Changing habits is hard. We want a big change, a revolution and preferably fast, too.
Until it’s time to do the work. Then the task might feel overwhelming. We get anxious and nervous.
“Maybe it doesn’t work? What if I fail? This is not good enough.”
Invite kaizen. It’s a Japanese word for “good change”. It’s a mindset and a methodology for small, incremental improvements that eventually lead to a big change.
Its magic is in taking tiny steps. So small, that they sneak under our radar of judgement and fear of change. Steps so small that they may seem ridiculous. But because of that, they are very doable and when taken repeatedly, they will rewire us and compound the effect.
Want to start working out but can’t find time for it? Can you do one push-up a day?
Want to deepen your relationships and keep more in touch with friends? Can you call one friend every week?
Want to stop spending and save some money? Can you save one euro a day?
It pays to ask small questions and take small actions. What ever it is that you’re after, see if you can find an action so small that it feels ridiculous.
After a while, you might be surprised how far you’ve come.