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Kaizen: The Japanese Secret to Lasting Change—Small Steps to Big Goals
Reach your goals with Kaizen—the Japanese art of gentle self-improvement
From Hygge to Ikigai, positive philosophies have taken the world by storm. Now, Kaizen—meaning “good change”—will help you transform your habits, without being too hard on yourself along the way. With Kaizen, even the boldest intention becomes a series of small, achievable steps. Each person’s approach will be different, which is why it’s so effective.
First popularized by Toyota, Kaizen is already proven in the worlds of business and sports. Here, Sarah Harvey shows how to apply it to your health, relationships, money, career, hobbies, and home—and how to tailor it to your personality. Kaizen is the key to lasting change!
From Hygge to Ikigai, positive philosophies have taken the world by storm. Now, Kaizen—meaning “good change”—will help you transform your habits, without being too hard on yourself along the way. With Kaizen, even the boldest intention becomes a series of small, achievable steps. Each person’s approach will be different, which is why it’s so effective.
First popularized by Toyota, Kaizen is already proven in the worlds of business and sports. Here, Sarah Harvey shows how to apply it to your health, relationships, money, career, hobbies, and home—and how to tailor it to your personality. Kaizen is the key to lasting change!
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2019
749 people are currently reading
5162 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Harvey
105 books27 followersLibrarian Note:
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There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
January 19, 2025
I chose to pick up this book because I basically love everything about the good aspect of Japan. So why not this book too as well?
I haven't heard anything about Kaizen before I came across this book. And I am so glad I did pick up this book because of this unusual word as its title!
This book is regarding how the Kaizen way of life has changed the author's life in general and how it is applicable to our lives as well.
I just want to quote, 'Kaizen is a noun in Japanese and is used to mean improvement, whether that is big or small, one-time or continuous.'
In this book, it is well explained about how Kaizen came along (the history) and I loved reading about it. It's a story of its own and I thoroughly enjoyed reading that part.
Then there comes the sections of Kaizen for personal development, sport, the differences in the culture of Japan and the West.
I loved how the author explained the purpose of Kaizen and how it's useful now in knowing and understanding our habits.
The book showcases practical tips on how to start and adopt the system; regarding heath and how to improve it using such a system regarding exercises, sleep, diet, morning routine and some other basic things that are incorporated in our daily lives.
I basically enjoyed reading the social media and self-esteem part in this book. It gave me wonderful insights on such topics in a brief manner.
I got starry eyed as I continued reading about how to apply Kaizen to work. It's so detailed yet practical and so calming to read. The amazing pictures do help a lot in reading such a book. As it's a nonfiction, self-help kind of read, the pace of the book is maintained so well with the right division of pictures and actual practical tips.
Another favourite part is the one where the book talks about freelancers. We all need to follow these simple tips. (And I for one have already started practising!) Because this is not just mere reading and nodding my head. Once I opened up this book, it was difficult for me to put it down as I need every page of this book to improve my life (yes, in damn simple, practical ways!). Because who am I kidding anyway?!
Then towards the later half of the book comes the part of Kaizen in studying, managing money, home, relationships, and the best part as applying Kaizen in habits and challenges.
I really love this book and I am going to keep it at my bedside table so that I can pick it up anytime soon.
Amazing book indeed.
Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with a copy of #Kaizen
I haven't heard anything about Kaizen before I came across this book. And I am so glad I did pick up this book because of this unusual word as its title!
This book is regarding how the Kaizen way of life has changed the author's life in general and how it is applicable to our lives as well.
I just want to quote, 'Kaizen is a noun in Japanese and is used to mean improvement, whether that is big or small, one-time or continuous.'
In this book, it is well explained about how Kaizen came along (the history) and I loved reading about it. It's a story of its own and I thoroughly enjoyed reading that part.
Then there comes the sections of Kaizen for personal development, sport, the differences in the culture of Japan and the West.
I loved how the author explained the purpose of Kaizen and how it's useful now in knowing and understanding our habits.
The book showcases practical tips on how to start and adopt the system; regarding heath and how to improve it using such a system regarding exercises, sleep, diet, morning routine and some other basic things that are incorporated in our daily lives.
I basically enjoyed reading the social media and self-esteem part in this book. It gave me wonderful insights on such topics in a brief manner.
I got starry eyed as I continued reading about how to apply Kaizen to work. It's so detailed yet practical and so calming to read. The amazing pictures do help a lot in reading such a book. As it's a nonfiction, self-help kind of read, the pace of the book is maintained so well with the right division of pictures and actual practical tips.
Another favourite part is the one where the book talks about freelancers. We all need to follow these simple tips. (And I for one have already started practising!) Because this is not just mere reading and nodding my head. Once I opened up this book, it was difficult for me to put it down as I need every page of this book to improve my life (yes, in damn simple, practical ways!). Because who am I kidding anyway?!
