Progress Over Perfection
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you know that I am a strong proponent in continuous improvement for a better life. In order for true change to happen, daily effort towards your goals is the only way to get to the finish line.
In Japanese culture there is a term for this called kaizen. Introduced by Masaaki Imai, kaizen asserts that significant positive results can be achieved by the cumulative effort of many, often small improvements to all aspects of your life. Kaizen can be applied to all areas of your for living well.
The Core Principles of Kaizen
Every Day, Everybody, Everywhere: This advice is for anyone making the conscious choice to better themselves. Be willing to take a proactive step in having control over your future.
Process Over Outcome: Focus on efficient daily processes rather than the final outcome. Small daily wins are the secret sauce to how kaizen works. Each day set yourself one task each for mind, body, and soul.
Identify Waste: Look for and remove non-value-added activities. This can be binge watching a TV series, doom scrolling, ruminating, or “money chasing”. I’m not saying you can’t participate in any of these activities. What I am saying, though, is don’t make them 80% of your day. Do things that bring value, joy and rest.
Problem Solving: Identify “problems” in your life and use critical thinking to find solutions. Identify the problem. Gather information. Analyze any evidence. Formulate solutions. Implement and evaluate. Any negative thing in your life that does not benefit your future should be evaluated for change.
Another way to achieve your goals is using the S.M.A.R.T. Method. This method is a highly effective, widely used framework for setting clear, actionable, and trackable goals. It ensures your objectives have the structure needed to guarantee success by keeping you focused and motivated. By utilizing this framework, you eliminate vague generalities from your planning, which ultimately provides better clarity. Breaking down abstract desires into concrete milestones allows you to measure exactly where you are in the process and adjust your routines accordingly.
S.M.A.R.T. Method Breakdown
Specific: Clearly define exactly what want to achieve
Measurable: Establish concrete criteria and metrics for tracking progress
Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic given current circumstances
Relevant: Make sure the objective matters to you and aligns with your values
Time-Based: Set a deadline to create urgency and prevent procrastination
Both methods, however, have their own disadvantages. The weakness of kaizen is that people can get so focused on tiny improvements that they lose sight of where they’re actually going. The weakness of S.M.A.R.T. goals often create a destination but not a sustainable process.
The magic happens when you combine both methods. You create a clear target and a manageable path to follow. You need a direction and enough consistency that progress continues even during difficult times. That’s where the combination of S.M.A.R.T. and kaizen becomes powerful.
Anyone can succeed at their goals. Dreams can come true. Anyone can get to the finish line. Know what it is you want and give it name. Give everything you got to make sure it comes to fruition. Lastly, don’t give up until you have it.
When I think of future me, I can picture myself beaming with joy and light. A beacon of hope in these dark times. Surrounding myself with people who love me, support me, and ultimately just want the best for me. When I think of that future, it makes me want it that much more. The only way to become that person is through persistent and continual disciplined effort.
Starting today, as of this posting, I will be working through my own goal processes. I will re-evaluate each month and adjust accordingly. Let me know in the comments if you want monthly update posts.
My Call to Action
I hope you will join me in becoming a better version of yourself. It will more than likely be challenging, but your future self will thank you. Tell me about your goals! Share in the comments what you will be working towards in the month of June.
Until the next Spark,
Korey