Last week, after wrapping up my session in Penang Island, Malaysia, I headed to Seremban Negeri Sembilan, about a 3-hour drive away. I decided to cruise in my trusty old-school Swedish Sleeper, the Volvo 850R, and man, did I enjoy the ride!
Now, the session in Seremban was all about Peak Performance and Positive Mindset. We had people from various levels of the German factory attending. I gotta say, those 2 days were interesting and full of energy. Out of all the points, notes, and real-life cases I shared, there’s one solid mantra I want to share with you too.
I call it the “1% Improvement on Daily Basis.”
What is it actually?
It’s simpleå. Just focus on improving yourself, your family, your office, your health, your relationships with people, and your connection with the Big Guy upstairs – all by just 1% every day. Small steps, big impact!
During the session, I emphasized to the participants that bombarding them with numerous tasks would likely lead to failure. Instead, I advocated for a gradual evolution of improvement, akin to the Japanese concept of “Kaizen” and the Islamic principle of “Istiqamah.”
The key is to focus on continuous improvement, ensuring that progress is made. No matter how small the steps may be, as long as there is consistent growth and enhancement, it is commendable.
I urged them to commence this journey by undertaking even the smallest tasks daily, as every effort contributes to the overall improvement.
That was the core message I conveyed to them.
During the session, I took the opportunity to elaborate on the concepts of “Kaizen” and “Istiqamah” to the participants.
Firstly, I shared the Japanese philosophy of “Kaizen,” which translates to “continuous improvement.” In essence, it emphasizes the notion of making small, incremental changes consistently over time to achieve significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and overall quality. By embracing Kaizen, individuals, and organizations can create a culture of constant learning and adaptation, leading to sustainable growth and success.
Secondly, I delved into the Islamic principle of “Istiqamah,” which denotes steadfastness and constancy in one’s actions and faith. In the context of personal development and improvement, Istiqamah encourages individuals to remain dedicated to their goals and beliefs, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. By practicing Istiqamah, one can cultivate discipline, resilience, and a sense of purpose, contributing to personal growth and spiritual development.
I highlighted how both Kaizen and Istiqamah share the common thread of consistent progress and perseverance. Whether applied to professional working life or personal growth, these principles can serve as powerful guiding forces, propelling individuals towards continuous improvement and a path of excellence.
I encouraged the participants to embrace these philosophies in their daily lives, striving for constant improvement and steadfastness in their endeavors. By doing so, they can unlock their full potential and pave the way for long-term success and fulfillment.
The essence of a 1% improvement
The principle of 1% improvement centers on the idea that even the tiniest positive changes, when compounded daily, can result in substantial advancements. Instead of striving for drastic changes that may lead to burnout or overwhelm, individuals and businesses focus on making small, manageable improvements in various aspects of life or operations. This approach emphasizes consistency, perseverance, and a growth mindset.
Examples of 1% Improvement:
- Health and Fitness: Instead of setting unrealistic fitness goals, commit to adding just a few minutes of physical activity to your daily routine, like a short walk after meals or a quick stretching session in the morning. Over time, these small efforts can lead to improved stamina, better flexibility, and enhanced overall well-being.
- Time Management: Aim to eliminate distractions for just 10 minutes during your workday and dedicate that time to focused, uninterrupted work. Gradually increase this time as you become more accustomed to concentrated efforts, resulting in heightened productivity and efficiency.
- Learning and Skill Development: Set aside a few minutes each day to read educational articles or watch instructional videos related to your field of interest. The accumulation of knowledge, even in bite-sized portions, can expand your expertise and lead to long-term career growth.
- Financial Savings: Devote a small percentage of your income, such as 1%, to savings or investments regularly. Consistent contributions can lead to significant savings over time, providing financial security and opportunities for future endeavors.
- Personal Relationships: Take a moment each day to express gratitude or offer encouragement to a loved one or colleague. These small acts of kindness strengthen relationships and create a positive and supportive environment.
- Business Growth: Encourage employees to share one small process improvement idea each day. Over time, the cumulative effect of these incremental changes can lead to streamlined operations, increased productivity, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
The journey of 1% improvement daily might seem modest at first glance, but its impact should not be underestimated. By embracing this concept and consistently making small, positive changes in various aspects of life and work, individuals and organizations can experience remarkable transformations. Whether it’s in health, productivity, personal relationships, or business growth, the power of incremental progress lies in its ability to foster continuous improvement and unlock the full potential of individuals and teams alike.
So, let’s begin this journey of constant growth and witness the profound impact of a 1% improvement in our lives.
1% Improvement in Health: In the context of health, the concept of 1% improvement involves making small, sustainable changes to daily habits and routines. Rather than trying to overhaul one’s entire lifestyle overnight, individuals can focus on incorporating tiny adjustments that contribute to better overall well-being. For instance, committing to drinking an extra glass of water each day, adding a serving of fruits or vegetables to meals, or dedicating a few minutes to gentle stretching can all be part of the 1% improvement approach. Over time, these small changes can lead to significant health benefits, such as increased energy levels, improved immune function, and enhanced physical fitness.
1% Improvement for Religion: In matters of faith and spirituality, 1% improvement centers on nurturing a deeper connection with one’s beliefs and values. Individuals can set aside a few moments each day for prayer, meditation, or reflection, gradually increasing the time and depth of their spiritual practices. Engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering to help others can also be part of this journey of growth and service. Over time, the cumulative effect of these incremental efforts can lead to a stronger sense of purpose, inner peace, and a more profound understanding of one’s spiritual path.
1% Improvement for Family: In family dynamics, 1% improvement revolves around building stronger relationships and fostering a supportive and harmonious environment. Small gestures, such as actively listening to family members, expressing appreciation, or spending a few extra minutes bonding with loved ones each day, can make a significant difference. By consistently nurturing positive interactions and resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding, family bonds can grow deeper and more resilient over time.
1% Improvement in Relationships: In the context of personal relationships outside of the family, 1% improvement involves being present and attentive in our interactions with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Engaging in active listening, empathizing with others’ perspectives, and offering genuine support are all part of the 1% improvement approach. These small acts of kindness and consideration can strengthen the fabric of relationships, fostering trust, respect, and a sense of camaraderie.
1% Improvement for Work: In the workplace, 1% improvement emphasizes continuous growth and refinement of skills and performance. Employees can aim to enhance their abilities through incremental learning and seeking feedback to address areas of improvement. Setting specific, achievable goals each day and consistently striving to meet them can contribute to heightened productivity and overall career advancement. Additionally, creating a positive and supportive work environment through acts of kindness and cooperation can elevate team morale and foster a sense of unity among colleagues.
1% Improvement in Self-Discovery: In the realm of self-discovery and personal growth, 1% improvement encourages individuals to explore new interests, develop hobbies, or pursue knowledge outside their comfort zones. Allocating small portions of time each day for self-reflection and journaling can also aid in understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. This journey of self-discovery enables individuals to uncover hidden talents, cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.
The 1% improvement approach is a powerful tool for personal and professional development across various aspects of life. By focusing on small, consistent changes in health, religion, family, relationships, work, and self-discovery, individuals can create a ripple effect of positive transformation. As we continue on this journey of incremental growth, let us remember that every small step counts and that even the tiniest improvements can lead to significant and lasting changes in our lives and the lives of those around us.
