In well-known Japanese companies like Toyota and Panasonic, a practice called kaizen is the foundation on which employees operate. Kaizen means continuous improvement, even in very small steps, even by 1%. But can we apply this method to our own lives to achieve the goals we have?
According to experts, yes. Although therapists may not call it by the same name, small behavioral changes are a strategy often used to help people create new habits and achieve their goals. “You’re more likely to achieve big, long-term goals if you take small steps toward them,” explains clinical psychologist Jolie Silva.
Even an improvement of just 1% has an impact?
"There's no exact data on what exactly 1% represents," says Silva, but the gist is that breaking down big goals into smaller steps is a scientifically recognized technique, especially for those who feel blocked from starting a task or lack motivation.
What matters, according to Silva, is the sense of accomplishment that this improvement gives you, no matter how small. That's what motivates you to keep going the next day.
By breaking down a big goal into smaller steps, you give yourself more opportunities to experience these small victories, which increase your confidence in your abilities. “We get a sense of satisfaction and reward,” explains Katherine Milkman, a behavior change expert.
If you manage to feel motivated every day through these small successes, instead of waiting until the end to experience the satisfaction of achieving the big goal, you will find it easier to move forward and not give up.
Sources: Huff Post
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