Kaizen and Letting Go to Move Forward

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Nov 21, 2023

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Letting-Go-to-Move-Forward

Today's One Thing is about a Japanese term, Kaizen, and a quote I recently read by Michelangelo, "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it, but that it is too low, and we reach it." It got me thinking about the mental anchors we drop in life that hold us back – fear, self-imposed narratives, and limited perceptions of ourselves.

Stories we tell ourselves about our capabilities and options often become self-fulfilling prophecies. They're not just idle thoughts; they actively shape our reality, creating loops we can get stuck in that can move us backward, not forward. Over time, these loops can become deeply ingrained, making impressions in the subconscious. As the saying goes, we create our own monsters.

Getting out of these loops lies in the art of focused, incremental improvements—embracing small daily changes that propel us toward a better version of ourselves. In Japan, it's known as Kaizen, a concept that emphasizes small, continuous improvement.

Just like a photographer adjusts their lens to focus and capture the perfect shot, we, too, must fine-tune our focus and actions daily. Pick one thing daily to concentrate on, learn from it, and then document it as data towards progress. It's a practice in mindfulness and intentionality that, over time, accumulates into a sum of growth and understanding – not just about ourselves but the world around us.

We must continuously reflect on what anchors we might be holding onto – be it outdated views, unproven fears, or limiting self-identities. By acknowledging and releasing these anchors, we make room for new narratives and possibilities. Our potential is always far greater than our current selves can see and, more importantly, believe.

Navigating the journey of personal growth requires us to shed anchors and raise our sights, letting go to move forward. Each anchor we shed - be it an outdated belief, a baseless fear, or a limiting self-view - allows us to raise our sights higher, bringing us one step closer to the potential we aspire to reach. In this act of release and ascent, we find our path to continuous self-improvement. So today, as we let go of one anchor, let's aim a notch higher, embracing the promise of a better tomorrow, one focused step at a time.

Until next time, choose your One Thing and forge your unique path to better.