Why This One Goal Can Help you be more Successful in 2021

Based on the millions of years of human evolution, our brains were hardwired for certain survival tactics. Our survival tactics served us well, but they're tuned for identifying imminent threats and rewards. This makes us good at noticing the immediate environment and dangers (real or imagined) and responding (reacting). This explains why many of us are constantly in a state of being stressed out (a topic for another article).

Given our focus on survival, we are far more interested in immediate results and immediate returns. If you don’t believe me, look at the ways companies market their products and services. The idea of a long-term sustainable result or a more satisfying situation that will yield more fulfillment does not really appeal to the masses. We want it now, and we want it fast! For example, a YouTube video that promised to lose 10 lbs in 7 days got over 2.7M views!

The Power of 1% Improvements (Kaizen)

This week's article is about loving and committing to the process of getting better each day in small, almost unnoticeable doses (1% improvement). The powerful Kaizen model was developed and refined in Japan. Triggering our awards system by setting micro improvements each day, we can unleash the process of compounding the small into bigger and better outcomes.

Any major change in personal or professional life can be tackled this way effectively. Overwhelm is what usually stops us from doing big and meaningful work. The big projects seem daunting and the barrier too large to breakthrough. We demand immediate positive feedback, and we don't notice the results quickly; we lose steam and fall back to doing nothing.

What I have found helpful and what has been written about elsewhere is harnessing the power of continuous and improvement (Kaizen). James Clear writes, “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves, and branches grow." Whether it’s in the professional domain, competitive cycling, or personal growth, the idea that we begin each day anew and commit to doing the thing a little bit better, to be present more, to try just one percent harder than yesterday.

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it. - (Albert Einstein?)

Outcomes of this process - This process produces incredible results. Because this goal only asks us to make small improvements each day, we have fewer excuses. We focus on the process of the 1% percent in the activities that we are engaged in. As these micro-improvements begin to compound, the results gain momentum and become substantial:

• Books get published!
• Bodies become stronger and healthier, and we enjoy it.
• New products are launched.
• Build expertise in our domains of interest
• Relationships are deepened

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. ― James Clear

Kaizen and Security

In our upcoming book, we highlighted the importance of approaching security in the same way. Our security program should always be in the process of constant micro improvements. In each area of our program, we challenge ourselves and each other: What else can we do today? We are less concerned about merely solving for compliance but are truly interested in the daily improvement process in all the little ways.

Big Breaches: Cybersecurity Lessons for Everyone is now available for pre-order at the above Amazon link.  Royal Hansen, the Vice President of Security at Google, was gracious enough to write the foreword for the book, and Mazen Rawashdeh, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at eBay, had the following to say after reviewing an advance reader copy of the book: 

"Big Breaches is a 'must have' not only for CISOs and Cyber Security professionals, but it is a valuable reference for technology & business leaders seeking to proactively protect their businesses from cyber attacks."