How will Kaizen — learning to achieve a big goal in small steps change your life

There are people who strive to achieve the goal by any means. Alas, this is not a very healthy and even dangerous phenomenon. A healthy desire to achieve results and a thoughtful, scientific approach deserve much more respect. The Japanese practice of small steps — kaizen, allows you to achieve everything without fuss and stress. At the same time, motivation is fully preserved and positive experience grows.

The concept of kaizen consists of two components: kai — change, zen — good. So, we can say that this is the science of change for the better. The Japanese understand it as a practice of life focused on the path, not on the goal. Yes, yes, just like in the phrase erroneously attributed to Bushido adherents: "A samurai has no goal, only a path."

It can be explained very simply. There is no need to rush to the result. It needs to be achieved in small steps, moving forward every day. At the same time, it is important to ask yourself more often: what can I improve in myself and will I become happier after that. This philosophy has been familiar to the inhabitants of the East for many centuries. But the Western world did not know about it for a long time.

Now, when the "naked" result does not bring joy to many, which takes away a lot of physical and moral strength, kaizen began to show interest all over the world. But this practice only seems simple and understandable. To adapt to it, you need to make some effort. The conflict between the "process" and the "result" spoils everything.

If we prefer the former, then it seems that achievements do not play any role. If we enjoy the result, it may mean that the movement does not bring us pleasure. The way out is simple — you need to realize that when you are not chasing the result, it comes to you by itself.

In the modern world, it is fashionable and honorable to be a workaholic. This is because we have been forced to overcome and achieve since childhood. If it's a test, then only for the "top five", if it's a new hobby, then you need to immerse yourself in it without a trace, if you do sports, then by all means with the achievement of records. From the point of view of emotions, everything is true. Why stand still if you can take broad steps towards achievements.

But it's not for nothing that they say that a quick start is a slow end. Such "achievement" is fraught with burnout in any sphere of human activity. Polls have shown that this phenomenon is massive. 64 percent of people have encountered it in their lives. And this is normal — the brain cannot constantly work at the limit of its capabilities and makes it clear that it needs a break. There are other, even less pleasant mental problems.

There is a whole gap between "I have to come to an hour—long English class" and "I want to devote 20 minutes to learning a foreign language". Convince yourself that you can practice whenever you want and as much as you want. Yes, and also in the fact that you can not do anything at all. This will have the most amazing effect on you. You will not lose motivation and will constantly accumulate positive experiences.

It will not be difficult for you to find 20, 30 or 130 minutes daily for an activity that you really like. In this case, you take responsibility for your own life. Training or a lesson becomes not a routine, but a full-fledged part of your life. And in this life there will be no violence against yourself. There is no need to strive for results and languish from the endless "must". Everything happens by itself, slowly but surely.

In order for the practice of small steps to work, it needs daily reinforcement. You need to achieve a balance between the passion for achievements and the ability to enjoy what you already have. The biggest stress we put ourselves under is when we set goals too high and after that we can't get close to them. Therefore, it is important to follow three tips to help you choose the right direction and pace:

If you learn to live by Kaizen, you will soon realize that life has ceased to be a race with obstacles and brings you pleasure. The feeling of smooth movement towards results will allow you to keep a sober mind and give hope for the future.