Then towards the later half of the book comes the part of Kaizen in studying, managing money, home, relationships, and the best part as applying Kaizen in habits and challenges.
I really love this book and I am going to keep it at my bedside table so that I can pick it up anytime soon.
Amazing book indeed.
Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with a copy of #Kaizen
January 18, 2020
4.5 I need help in the art of getting it done. I have big plans, start off strong then drift away before hitting that finish line. I've read many books, tried many methods some worked none kept me motivated very long.
This book is different from the others. It is the Japanese Method of getting it done. Taking small steps, easily achievable ones, 1% changes, set goals, short term to long term, move towards them. You just keep adjusting the little steps towards your goals. Keep a journal, write it down, see your steps moving you forward. This sounds like many other motivational books but the way it feels is much different. These miniscule steps don't cause stress or excessive commitment, just a minimum of effort There is empathy in this guide, a kindness and gentleness not found in many motivational programs. I felt like I can do this, it is attainable.
The book goes into the history of this technique and some Japanese culture history. It got well known from Toyota using it with success , it can also be used average people in all areas of our lives, relationships, business, school, diet, exercise, etc.. I started making little bitty changes in a few areas of my life and didn’t even set out too. It sticks in a good way. Excellent clearly written, fun little self help read.
I received a copy of this from the publisher for an honest review
This book is different from the others. It is the Japanese Method of getting it done. Taking small steps, easily achievable ones, 1% changes, set goals, short term to long term, move towards them. You just keep adjusting the little steps towards your goals. Keep a journal, write it down, see your steps moving you forward. This sounds like many other motivational books but the way it feels is much different. These miniscule steps don't cause stress or excessive commitment, just a minimum of effort There is empathy in this guide, a kindness and gentleness not found in many motivational programs. I felt like I can do this, it is attainable.
The book goes into the history of this technique and some Japanese culture history. It got well known from Toyota using it with success , it can also be used average people in all areas of our lives, relationships, business, school, diet, exercise, etc.. I started making little bitty changes in a few areas of my life and didn’t even set out too. It sticks in a good way. Excellent clearly written, fun little self help read.
I received a copy of this from the publisher for an honest review
December 19, 2022
Kaizen হচ্ছে প্রতিদিন ক্ষুদ্র ক্ষুদ্র পদক্ষেপ নেয়ার মাধ্যমে নিজের কন্টিনিউয়াস ডেভেলপমেন্ট। Kaizen শুরু হয় নিজের মধ্যে সমস্যা খুঁজে বের করার মাধ্যমে এবং শেষ হয় সমস্যা সমাধানে।
এই বইতে Health, Work, Money, Relationships, Habits & Challenge, Stumbling Block নামে ছয়টা চ্যাপ্টার আছে।
আত্মউন্নয়নের জন্য পারফেক্ট একটা বই। এই বই পড়ার পর আত্মউন্নয়নের জন্য অন্য বই না পড়লেও চলবে। তবে সকল আত্মউন্নয়নমূলক বইতে কিন্তু একই কথাবার্তা লেখা হয়। তবে সম্পূর্ণ বই পড়লে হয়তো নতুন কিছু ট্রিক্স পাওয়া যায়।
যেমন এই বই থেকে আমি SHINRIN-YOKU, OR JAPANESE FOREST BATHING মেথড নতুন জানছি। যা আমি প্রয়োগ করব। আসলেই আইডিয়াটা চমৎকার।
এছাড়া নতুন কিছু এই বইতে নেই। আমি অনলাইনে কন্টেন্ট ক্রিয়েট করি এজন্য এসব বই পড়তে হয়। আপনাদের না পড়লেও চলবে। ইউটিউবে বইটার সম্পূর্ণ রিভিউ যদি কেউ দেয় তবে সেটা দেখে নিলেই হবে। এছাড়া নতুন একটা-দুইটা আইডিয়া সম্পর্কে জানতে চাইলে বইটা পড়তে পারেন।
তবে জাপানের বিভিন্ন নেগেটিভ শব্দের পজিটিভ ডেফিনেশন আমার খুব ভাল্লাগে৷ যেমনঃ
the Japanese alphabets don't have a single symbol for the world 'crisis'. instead, it is an amalgamation of the two symbols for 'danger' and 'good opportunity'.
