In times of drastic change such as the pandemic we are experiencing right now, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Humans are creatures of habit and experiencing extreme change can often make us very resistant to them. However, being resistant to change can also make us incapable of knowing what to do, as we are often paralysed by the fear of doing something wrong.
This is where the principle of Kaizen can help us tackle drastic change in a manner that is comfortable for us.
Kaizen is a philosophy based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap major improvements.
Kaizen is actually a Japanese quality control methodology that was first developed by American Engineer, W. Edward Demmings, for the post-WWII Japanese economy. This approach has helped many organisations to spot mistakes, eliminate waste and boost productivity. Based on the core belief that nothing is status quo and everything can be improved, Kaizen not only has applications for businesses but for individuals as well.
Right now, many of us are adjusting to the fact that we may have to remain indoors as much as we can to slow down the spread of the virus. This has had varying levels of impact on our normal lives and for some, this is quite a big change. In order to successfully deal with this situation, we can apply the Kaizen approach to switch our thinking about it.
Here is a simple mind map for you to understand the steps involved in Kaizen and apply them to your life.
Remember, you don't have to do a complete 180 to improve your life. Kaizen helps us to remember that even a small step is better than taking no step at all. Embracing drastic change is difficult to do but we can come to terms with it when we break it down to small, manageable steps. As long as you are committed to getting there one step at a time, you will experience personal growth.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
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