So what is Kaizen?

Kaizen is the Japanese concept of getting better each day. The fundamental concept is to keep the things that you are doing right and to experiment and build on the things that need improving, since doing the same thing day in and day out will produce the same results. Perfection is impossible and pointless in Kaizen. It is about the journey to betterment, not about achieving a destination. 

Kaizen is achieved roughly in 11 steps, all  of which are repeatable.

Step number one

Identify a goal or problem.... We all have these, whether it is getting out of the door in time in the morning to catch a bus consistently, learning a new language, losing weight or being better at a task. It could be something seemingly small but insurmountable (getting out of the house in time) or large (planning a bucket list trip, or learning a new language.) All of these improvements require new thoughts, actions and habits to achieve. 

Step number 2

Document your currents situation.... What is keeping you from your goals...

Step  number 3

Visualize your ideal solution.

Step number 4

Define measurement targets. ie. I will be happy if.... or I will be satisfied when...

Step number 5

Brainstorm potential solutions to the problem.

Step number 6

Develop your improvement plan.

Step number 7

Implement your plan.

Step number 8

Measure your level of success and compare it to your goals.

Step number 9

Investigate how your goals can be expanded past your current success.

Step number 10

Create short term and long-term standards and a plan that can be sustained.

Step number 11

Repeat steps 8-10.

Each week I will discuss a step and how and I am progressing towards my goals. I hope that it will make for interesting reading.