এই বইতে Health, Work, Money, Relationships, Habits & Challenge, Stumbling Block নামে ছয়টা চ্যাপ্টার আছে।
আত্মউন্নয়নের জন্য পারফেক্ট একটা বই। এই বই পড়ার পর আত্মউন্নয়নের জন্য অন্য বই না পড়লেও চলবে। তবে সকল আত্মউন্নয়নমূলক বইতে কিন্তু একই কথাবার্তা লেখা হয়। তবে সম্পূর্ণ বই পড়লে হয়তো নতুন কিছু ট্রিক্স পাওয়া যায়।
যেমন এই বই থেকে আমি SHINRIN-YOKU, OR JAPANESE FOREST BATHING মেথড নতুন জানছি। যা আমি প্রয়োগ করব। আসলেই আইডিয়াটা চমৎকার।
এছাড়া নতুন কিছু এই বইতে নেই। আমি অনলাইনে কন্টেন্ট ক্রিয়েট করি এজন্য এসব বই পড়তে হয়। আপনাদের না পড়লেও চলবে। ইউটিউবে বইটার সম্পূর্ণ রিভিউ যদি কেউ দেয় তবে সেটা দেখে নিলেই হবে। এছাড়া নতুন একটা-দুইটা আইডিয়া সম্পর্কে জানতে চাইলে বইটা পড়তে পারেন।
তবে জাপানের বিভিন্ন নেগেটিভ শব্দের পজিটিভ ডেফিনেশন আমার খুব ভাল্লাগে৷ যেমনঃ
the Japanese alphabets don't have a single symbol for the world 'crisis'. instead, it is an amalgamation of the two symbols for 'danger' and 'good opportunity'.
January 31, 2020
A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
2/5 - It was okay.
I was interested in this book because my company employs Kaizen as an organizational structure. Although we've been talking about Kaizen for two years now, I still don't exactly understand what it is and was hoping that this book would help me.
Unfortunately, this book did not help me much in this regard. Essentially, the book states that Kaizen is continuous improvement which is made through incremental steps and focusing on specific areas of your life. Basically, it's a practice of mindfully taking stock, assessing your current situation, and making small changes to eventually get a big impact. It then dissects different aspects of a person's life to illustrate how small changes can lead to an impact.
While some of these changes were helpful, many were tips I'd gotten before. For example, sleep more, drink more water, spend more time in nature, nurture a hobby. Okay, I know these things are good for me, and I appreciate the tips on how to be healthier and happier. But what's new? What's so great about Kaizen, specifically?
Overall, I do think this book plays a gentle and useful reminder on how to improve basic aspects of one's life. However, my expectations for it were different - I wanted to really dive deep into this philosophy, understand the structure behind Kaizen, and see some novel applications to my life. I'd recommend it as a general self-help book to those who are searching for a writer with gentle tone and soothing reminders. Personally, I did not get much new content out of it.
2/5 - It was okay.
I was interested in this book because my company employs Kaizen as an organizational structure. Although we've been talking about Kaizen for two years now, I still don't exactly understand what it is and was hoping that this book would help me.
Unfortunately, this book did not help me much in this regard. Essentially, the book states that Kaizen is continuous improvement which is made through incremental steps and focusing on specific areas of your life. Basically, it's a practice of mindfully taking stock, assessing your current situation, and making small changes to eventually get a big impact. It then dissects different aspects of a person's life to illustrate how small changes can lead to an impact.
While some of these changes were helpful, many were tips I'd gotten before. For example, sleep more, drink more water, spend more time in nature, nurture a hobby. Okay, I know these things are good for me, and I appreciate the tips on how to be healthier and happier. But what's new? What's so great about Kaizen, specifically?
Overall, I do think this book plays a gentle and useful reminder on how to improve basic aspects of one's life. However, my expectations for it were different - I wanted to really dive deep into this philosophy, understand the structure behind Kaizen, and see some novel applications to my life. I'd recommend it as a general self-help book to those who are searching for a writer with gentle tone and soothing reminders. Personally, I did not get much new content out of it.
July 25, 2020
Well that was underwhelming. Perhaps I’m a bit biased recently coming from more accomplished authors in the same field like James Clear, David Allen and Greg McKeown.
I’ve been quite interested in the psychology of habits and building sustainable and productive systems, and I’ve hear about the concept of Kaizen before, but this book doesn’t elaborate too much beyond the surface.
I didn’t gain much value besides learning little tidbits about Japanese culture, which was in fact interesting. The author does not present any revolutionary ideas and its colloquial tone doesn’t do it any good. It feels like a combination between one of my mom’s 2nd rate self help books and a travelogue.
I’ve been quite interested in the psychology of habits and building sustainable and productive systems, and I’ve hear about the concept of Kaizen before, but this book doesn’t elaborate too much beyond the surface.
I didn’t gain much value besides learning little tidbits about Japanese culture, which was in fact interesting. The author does not present any revolutionary ideas and its colloquial tone doesn’t do it any good. It feels like a combination between one of my mom’s 2nd rate self help books and a travelogue.
September 22, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve heard the term “kaizen” before in the corporate world but didn’t know what it was. It’s the Japanese art of making incremental, continuous changes. This book first defines the concept and then has chapters devoted to the major areas of our life: work, home, relationships, health, etc. The author outlines various tasks and then offers the smallest step to take towards the goal.
Concept is interesting but book was pretty basic. No big takeaways for me.
