Kaizen – The Endeavour for Continuous Improvement

“From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do – now.” — Epictetus

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." — Will Durant

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” — Abraham Maslow

“Kaizen” is a Japanese term that translates to "continuous improvement." It is a philosophy that emphasizes making small, incremental changes to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall quality in both personal and professional contexts. Originating in Japan, Kaizen became a cornerstone of Toyota's manufacturing processes. This concept fosters a culture of ongoing enhancement and innovation, encouraging workers to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the company's overall success through regular, manageable adjustments rather than drastic, large-scale changes. By continuously striving to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance quality, organizations (and individuals) practicing Kaizen can achieve sustainable long-term growth and excellence.

Having been fascinated by Japanese culture and arts all my life, I am particularly captivated by the concept of Kaizen. The power of compounding even small daily improvements is evident and undeniable. A mere one percent increase each day can lead to nearly 37 times greater results after a year. In recent months, I have written about exceptional individuals who, through hard work and constant self-improvement, have achieved admirable success in terms of wealth and self-fulfillment. In my opinion, the pursuit of ceaseless growth and betterment reflects a fundamental aspect of human nature. Each of us has the potential to evolve and blossom in the attempt to reach full potential. Isn't it the ultimate goal of a life journey to become the best version of ourselves? I firmly believe it is, and embracing the principles of Kaizen can guide us on this path.

When I reflect on my past, I often consider how timely knowledge of Kaizen could have altered my journey. I share stories from my childhood, teenage years, and university experiences with my children, often saying, “Had I known about this back then, things would be different now,” or “Had I spent more time learning about this, our family would be better off today.” However, I have realized that these reflections on the past should inspire future planning. Hindsight may always be 20-20, but rather than dwelling on what could have been, we should focus on what can be. Tomorrow’s genesis takes place today, hence my choices and actions in this very moment will shape my future.

As a parent, I feel a profound responsibility to instill in my children a desire for Kaizen and an understanding of the precious, fleeting nature of time. With their entire lives ahead of them, my son and daughters hold life's most precious gift—youth. Yet, the path of their destiny and the duration of their time on Earth remain unknown. By embracing the kaizen philosophy early on, they can unlock their potential, continually improving and creating a bright future for both themselves and those around them.

So, how do I personally implement kaizen in my daily life?

1. I read and listen to as many books as my schedule allows, constantly adding intriguing titles, both fiction and non-fiction, to my wish list. Monthly, I immerse myself in new books and revisit timeless favorites. I also gain valuable insights from several excellent newsletters, most of which focus on the art of investing. While it's clear that not all reading is equal, as reading for pleasure differs from reading for knowledge, I've found that the greatest benefits come from material that is both enjoyable and informative.

2. I strive to connect with extraordinary individuals, both in person and online. The adage, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear,” resonates profoundly with me. The greatest minds of humanity are now accessible through the Internet, and many are ready and willing to share their ideas, experiences, and wisdom with those willing to listen. Inspired by Mohnish Pabrai's "cloning" philosophy, I aim to emulate the traits I admire in others. In turn, I pass on what I have learned to those beginning their own journeys in investing or personal development.

3. Socrates once said, "No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable." To delay aging and gradual, yet inevitable, deterioration, I try to take good care of my body through healthy eating, regular exercise, and taking vitamins and other supplements. This approach extends to my brain as well. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, regular physical activity, time spent in nature, meditation, and at least seven hours of quality sleep each night are crucial for optimal brain function and the prevention of cognitive degenerative diseases.

4. I have committed myself to writing these articles. Writing serves as a remarkable instrument for distilling our thoughts, paving the way for incremental progress (kaizen). I am currently reading “The Power of Writing It Down,” which highlights the numerous benefits of writing. According to the author, Allison Fallon, some of these benefits include:

- ”Giving language to the future we want to create, making it seem achievable rather than vague.

- Building neural pathways that connect our current experiences with the future we aspire to.

- Gaining perspective on life’s challenges, both large and small.

- Cultivating more gratitude and contentment.”

The next logical step for me is to improve my public speaking skills. Therefore, I plan on joining a local Toastmasters club in September.

5. I aspire to remain patient, humble, and maintain low expectations. I often remind myself of Buddha’s words: “Serenity comes when you trade expectations for acceptance.” Additionally, I can’t help but insert this beautiful quote by the brilliant author Morgan Housel: “When you realize how powerful expectations are, you put as much effort into keeping them low as you do into improving your circumstances. Happiness, contentment, joy … all of those things come from experiencing a gap between expectations and reality.” Excessive ambition leads to FOMO, envy, and greed, which inevitably result in financial ruin and self-destruction. I genuinely admire the success of my friends and aspire to learn from it. At the same time, I never forget that I have my own journey. The only person I compare myself to is yesterday's self. By focusing on my personal growth and embracing my unique path, I find greater peace and fulfillment.

6. Lastly, I make an effort to embody Charlie Munger's wisdom: "To get what you want, you have to deserve what you want! It's such a simple idea. You want to deliver to the world what you would buy if you were on the other end." and “Go to bed smarter than when you woke up.” As a result, I aim for daily progress by embracing a mindset of continuous learning, analyzing past mistakes to prompt future decisions. In addition I make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary risks or foolish choices.

While the world faces numerous challenges, I recognize that as an individual, my sphere of influence is limited. I cannot single-handedly resolve global conflicts, discover medical breakthroughs, or eliminate suffering. However, I can focus on excelling in the roles that are within my grasp: being a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a compassionate member of society.

Day by day, step by step, improvement by improvement, each of us climbs our own personal mountain. As soon as one summit is conquered, another emerges from the clouds. The journey continues until the day we return to the essence from which we came. To encapsulate this unending quest, I turn to Laurence Gonzales' profound words in "Deep Survival":

“There is an old Zen story about a young man who passionately wants to become a master swordsman. He goes to the Kundo master and begs to be taught, but the master puts him to work in the garden instead. Every time the student isn’t looking, the master sneaks up behind him and whacks him with a stick. The student is terribly frustrated, and this goes on for months, then years. No matter what the student does, he can’t seem to sense when the master is behind him, and he is constantly covered with bruises. But then one day, the student is in the garden, as usual, hoeing and weeding, and the master sneaks up behind him. He swings. The student ducks. The master misses. The student is overjoyed. He leaps up and shouts, “Now will you teach me swordsmanship?” “Now you don’t need swordsmanship,” the master says.”

This tale serves as a reminder that the true goal of our journey is not the destination, but the growth and transformation we experience along the way.

Friends, I hope this post has struck a chord with you and that you're enjoying your summer, wherever it may find you. If you've embraced the concept of Kaizen in your own lives, I'd be delighted to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Exciting new content is just around the corner, so stay tuned! Until then, take care and be well!

Warm Regards,

Pavel (PK)

Bibliography:

Epictetus. (2007). “The art of living: The classical manual on virtue, happiness, and effectiveness” (S. Lebell, Trans.). HarperOne.

Fallon, A. (2018). “The power of writing it down.” Zondervan.

Housel, M. (2023). “Same as ever.” Harriman House.

Munger, C. T. (2023). “Poor Charlie's almanack: The essential wit and wisdom of Charles T. Munger.” Stripe Press.

Gonzales, L. (2003). “Deep survival: Who lives, who dies, and why.” W. W. Norton & Company.