You Can Do Anything: One Step At a Time
There are many things out of our control. There just isn’t anything we can do about them.
On the other hand, there are many things that we can do something about that are within our control. For reasons of our own, we choose to ignore these “things” … or excuse our way over, under or around them.
For those of you who are tired of procrastinating your way through life, I want to introduce you to a concept known as Kaizen. This is a Japanese word suggesting we progress with incremental improvement.
If “The Little Engine That Could” brings back good memories, kaizen could be just what you are looking for.
Here is a story that I can identify with. Maybe you can too.
Once upon a time in a small state called New Jersey, there lived a boy who prided himself as being an athlete. This was a long time ago. This boy had chosen to take a circuitous route through life, and in most instances, thinks back of his journey with delight.
As he grew older (more experienced) he decided to do something about it. Running an ironman triathlon within the next 12 months seemed a bit ambitious but he decided to take on the personal challenge.
Swimming was on his list of training tasks. So with the Kaizen approach in mind, he laid out a plan of attack to eliminate all chances of “procrastination.”
Day 1: Break the ice. Walk over and look at the pool. Go home.
Day 2: Enter the pool. Step out and go home.
Day 3: Walk over, and into the pool. Submerge yourself into the water. Swim one length. Done for the day.
Day 4: Repeat day 3 but manage to swim a lap or two. Don’t over do it. Shower and go home.
Day 5: Repeat day 4 but swim a few more lengths.
It was on Day 5 when the body began to get back into shape.
Little by little, step-by-step (slowly I turned.) This slowly accelerated activity will get you to the finish line faster than if you decide to wait for a flash of energy.
Before you know it, you will be (1) looking forward to your training, (2) feeling better about yourself, and (3) feeling confident that the swim ahead will become a non-event as far as a challenge goes.
Humans have an inherent tendency to put off until tomorrow what could have very easily been started today. Let the concept of “ Kaizen” position you as the exceptional and competitive individual you are.
It is easy. Just begin slowly and keep ramping up the pace.
Here is one final thought: Get up … get out … and get more people feeling glad they know you.