I’ve heard the term “kaizen” before in the corporate world but didn’t know what it was. It’s the Japanese art of making incremental, continuous changes. This book first defines the concept and then has chapters devoted to the major areas of our life: work, home, relationships, health, etc. The author outlines various tasks and then offers the smallest step to take towards the goal.
Concept is interesting but book was pretty basic. No big takeaways for me.
January 30, 2022
Nothing new
March 31, 2022
Great book of transformative concepts.
November 25, 2020
I didn't like the author's style. She came across as bitter and clearly has a thing against gyms and personal trainers. As a personal trainer it was enough to be irritating and turned me away from the book more than once. I was bullied playing sport as a kid too but I don't let that hold me back or affect my adult life. Some of the guidance in the book could be useful, but I was looking for more of the history and an overview of the concepts in general.
May 17, 2025
5 зірочок поставила за нове натхнення, яке отримала від цієї книжки 💚 і тепер ще хочу більше дізнатися про японські концепти - ікігай, вабі-сабі, шінрін-йоку і кадо.
«Почати легко, складно продовжити» - Японське прислівʼя
«Почати легко, складно продовжити» - Японське прислівʼя
February 9, 2022
I have been living in Japan for over 4 years now and I am attracted to everything about Japanese culture and always looking for some new concepts to learn about. I heard about Kaizen before and when I saw this book in the store I had to buy it. The first few pages about author’s experience living in Japan were really interesting and I could agree with everything she said about Japan.
But as the books goes on, it becomes quite boring and I had a hard time finishing it, since it just gives basic advice like drink more water, exercise, have a social media detox etc.
I was expecting more about Kaizen and some deeper ideas in the book.
Disappointed by the book and wouldn’t read again.
But as the books goes on, it becomes quite boring and I had a hard time finishing it, since it just gives basic advice like drink more water, exercise, have a social media detox etc.
I was expecting more about Kaizen and some deeper ideas in the book.
Disappointed by the book and wouldn’t read again.
December 12, 2023
Manuale essenziale per organizzare la propria vita in meglio.
December 1, 2020
I've always wanted to know about kaizen and when I saw this book I immediately bought it.
At the beginning it was quite interesting, knowing about kaizen for the first time and some information about the history of Japan has caught my attention. However, when I reached the middle of the book it's started to become a little bit boring- I felt like I was reading a person's diary with a bunch of advice. From the middle through the end I was skimming and at the end I found myself reading headlines and sub-topics only.
Too much repetition. I actually had way higher expectations but-
The hardcover is quite beautiful though, papers' quality and the photos were aesthetically pleasing.
I did benefit from this book and it was mainly at the beginning of it where I underlined (which was the kaizen part).
Reader advice: If you know how to plan your day/life (even a little bit) then I think you may would't want to purchase this book. And if you DON'T know how to set schedules and plans for your day/life AT ALL then you may want to purchase it.
At the beginning it was quite interesting, knowing about kaizen for the first time and some information about the history of Japan has caught my attention. However, when I reached the middle of the book it's started to become a little bit boring- I felt like I was reading a person's diary with a bunch of advice. From the middle through the end I was skimming and at the end I found myself reading headlines and sub-topics only.
Too much repetition. I actually had way higher expectations but-
The hardcover is quite beautiful though, papers' quality and the photos were aesthetically pleasing.
I did benefit from this book and it was mainly at the beginning of it where I underlined (which was the kaizen part).
Reader advice: If you know how to plan your day/life (even a little bit) then I think you may would't want to purchase this book. And if you DON'T know how to set schedules and plans for your day/life AT ALL then you may want to purchase it.
March 17, 2022
I recommend to read this book with paper and pencil. If you take time and think about your habits, you can slowly change them using kaizen method and this book can be your guide.
March 16, 2021
هذه النوعية من الكتب توفر متعة بصرية، ومساحة للاسترخاء. الكتاب جيد، لكنه مكرر، ويعيد ما ذُكر في كتب شبيهة من وجهة نظر الكاتب. يفيد الكتاب في تجزئة المهام التي يصعب البدء بها أو معرفة من أين، وكيف، على طريقة الكايزن. فيه من الثقافة اليابانية ما لا يعقد القارئ. وأنصح به لتصفية الأفكار، والخروج من فوضى الحياة. سواء كنت مهتمًا بالثقافة اليابانية أو لا، قد يفيدك هذا الكتاب أكثر من كتب التنمية الذاتية.
January 10, 2024
Gelungenes Buch mit klar strukturiertem Aufbau. Es werden verschiedene Lebensbereiche aufgeschlüsselt und viele Verbesserungsvorschläge gemacht. Bei diesen Verbesserungsvorschlägen bzw. Methoden hatte ich mir mehr anschauliche Skizzen, Vorlagen oder ähnliches gewünscht. Stattdessen wurden zufällige Bilder eingefügt, die zwar das Layout verbessern aber inhaltlich oft ohne Bedeutung waren.
