“Kaizen” is a philosophy or system focused on making positive changes on a regular basis so as to realize ongoing improvements in as many areas/metrics as is desired by those practicing it. It can be equally applied to business as well as one’s personal life with great success, allowing continuous improvement to be realized in both. Kaizen is a “never stop improving” philosophy. It’s about solving problems by looking for solutions at the level of cause vs. effect. It’s about transcending complacency and the status quo. It’s also about respect for oneself and for others. It’s about the Micro and Macro simultaneously, focusing on key details while never losing sight of the bigger picture.
Here are 10 practical “Secrets to Success” you can use to put the Kaizen philosophy into practice starting today (curtesy of the editors of Investors business daily). Investor’s Business Daily has spent years analyzing leaders and successful people in all walks of life. They found that most have these ten traits that when combined and practiced regularly can turn dreams into reality.
1. How you think is everything: Always be positive. Think success, not failure. Beware of a negative environment.
2. Decide Upon Your True Dreams And Goals: Write down your specific goals and develop a plan to reach them.
3. Take Action: Goals are nothing without action. Don’t be afraid to get started. Just do it.
4. Never Stop Learning: Go back to school or read books. Get training and acquire skills.
5. Be Persistent And Work Hard: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Never give up.
6. Learn To Analyze Details: Get all the facts, all the input. Learn from your mistakes.
7. Focus Your Time And Money: Don’t let other people or things distract you.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Innovate; Be Different: Following the herd is a sure way to mediocrity.
9. Deal And Communicate With People Effectively: No person is an island. Learn to understand and motivate others.
10. Be Honest And Dependable; Take Responsibility: Otherwise, numbers 1-9 won’t matter. Be Persistent And Work Hard. (Practice the Kaizen philosophy everyday.)
By reliably integrating and practicing as many of these action points/traits as possible on a daily basis, and making them second nature, you’ll be well on your way to successfully living Kaizen to its fullest potential.
