inspiration.
kaizen is a Japanese business ideology that was conceived shortly after the conclusion of World War II as part of a plan to redevelop the Japanese industries, most notably being integrated by Toyota Motor Company in their production. translating into “continuous improvement”, it is a framework in how one approaches deficiencies in their craft or areas needing improvement on their goal path. being only a series of four critical steps, results lie is how one utilizes and integrates the framework. it is referred to as the shewhart/deming cycle or PDCA.
plan.
behind every goal, there should lie a foundational plan. a road guide leading all those working towards that goal through the actions needed to achieve it. not every plan has to start at ground zero, regardless of the scale of ambition. the vision in your mind turns to words on a paper. identifying a want and understanding the path to get there. if you need help along the way, bring along the right people to assist you on your journey.
do.
you have your plan. a step-by-step action map for the objectives you seek to reach. start at your first box and go.
check.
this step is all about humility. analyze your data, gather your results, understand the outcomes. are you going in the right direction? can this process be more efficient or effective? what trends are visible? find weak points and areas that can be improved. see if new methods improve your process.
adjust.
implement and evaluate. crush an obstacle or find another way through it. create a standard. reach an objective or give it another attempt. even if there is failure, it is temporary. the understanding is that there is always progress.
repeat.
always move forward.it all begins with an grand idea. a want. naturally, the harder you work, the easier it is to quit, to give up, and let go. easier to listen to the naysayers and the self-doubt.
when your biggest critic is yourself, you cannot help but push forward because nothing that anybody can say compares to the standard you set for yourself. visualize your goals - even in the most challenging moments. whether that is on the field, on the ice, between the lines, in the gym, at the office, or your bed before you start your day… it is waiting for you. are you going to work for it?
we are not here for excuses or reasons. the do-ers of the world don’t have time to explain. the hard workers are too busy working hard. the ones who are unforgivingly themselves are too focused on achieving their goals. if it is worth your time - it is worth 100% of your effort. it is not an opportunity to spend your time but to invest it.