Die gezeigte Herangehensweise hilft es Strukturen in sein Leben langfristig zu schaffen und zu verbessern. Ich kann das Buch weiterempfehlen.
Die gezeigte Herangehensweise hilft es Strukturen in sein Leben langfristig zu schaffen und zu verbessern. Ich kann das Buch weiterempfehlen.
February 20, 2023
I liked this book because of my own personal goal relating to consistency. Kaizen offers a way of approaching all facets of life through incremental goals. I will go back and do some of the writing prompts. I did find some messaging a little too repetitive and the constant reference to applications or programs but no examples a bit annoying or contradictory at times.
May 11, 2021
Tato knížka je návodem, jak si postupně změnit své návyky, jak dosáhnout svého cíle v různých oblastech, a to pomocí metody Kaizen. Díky ní si vše rozdělíte na malé dílčí úkoly a budete sledovat svůj pokrok.
Myslím, že tato kniha je skutečně pro každého. Neříkejte mi, že jste se někdy nechtěli v něčem zlepšit, ale stále se Vám to nedařilo. Autorka knihy žila nějakou dobu v Japonsku, kde se s touto metodou setkala poprvé a díky ní si zlepšila spoustu oblastí svého života. A protože to účinkuje na ní, rozhodla se pomoci i ostatním.
V knize se nejprve seznámíme se samotnou metodou Kaizen, co znamená, jak ji praktikovat. Poté nám autorka dává příklady z běžného života, kde všude ji můžeme využít. Ať už je to sport, stravování, zaměstnání, peníze nebo Váš domov. Díky malým krůčkům se můžeme zlepšit v jakékoliv oblasti.
Kniha mě rozhodně motivovala a s prvním zlepšováním jsem již začala. Po přečtení mám pocit, že bych potřebovala začít ve všech výše zmíněných oblastech, ale jak se dočtete, vše hezky pozvolna a pomalu, ať si na změny můžeme zvyknout. Věřím, že tentokrát se mi podaří svůj zvyk udržet a vytrvat.
Pokud máte, stejně jako já, silně vyvinutou slabou vůli, tak rozhodně doporučuji si tuto knihu přečíst a alespoň v jedné oblasti metodu Kaizen vyzkoušet.
Myslím, že tato kniha je skutečně pro každého. Neříkejte mi, že jste se někdy nechtěli v něčem zlepšit, ale stále se Vám to nedařilo. Autorka knihy žila nějakou dobu v Japonsku, kde se s touto metodou setkala poprvé a díky ní si zlepšila spoustu oblastí svého života. A protože to účinkuje na ní, rozhodla se pomoci i ostatním.
V knize se nejprve seznámíme se samotnou metodou Kaizen, co znamená, jak ji praktikovat. Poté nám autorka dává příklady z běžného života, kde všude ji můžeme využít. Ať už je to sport, stravování, zaměstnání, peníze nebo Váš domov. Díky malým krůčkům se můžeme zlepšit v jakékoliv oblasti.
Kniha mě rozhodně motivovala a s prvním zlepšováním jsem již začala. Po přečtení mám pocit, že bych potřebovala začít ve všech výše zmíněných oblastech, ale jak se dočtete, vše hezky pozvolna a pomalu, ať si na změny můžeme zvyknout. Věřím, že tentokrát se mi podaří svůj zvyk udržet a vytrvat.
Pokud máte, stejně jako já, silně vyvinutou slabou vůli, tak rozhodně doporučuji si tuto knihu přečíst a alespoň v jedné oblasti metodu Kaizen vyzkoušet.
July 4, 2021
Kaizen
A lovely term which means indulging in incremental improvements in any and every facet of life.
I reached out to this book with the only intention to put forth a dedicated journey of self improvement and this book doesn’t disappoint me. It had a lot of easy to implement tips - meditate for 5 mins at the start of the day, post lunch and right after you get on to the bed; be mindful while eating; spend less time on phone than the previous day and wake up a few mins early each week until you reach your preferred wake up time. All these tips albeit simple are easy to forget and thus this book has been a timely reminder to set a series of mindful habits in motion for incrementally improving my ever magnificent work-in-progress being.!!!
To calibrate and reinvent ourselves- let’s kaizen each day.
A lovely term which means indulging in incremental improvements in any and every facet of life.
I reached out to this book with the only intention to put forth a dedicated journey of self improvement and this book doesn’t disappoint me. It had a lot of easy to implement tips - meditate for 5 mins at the start of the day, post lunch and right after you get on to the bed; be mindful while eating; spend less time on phone than the previous day and wake up a few mins early each week until you reach your preferred wake up time. All these tips albeit simple are easy to forget and thus this book has been a timely reminder to set a series of mindful habits in motion for incrementally improving my ever magnificent work-in-progress being.!!!
To calibrate and reinvent ourselves- let’s kaizen each day.
November 17, 2023
For starters, this book won’t tell you anything you already don’t know, thanks to the various self-help articles we come across once in a while on our social media feeds.
