Let’s get 1% better today. Not just today, but with every moment of today. Every opportunity we have to get better…let’s do that. Continuous improvement is a decision to make small changes and improvements every day, with the expectation that those small improvements will add up to something significant over time. If we try to take “big leaps” in achieving our goals we may experience burnout, frustration, and failure. Instead, we should focus on doing things a little bit better and focus our efforts on slowly and slightly adjusting our normal everyday habits and behaviors. The little things often lead to allowing the big things to happen. Sticking with the basics of “just get better today” is not impressive in the headlines, but …it does work. Here are a few thoughts to help you (and me) strive for that one percent better every day.
Focus on the one percent. Don't try to change everything at once. Focus on making small, incremental changes that will add up over time. Be persistent in your journey and don’t give up if you don't see results immediately. There will be challenges, setbacks, failure, and frustration. Continue making small changes in your daily process and eventually you will see a difference. Be patient with the process…ok…raise your hand if this is you…my had is raised too…patience (grrr). It takes time to build sustainable success. Don't expect to see results overnight. Don't be afraid to try new things. The best way to find out what works is to experiment and see what happens. Remember…if it does not work…you have learned a new way to NOT do something. Think of this step as “lessons and not losses”. Don’t be afraid to change…Be willing to change. Be willing to change your approach if what you are currently doing isn't working. Fear of change will hold you back and slow down your progress.
Stay positive throughout the process. A positive attitude, a positive mindset will help you stay motivated and provide momentum when things get tough. Be grateful for the small successes along the way. This will help you stay motivated and keep going. Be humble and stay humble. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You don’t know everything…and you can’t do everything. However, with others, you become stronger and more successful. The last two thoughts are the most important of all. Be ethical and choose to do the right thing, even when it's difficult. The right thing is not always the easy thing, it is not often the popular thing…but it is the right thing. Your ethics, character, and integrity need to be your foundation. And finally, be yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. Be authentic and people will be drawn to you.