Kaizen means ‘change for better’ in Japanese. Usually, kaizen is used for business practices to eliminate waste and make slight changes (either just a one-time change or on a continual basis) that improve the product or company in some way. However, one can also apply this concept to other things, including personal development.
Self-improvement is about finding ways to bring needed change and balance into your life, which in turn will increase your overall happiness. Change is inevitable, so it’s good to try to create the kind of changes you want for yourself and your life.
You can start by changing the narrative in your head. This means sitting with your thoughts; in other words, don’t constantly find something in which to occupy your mind so that you don’t have to acknowledge what is going on in your head. Listen to what you are saying to yourself and decide if you’re telling yourself the truth. Are you really too (fill in the blank with whatever negative thought you applied to yourself) so therefore you will never achieve (your goal) or you will always have (this problem)? Change that negative narrative into a more positive one and see how you feel. Other ways to implement positive change include giving yourself permission to experience your emotions, however uncomfortable they can be, as well as spending time getting to know yourself and discovering who you are. You may be surprised to find out that you’re not who you thought you were, or who you used to be.
Interestingly enough, a lot of people seem to be afraid to really spend any amount of time just thinking or meditating without any background noise or distractions. That’s a shame, because if we don’t know ourselves and don’t pay attention to how we feel, then we’re not taking advantage of a wonderful opportunity to discover what needs improvement in order to bring forth a more authentic and beautiful version of ourselves.
Making small adjustments in your daily life will ultimately benefit you in the long run. Don’t waste your time and energy on unimportant, mindless activities that are designed to distract you from being in the present moment and fully experiencing your emotions and thoughts. Put in the effort and invest this time in yourself. You’re worth it.
If you can see yourself as an artist, and you can see that your life is your own creation, then why not create the most beautiful story for yourself?
Miguel Ruiz
The Weekly Post 