It sort of reiterates how (inconsistent) people like me, can reinstate certain habits back to their routines in various areas of their lives.
If you’re someone extremely overwhelmed with how your life has been going on currently and are constantly second guessing all your decisions, be it related to health, finances, relationships etc. then this book might give you a perspective and help you as a step by step guide to bring clarity.
The only interesting thing is the introduction to the culture of Japan and different Japanese techniques, although there isn’t much that has been described of them.
Hence, I would like to rate this book a 2.5/5
It sort of reiterates how (inconsistent) people like me, can reinstate certain habits back to their routines in various areas of their lives.
If you’re someone extremely overwhelmed with how your life has been going on currently and are constantly second guessing all your decisions, be it related to health, finances, relationships etc. then this book might give you a perspective and help you as a step by step guide to bring clarity.
The only interesting thing is the introduction to the culture of Japan and different Japanese techniques, although there isn’t much that has been described of them.
Hence, I would like to rate this book a 2.5/5
Read
December 22, 2019Duo review volgt op The Book Dragon's Nook!
January 19, 2020
This is a must read!
May 5, 2024
Nothing ground breaking, but still an informative read with a relaxed and positive tone to it 😌
August 20, 2024
Kaizen (pronounced Ky’zen) my 1st booknook read and breezed through it becoz im doing most of them na pala 😇
“Kaizen starts with a problem, or more precisely, with the recognition that a problem exists.”
-one task at a time, consistency first then vary according to ur pace
-brain dump anytime for less mental clutter
-mindful/ intentional eating and spending (mostly linked to emotions)
-non essentials: Leave the item for twenty-four hours… Do I need this? Was I killing time? Did I buy the item because it’s a trend?
Will it be useful and does it make me feel excited? Is there an obvious home for it where I live? Being truly honest with myself, how do I feel about buying it? Happy, excited, indifferent? If it’s an item of clothing, or shoes or accessories: can I think of at least three existing items in my wardrobe with which I could wear this? What is my emotional state in general today? Am I stressed, celebratory, feeling bad about myself, calm?
-clothes prep @nyt so ready by morning
-@home: Is there clutter? Does everything have a home? Do you have enough storage? Do you need everything? How does the room make you feel? Calm/happy/stressed/anxious Is it clean?
Does anything need fixing? Do you like the furnishings?
-diy pamper day- manipedi/ hair spa/ bodyscrub
-drink a glass of water for every toilet trip you take over the course of one day
-plan the route, ur order, itinerary AHEAD of time
-portion control, small plates, 1 tsp. sugar or honey forever then none
-concentrate on the first three mouthfuls of your morning brekkie and coffee
-Forest app 🌳 for digital detox
-turn off notifications, boundaries
-small increments/ improvements in 1area for longer
-sunshine file: compile/ write down reminders of times when you felt good about yourself
-you can have the most successful career, infinite amounts of money and good health, but you will still be unhappy if you don't have fulfilling personal relationships.
-two important lessons: that they will still be there when you return and that it's always better to decline an invitation and look after yourself than to try to stretch yourself in too many directions.
“Kaizen starts with a problem, or more precisely, with the recognition that a problem exists.”
-one task at a time, consistency first then vary according to ur pace
-brain dump anytime for less mental clutter
-mindful/ intentional eating and spending (mostly linked to emotions)
-non essentials: Leave the item for twenty-four hours… Do I need this? Was I killing time? Did I buy the item because it’s a trend?
Will it be useful and does it make me feel excited? Is there an obvious home for it where I live? Being truly honest with myself, how do I feel about buying it? Happy, excited, indifferent? If it’s an item of clothing, or shoes or accessories: can I think of at least three existing items in my wardrobe with which I could wear this? What is my emotional state in general today? Am I stressed, celebratory, feeling bad about myself, calm?
-clothes prep @nyt so ready by morning
-@home: Is there clutter? Does everything have a home? Do you have enough storage? Do you need everything? How does the room make you feel? Calm/happy/stressed/anxious Is it clean?
Does anything need fixing? Do you like the furnishings?
-diy pamper day- manipedi/ hair spa/ bodyscrub
-drink a glass of water for every toilet trip you take over the course of one day
-plan the route, ur order, itinerary AHEAD of time
-portion control, small plates, 1 tsp. sugar or honey forever then none
-concentrate on the first three mouthfuls of your morning brekkie and coffee
-Forest app 🌳 for digital detox
-turn off notifications, boundaries
-small increments/ improvements in 1area for longer
-sunshine file: compile/ write down reminders of times when you felt good about yourself
-you can have the most successful career, infinite amounts of money and good health, but you will still be unhappy if you don't have fulfilling personal relationships.
-two important lessons: that they will still be there when you return and that it's always better to decline an invitation and look after yourself than to try to stretch yourself in too many directions.
