“When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens — and when it happens, it lasts.” — John Wooden
The Kaizen approach is a reminder that all improvements must be maintained if we wish to secure consistent gains. Think of the smallest step you can take every day that would move you incrementally towards your goal.
Becoming 1% better every day is a simple, practical way to achieve big goals. 1% seems like a small amount. Yes, it is. It’s tiny. It’s easy. It’s doable. And it’s applicable in most things you want to do or accomplish.
It feels less intimidating and is more manageable. It might feel less exciting than chasing a huge win, but its results will be stronger and more sustainable.
In sport, it’s the 0.01% changes that athletes create in order to make a champion. They understand that these LITTLE, seemingly inconsequential decisions are what truly matter!
Let’s follow their lead, but from OUR OWN REALITY, and within our own story!
What is your 1% change today?
- One less coffee today, or stop drinking coffee a little earlier
- Having the salad in stead of the fries
- Choosing not to watch another episode of your show, and instead putting yourself to bed a little earlier
- Choosing to be compassionate and empathetic in a situation, instead of responding out of anger or irritation
- Walking around the block before heading into the office for the day
- Taking meat out of the freezer before you head off (so it’s ready when you get home after a long day)
- Doing a few small exercises before eating breakfast
