The Kaizen philosophy assumes that our way of life – be it our working life, our social life, or our home life – deserves to be constantly improved.

According to Japanese organisational theorist and management consultant Masaaki Imai, Founder of Kaizen Institute, “KAIZEN™ means improvement. Moreover, it means continuing improvement in personal life, home life, social life, and working life. When applied to the workplace KAIZEN™ means continuing improvement involving everyone – managers and workers alike.” Everyday, Everybody, Everywhere.

Humility. This is the start of your journey for continual improvement. Practice it by taking a step back from our own desires and fears, and by looking outward at that larger world of which we are a part. It has to do with changing our perspective and realising our own limited significance in that bigger picture. It means stepping out of our bubble and understanding ourselves as members of a community.

The ancient Chinese philosopher believed that knowing our place in a larger social world, as well as obeying social rituals and traditions, was the panacea to the evils of his time. In his philosophy, our individual needs and desires are always secondary to what is deemed best for society at large.

It can teach us to avoid arrogance and pretentiousness, to see ourselves as part of a species that is far from perfect, and to remind ourselves of the very limited role we each have to play in the fate of humanity as a whole.

Making small improvements on a regular basis may actually be better and more effective than trying to make a lot of big changes at once. Small changes turn into habits while trying to make a large change could lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, and ultimately failure.

In order to learn and perfect our skills in any area these steps need to be in place:

Listen. Always listen to others with the expectation of learning - not with the opportunity to reply.

Want. Want to be better, improve in something or another?

Acquire. Learn new knowledge, strategies, techniques, and skills.

Do. Actually, go and practise the new learning.

Hear. Get feedback about your performance/knowledge.

Write it down. Take daily notes. Clears the mind.

Far from being a recent phenomenon, however, the practice of self-improvement has a long and rich history, extending all the way back to ancient China. For millennia, philosophers, sages, and theologians have reflected on the good life and devised strategies on how to achieve it.

About Peter

After being in business for the past 50 years still enjoy learning and sharing my thoughts on business and life. From New Zealand but enjoy now living in Gold Coast Queensland.

My stories about Life and Business at peternathan.substack.com

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