December 30, 2020
Labai praktiška knyga, prie kurios dar grįšiu, kad vis peržvelgti kokius patarimus, nes man įpročių tema yra labai aktuali. Tai viena iš tų knygų, kuri bus atversta dar ne sykį manau.
Kaizen japoniškas principas yra, kaip labai stipriai nekeičiant kasdienybės, nesiimant drastiškų pokyčių, rasti mažus žingsnius, kuriais galėtum keisti įpročius pamažu ir tik tokiu būdu prieti prie visai naujų, didelių dalykų...tai tarsi ir savęs pažinimo kelionė, kuri manau tikrai reikalinga šiame gausios informacijos ir triukšmo pasaulyje. Neretas savęs nelabai ir pažįstame ir nemokame tinkamai sau tikslų išsikelti.
Labai lengvai skaitėsi, su daug pavyzdžių (kas man patinka!) ir praktinių patarimų...Man patiko, kad joje gali rasti konkrečių idėjų, kaip keisti įpročius įvairiose gyvenimo srityse - sveikatoje, darbe, piniguose, namuose ar santykiuose. Taip pat įdomu šiek tiek susidurti su japoniškos kultūros įpročiais ir požiūriu, iš kurio tikrai yra ko pasimokyti.
Patiko požiūris, kad kiekvienas turi rasti savo Kaizen - tuos mažus žingsnelius, nuo kurių pradėti ir nesustoti, net jei, kartais ir nepavyksta-nepasiduoti, ieškoti naujų žingsnių, nuolat keistis į gera, ir kad kiekvieno patirtis visiškai skirsis nuo kito, nes esame unikalūs. Tai tik principai, bet įsiklausę į savo mintis ir kūną, kaip jie reaguoja į įpročius ir pagerinę kurią vieną sritį, įgysime pasitikėjimo savimi ir noriau imsimės ir daugiau pokyčių.
Kodėl tada ne 4, o 5? 🤷♀️😂 4,5, nes visgi man buvo per daug praktikos ir per mažai faktinės teorijos, nors daug kas ir paremta psichologijos žiniomis, ir pasakoja šiek tiek šio principo istorijos, bet norėjosi dar giliau pasikapstyti...bet kuriuo atveju LABAI rekomenduoju šią knygą, puiki self-help knyga.
Kaizen japoniškas principas yra, kaip labai stipriai nekeičiant kasdienybės, nesiimant drastiškų pokyčių, rasti mažus žingsnius, kuriais galėtum keisti įpročius pamažu ir tik tokiu būdu prieti prie visai naujų, didelių dalykų...tai tarsi ir savęs pažinimo kelionė, kuri manau tikrai reikalinga šiame gausios informacijos ir triukšmo pasaulyje. Neretas savęs nelabai ir pažįstame ir nemokame tinkamai sau tikslų išsikelti.
Labai lengvai skaitėsi, su daug pavyzdžių (kas man patinka!) ir praktinių patarimų...Man patiko, kad joje gali rasti konkrečių idėjų, kaip keisti įpročius įvairiose gyvenimo srityse - sveikatoje, darbe, piniguose, namuose ar santykiuose. Taip pat įdomu šiek tiek susidurti su japoniškos kultūros įpročiais ir požiūriu, iš kurio tikrai yra ko pasimokyti.
Patiko požiūris, kad kiekvienas turi rasti savo Kaizen - tuos mažus žingsnelius, nuo kurių pradėti ir nesustoti, net jei, kartais ir nepavyksta-nepasiduoti, ieškoti naujų žingsnių, nuolat keistis į gera, ir kad kiekvieno patirtis visiškai skirsis nuo kito, nes esame unikalūs. Tai tik principai, bet įsiklausę į savo mintis ir kūną, kaip jie reaguoja į įpročius ir pagerinę kurią vieną sritį, įgysime pasitikėjimo savimi ir noriau imsimės ir daugiau pokyčių.
Kodėl tada ne 4, o 5? 🤷♀️😂 4,5, nes visgi man buvo per daug praktikos ir per mažai faktinės teorijos, nors daug kas ir paremta psichologijos žiniomis, ir pasakoja šiek tiek šio principo istorijos, bet norėjosi dar giliau pasikapstyti...bet kuriuo atveju LABAI rekomenduoju šią knygą, puiki self-help knyga.
May 29, 2025
Dubbed as the “1% better every day” in the Western world, kaizen is a Japanese philosophy that emphasizes incremental progress through continuous improvement. Indeed, improving by 1% every day would yield 37 times more output by the end of the year. However, life isn't an empty road to cruise through without hurdles and progress isn't always linear and hence, there'll be days when improving by 1% would seem difficult. Kaizen is about small but consistent improvements.
