Golden Door
Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, is often used in the manufacturing industry, but its simple teachings and gentle approach to change make it a perfect model for personal and behavioral transformation.
Identify an area of your life that would benefit from positive, healthful change in the coming year. Formulate your plan for change with the following Kaizen-inspired guidelines in mind:
1. Set a start date.
Select a specific start date (not necessarily January 1) with a plan for placing the change in motion.
2. Announce it.
Write down your goals with specific plan of action and display where you will see it often. Include the benefits as well as what is given up with the change.
3. Stay committed.
Until a new behavior is a solid part of your life, the day-to-day commitment, practice, and inevitable ups and downs may be a challenge.
4. Get connected.
Identify a buddy with whom to compare notes and reward day-to-day progress.
5. Start small.
Take small, consistent steps toward your goal with a minimal emphasis on time or speed. If your goals are too big and unrealistic at the beginning, you could sabotage your probability of success.
6. Monitor your progress.
Take a personal daily inventory of your progress. No amount of progress is insignificant.
7. Identify the benefits.
Write down the benefits of the change you notice. This gives daily pleasure in accomplishment and provides positive reinforcement for the new behavior.
8. Prepare a lifeboat.
When faced with a longing for your bad behavior, rely on a form of awareness practice to see you through the temptation. Some forms include meditation, deep breathing, yoga, Tai Chi, spending time with pets, journal or poetry writing, positive affirmations and exercise. Find a lifeboat that will work for you and keep it handy for the tough times.
9. Enjoy the journey.
In your plan for change include rewards for small successes and persistence toward your goals. Reward yourself after one week, one month, etc. to reinforce the value of your endeavors with yourself.
10. Be optimistic.
Change is a time of growth and can be fun. The process of change, and the successful change at the end of the journey will enrich your life.
