Embracing Kaizen: The Art of Small, Sustainable Changes

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the rush to change, inspired by motivational speeches or the latest self-help book. The surge of motivation makes us believe that from today, we will completely transform ourselves—developing new skills, abandoning bad habits, and embracing a new lifestyle. But all too often, this ambitious mission clashes with our existing routines, leading to mental fatigue and eventual burnout. As a result, we revert to our old ways, frustrated by our inability to make lasting changes.

The key to genuine transformation lies in the principle of Kaizen, a Japanese strategy for continuous improvement through small, incremental steps. This approach minimizes disruption to our current routines and prevents the extra stress that often accompanies sudden, radical changes. Remember, “doing something small is better than doing nothing at all.”

The Power of Small Steps

As someone who loves to write, I constantly brainstorm topics for grand articles, spending hours planning, researching, and thinking. However, the pressure of creating extensive pieces often overwhelms me, causing me to lose interest before even starting. But what if I committed just one hour a day to write 100-200 words? Over a week, this modest effort would result in a 700-1400 word article—without adding undue stress to my routine.

This concept isn’t new. For instance, my mentor Razib Ahmed‘s simple guideline of reading 10 pages daily and writing about it has inspired many who previously avoided books to now read regularly. This method requires minimal time and effort, fitting seamlessly into our schedules and transforming idle moments into productive ones. Literature, in this way, becomes a source of entertainment and an avenue to enhance our writing, thinking, and storytelling skills.

Discovering Kaizen

My journey with Kaizen began during an MBA class where the term Kaizen was frequently mentioned. In every course—whether marketing, human resources, or management—the concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, was a recurring theme. Intrigued, I delved deeper, exploring articles and learning more about Japanese culture, which fascinates me with its unique ideas. Last year, I even applied the Japanese Furoshiki packaging technique in the domestic e-commerce industry of Bangladesh, demonstrating how these cultural insights can have practical applications.

Recently, I finished reading Kaizen: The Japanese Method for Transforming Habits, One Small Step at a Time by Sarah Harvey, and it profoundly impacted me. The author adeptly explained how Kaizen can bring about improvements in all areas of life—be it physical, mental, or financial; personal or professional relationships; or the development of new skills and hobbies.

Insights from Sarah Harvey’s “Kaizen”

Sarah Harvey’s book is a comprehensive guide that delves into the philosophy and practical application of Kaizen. Harvey beautifully breaks down the concept, making it accessible and relatable to readers from all walks of life. She explains that Kaizen is not about making sweeping changes overnight but about taking small, manageable steps that lead to significant improvements over time.

The book is filled with real-life examples and practical advice on how to incorporate Kaizen into various aspects of life. Harvey emphasizes the importance of setting small, achievable goals and celebrating minor victories along the way. She explains how these incremental changes can create a positive feedback loop, motivating us to continue our journey of improvement.

One of the most compelling aspects of Harvey’s book is her focus on the psychological barriers to change. She discusses how our brains are wired to resist sudden changes and how Kaizen’s approach of gradual improvement can help overcome this resistance. Harvey provides strategies for breaking down large tasks into smaller, less intimidating steps, making it easier to get started and maintain momentum.

Implementing Kaizen in Daily Life

One fundamental trait of humans is our inherent need to stay busy. Whether positively or negatively, we constantly seek to engage ourselves, often through attention-seeking or preoccupation with viral trends. Negative habits take hold quickly, and because doing nothing is not an option, replacing bad habits with good ones becomes essential.

Focusing on one task at a time is crucial. When we give our full attention to a single activity, even the simplest tasks can yield extraordinary results. For example, mindlessly watching TV or scrolling through social media while eating detracts from the experience. Instead, savoring each bite enhances both the psychological and physical enjoyment of the meal.

I’ve noticed that when I approach tasks with complete focus and seriousness, I achieve remarkable results. Last year, the work I did with geographical indication products of Bangladesh was daunting, but by dedicating the first three months of the year solely to GI documentation, I accomplished what seemed impossible. Avoiding social media during work hours, even for brief periods, felt liberating and underscored the importance of forming productive habits.

Charting Your Kaizen Path

To embrace Kaizen, start by identifying the areas where you want to change. What new habits do you want to develop? Which old habits should be eliminated? Prioritize these changes based on necessity and impact. Set small, manageable goals that integrate smoothly into your daily routine.

For me, the most critical habits to change are ensuring adequate sleep, reducing unnecessary expenses, and increasing religious practices. I plan to incorporate these changes gradually, step by step, without overwhelming myself.

Conclusion

Sarah Harvey’s “Kaizen” is more than just a book; it’s a practical guide to transforming our lives through the power of small steps. The principles outlined in the book are not only applicable to personal growth but can also be applied in professional settings, relationships, and even financial management. By embracing the art of Kaizen, we can make lasting changes in our lives—one small step at a time.

I am confident that these small, consistent efforts will lead to meaningful improvements over time. What about you? What changes do you think you need through Kaizen? Share your thoughts and start your journey of continuous improvement today.

Writer: Khatun A Jannat Asha Researcher, e-Commerce Development Center (EDC).