One of the core elements of kaizen is approaching goals or objectives through the lens of first principles thinking, that is to break down complex processes into simple step-by-step approaches. Understanding kaizen encourages us to start first and identify the areas of improvement later. As we keep moving forward, kaizen pushes us to develop the necessary skills to find ways to keep improving till a point we minimize the time taken and maximize the efficiency or output. This Japanese philosophy was initially applied in the manufacturing of Toyota cars which later became the integral pillar of their assembly line and production process.
Kaizen is a way of life. Like Charlie Munger said, “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up. Discharge your duties faithfully and well. Step by step you get ahead, but not necessarily in fast spurts.” Personally, kaizen has helped me a lot in many aspects of life.
One of the core elements of kaizen is approaching goals or objectives through the lens of first principles thinking, that is to break down complex processes into simple step-by-step approaches. Understanding kaizen encourages us to start first and identify the areas of improvement later. As we keep moving forward, kaizen pushes us to develop the necessary skills to find ways to keep improving till a point we minimize the time taken and maximize the efficiency or output. This Japanese philosophy was initially applied in the manufacturing of Toyota cars which later became the integral pillar of their assembly line and production process.
Kaizen is a way of life. Like Charlie Munger said, “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up. Discharge your duties faithfully and well. Step by step you get ahead, but not necessarily in fast spurts.” Personally, kaizen has helped me a lot in many aspects of life.
January 8, 2023
Sarah Harvey moved to Japan from London. She has learned about Japanese culture through experience and summarized the Japanese method of kaizen. Have you heard of the Toyota Way, Marie Kondo´s art of organizing and Shinto cleaning?
To do things kaizen you make incremental changes, e.g. 1% steps of improvement at a time. In other words, no drastic changes. Kaizen is almost a philosophical method where processes that you focus on grow naturally with intention. Intention is the key. What you focus on improves and you should declutter and get rid of objects and thoughts that drain you of energy.
The contents in this book cover different areas of life and is a perfect read especially now at the beginning of the year when people are revising their habits and life choices. Sincerely though, this book is suitable any day of the year as a change can be made anytime.
I recommend this book/audiobook to people who are interested in personal growth, transformation, improvement, Japanese culture, routines and habits.
To do things kaizen you make incremental changes, e.g. 1% steps of improvement at a time. In other words, no drastic changes. Kaizen is almost a philosophical method where processes that you focus on grow naturally with intention. Intention is the key. What you focus on improves and you should declutter and get rid of objects and thoughts that drain you of energy.
The contents in this book cover different areas of life and is a perfect read especially now at the beginning of the year when people are revising their habits and life choices. Sincerely though, this book is suitable any day of the year as a change can be made anytime.
I recommend this book/audiobook to people who are interested in personal growth, transformation, improvement, Japanese culture, routines and habits.
January 4, 2021
Velmi základní představení metody kaizen. Úvodní část o tom, co kaizen je a jak metoda vznikla, byla zajímavá. Obrázky rovněž nádherné. Ale jinak celkem o ničem a navíc velmi... západně-new-age-hippie. Meditace a přechod k vegeteriánství nebo - nedej Bože! - k veganství jako řešení všech neduhů (návrh, aby si frustrovaný vegan dal třeba flákotu masa, jsem nějak postrádala), hodinové pauzy na oběd strávené v galeriích... No. Jsem ráda, že jsem si knihu přečetla, protože mi kaizen představila, přiznávám však, že jsem čekala víc než jen další self-help knihu.
June 30, 2021
The book is about practicing small habit for long time.
Having long , medium, small goals to achieve. If we plan long term goal, break into small goals to reach it.
Doing consistently is the key value. Having mindfulness so that doing small goals intially becomes easy. As nothing can ve achieved over night. Plan and work on it slowly yet steadily.
The book has 6 categories mainly.
1 Health
2 Work
3 Money
4 Home
5 Relationships
6 Habits and challenges
Take goals as per individual levels. Aim on one small task which can be done repeatedly.
Being detox healthwise or digital detox. Giving try and adjusting goals according to our work nature and how much we can do it. Book has so many tips set goals.
Book mainly focuses on living life minimal, happy , healthy life.
Having long , medium, small goals to achieve. If we plan long term goal, break into small goals to reach it.
Doing consistently is the key value. Having mindfulness so that doing small goals intially becomes easy. As nothing can ve achieved over night. Plan and work on it slowly yet steadily.
The book has 6 categories mainly.
1 Health
2 Work
3 Money
4 Home
5 Relationships
6 Habits and challenges
Take goals as per individual levels. Aim on one small task which can be done repeatedly.
Being detox healthwise or digital detox. Giving try and adjusting goals according to our work nature and how much we can do it. Book has so many tips set goals.
Book mainly focuses on living life minimal, happy , healthy life.
June 11, 2024
Interesting application of Kaizen to your personal life. Initially part of The Toyota Way, this book works through applying those same production techniques to improve your own health and happiness. Far from a deep dive into the full Kaizen methodology, it is a nice, concise primer for someone not already entrenched in this system.
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