Kaizen: Change for the Good

Change comes from the inner self. And it all starts with the question: "Who am I and what is my goal?" Kaizen's understanding comes into play when you answer these points! ??

Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning "change for the better" or "continuous improvement". Kai stands for "change" and Zen for "good". It's a philosophy and practice focuses on making small, incremental changes to achieve better results. It can be about anything!

You see, we often get caught up in the notion that everything we do has to be perfect. But here's a little secret: perfection is overrated! It's the small, consistent actions that truly make a difference. Think about it like planting a tree. You don't see it grow overnight, but with each day, with a bit of water and sunshine, it inches closer to becoming a majestic oak. Your goals are just like that tree. Each tiny effort, each step forward, is like a drop of water nurturing your dreams.

The Power of Small Wins

“…when you have a very long street ahead of you, you think how terribly long it is and feel sure you'll never get it swept. You must never think of the whole street at once… You must only concentrate on the next step, the next breath, the next stroke of the broom, and the next, and the next… That way you enjoy your work, which is important, because then you make a good job of it.”

- Momo, Michael Ende

It’s quite easy to break down the steps of kaizen:

• Start by observing your daily routines and pinpoint areas where you can make small changes. It could be anything from how you organize your workspace to how you plan your day.
• Look closely at how things are currently done and create solutions. What are the steps involved? Where do you encounter delays or frustrations? Understanding the process is key to knowing where improvements are needed.
• After implementing the changes, take a step back and see how they’ve impacted your process. Are things running more smoothly? Are you saving time or reducing stress?
• Once you find a change that works well, make it a standard part of your routine. This helps ensure the improvement sticks and becomes a permanent part of your life.

Kaizen is all about continuous improvement, so keep looking for new opportunities to refine and enhance your processes. The journey never really ends!

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Take the journey. Celebrate the little wins. Did you write a paragraph for that book you've always wanted to finish? Fantastic! Did you spend 10 minutes learning a new language today? Awesome! These small victories add up and, before you know it, you'll look back and be amazed at how far you've come.

Movie of the Week! ??

Wake up at the same time every morning without an alarm. Water your plants. Get coffee from a street vending machine. Choose your favorite song. Drive to work. Clean the toilets. Take photos of trees. Clean the toilets again. Take a shower. Read your book. Sleep.

This routine may sound a bit different to you. It's that of Hirayama from the film Perfect Days, set in Tokyo. A toilet cleaner, Hirayama is a rather mysterious character to the audience. Also, he is not someone who has adapted to today. He doesn't have a TV or a smartphone, and he doesn't use the internet. But he lives in the present. Take a chance on this thought-provoking movie about finding joy in everyday life.

Through the Heart of Japan! ??

What about visiting Tokyo where the origins of “Kaizen” started? After all, Tokyo embodies both the dynamic energy of modern urban life and the deep-rooted traditions of Japanese culture. We’ve chosen the best spots for you to explore in Tokyo with your audio travel guide, Piri Guide! ?? ??

Tokyo Audio Tours