Applying Kaizen — Agile methodology — to self improvement
As an highly neurotic and impulsive person, I have made many drastic life changes over the course of my 30+ years. Matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I’d easily pass for the poster child for drastic decisons. I cut off friendships, relationships and strip habits that’s ran it’s course or that I decide is outdated without looking back.
Although I have worked and toned this muscle for years, I never could adopt or sustain a new habit (or relationship) as quickly as I am able to end one. This year, with the help of a very wise friend who loaned me the Power of Now, I decided to try a new approach to lifestyle change — Kaizen.
You can read more about Kaizen and other Japanese philosophies I find fascinating and useful here
Kaizen, a Japanese concept that means “continuous improvement,” is all about transforming your lifestyle through small, incremental changes. Instead of making drastic, overwhelming shifts, Kaizen focuses on tiny, manageable steps that lead to big results over time. I’ve found this approach incredibly effective for improving my overall wellness.
For instance, I wanted to get back into reading, but committing to a book a week felt like too much. So, I started with reading just one book a month during my commute to work. It was a small change, but it made my train rides enjoyable and gave me something to look forward to every day. Before I knew it, finishing a book a month became a habit, and I felt more engaged and mentally stimulated.
To boost my concentration, I started playing brain games. Just a few minutes a day, nothing too intense. My current favorite being Knotwords by Zach gage. It’s the only game that’s lasted nearly six months on my phone. I found that these games helped me focus better at work and stay sharp. It was a fun and easy way to enhance my mental agility without feeling like a chore and I quickly fell into the routine of playing it on my return trip from work on the crammed Central line.
With my diet, instead of overhauling my entire meal plan, I simply started making small swaps. I switched out sugary snacks for fruit bars, replaced alchool with strong tea, and gradually added more vegetables to my meals. These small changes were easy to stick to and made a noticeable difference in how I felt and when I fall off, I don’t fall into self-loathe or feel the need to overhaul my entire fridge to restart.
The most impactful change, though, was creating space for self-reflection. Every morning, I spend 30 minutes on the yoga mat. It started as a way to stretch and wake up my aging and rickety hips, but it quickly became a cherished time for mindfulness and self-reflection. Those quiet moments help me center myself and set a positive tone for the day. Also helps that I have to pay rapt attention to Adrienne’s voice telling me to twist this way and that.
Kaizen isn’t about making huge, unsustainable changes; it’s about the power of small steps. These little adjustments have added up, making me feel healthier, more focused, and more balanced.
Would you try it? :)