“Failure is constructive feedback that tells you to try a different approach to accomplish what you want.”
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Improving who we are, whether for self-development or in business, is a continuous process. It does not happen in a one-time fix; it requires constant focus. People with growth mindsets acknowledge that the brain grows and changes through effort. Therefore, continuous improvement is their standard. They embrace failures as opportunities, develop learning approaches, and adapt when encountering challenging concepts or situations.
Within the Japanese culture, they have a concept for this mindset.
Kaizen is a Japanese word that translates to “continuous improvement” or “change for the better.” This Japanese business philosophy began in the Toyota company, targeting the processes of continuously improving operations. The philosophy integrates humanizing the workplace, empowering individuals to identify areas for improvement while encouraging suggestions for practical and effective solutions. Furthermore, involving all the employees instills growth in productivity as a gradual and systematic process.
The main principles of Kaizen start with an adjustment to how we think about things.
Kaizen is essential to striving for excellence. It involves paying attention to detail and honoring anyone who sees a better way to do something. The end goal of excellence is to blend information and learning into a harmonious outcome.
Although initially a concept for business, it is also adaptable to life. Not everyone innately has the know-how to excel. However, using mindset adjustments can assist in developing what it takes.
Developing a Growth Mindset: A Guide for Excellence
The desire to evolve and innovate constantly comes from passion and striving to improve how we do something or who we are.
Perfection doesn’t exist. If we think things are perfect as they are, we are not open to improvement possibilities. Conversely, those who question their performance or choices are continuously open to growth; they embrace and adapt to change.
Let go of assumptions; just because it is one way now doesn’t mean there isn’t another way to think of things. Instead, ask questions to see if there are alternative points of view.
Innovation is seeing things from a different perspective.
Become proactive in solving problems. Whether with ourselves or others, don’t just point out problems but offer solutions when mistakes are found. Turning an error into a lesson happens by assessing what didn’t work and asking why.
Small changes now can have significant impacts in the future. Whether a change happens slowly or immediately, both contribute to overall improvement.
Create a positive environment for learning and empowerment by surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable people who hold our respect.
Within family units, encourage opinions and participation with each member to help the family rise in unity. Each member has a role to fill. Adding support and making any needed adjustments will ensure success for each member.
Gather innovative thoughts from those within your trusted circle and also from those with differing points of view. Another point of view can often spark greatness.
Be creative. Find alternate ways to do something; even if we take it on as an experiment, it can lead us down a path we couldn’t have seen before.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Instead, celebrate each failure, misstep, and wrong choice as a gift of knowledge for your future options.
Never accept the status quo as the outcome. Alternatively, think of enormous reach for the stars.
Seek opportunities to learn, stretch yourself, and move from your comfort zone, doing something new daily. Curiosity will continuously enrich your database of possibilities.
Set attainable goals and work diligently towards achieving them. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and allow the processes to take hold.
Our journey in life is not static. It is in constant movement. Once we tune in to the universal energy of action, we will harmonize with its flow, growing and evolving. We will come to understand that there are no wrong choices. By flipping the script on the experience, we are assuredly on our way to excellence.
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.
~ Vincent Van Gogh
