Using the Kaizen method you would break it down into small steps. One mile is equal to 1760 yards. For the first week walk 440 yards or one-quarter of your goal. Each week add 440 yards and in four weeks you will be walking one mile per day. This approach allows you to gradually work your body and your mind up to your goal.
This approach can be used in any area of your life. Maybe you have a room you want to clear out and paint. Since this can be a large project that has many steps break it down into small tasks that can easily be completed.
- Clear the room
- Purchase the paint and supplies
- Paint the room
- Place everything back in the room
That is a very basic list that can be broken down into even smaller steps. For instance you may not have time to paint the entire room at one time. Break it down into sections as time permits. The key is to take a large goal and break it down into manageable steps.
Why Kaizen Works
Human beings are by nature creatures of habit and resistant to change. We become comfortable with our way of life and making big changes seem too difficult. We are also busy people who do not have a lot of free time to take on some of the changes or goals we want to accomplish.
Time
Lack of time is often our greatest challenge. But by breaking down tasks into smaller steps that fit the amount of time we can devote to them we can reach out final goal. If you only have 30 minutes per day to devote to a task then shape your plan to this. Even if it takes you a month to accomplish your final goal you will do it instead of giving up because you can not find the time.
Accomplishment
By breaking down a large tasks into smaller more achievable tasks we overcome the mental blocks of a task too large. As we complete each small step we have accomplished a goal. This sense of accomplishment boost our confidence that we really can reach our final goal.
Habit
Since we are creatures of habit and resistant to change by breaking up tasks and goals into smaller steps we are less resistant to them. To truly be successful at any change in life it must become a habit. Only when it becomes a habit and part of your daily life will you be successful at it.
Wrap up
Even if you have tried something in the past and failed at it, try it again using the Kaizen method. Break down the task or goal into small steps that you can achieve. If you have time restraints break it down into steps of 15 minutes or 30 minutes. Kaizen is about small, but continuous improvement.
While writing this article I had many other tasks to complete so I could not sit down and devote my full-time and attention to it. Instead I broke it down into 10 minute sessions. I would write for 10 minutes, go do my other tasks and come back to it when I could for another 10 minutes. Eventually the article was written, edited, proofread and published. My goal was accomplished in small steps.
You can apply the Kaizen method to anything. No task or goal will be too large for you to accomplish. By applying this method to tasks and goals in your life you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
