Uncover Kaizen and Ikigai to Promote a Life of Purpose

Kaizen, a well-known Japanese business philosophy, is a way of life that values “lifelong learning in small incremental steps.” Ikigai, in contrast, promotes “a reason for being” or “a purpose to life.” Although seemingly different concepts, both work in harmony with one another as they support the fundamental process of continuous improvement.

Should You Consider Kaizen?

Years ago, I began applying the principles of Kaizen to my daily decision-making and activities. I used the principles in both my personal and work life. Instead of making quick, significant, and sweeping changes that sometimes led to unpredictable results, I discovered the value of taking a more measured, thoughtful approach.

Throughout the 47 years that I operated and managed my business, Studio 904 Hair Design, I conscientiously adopted the Kaizen philosophy. Adhering to its principles helped me provide excellent customer service to our clients, train and develop employees to give salon customers an unforgettable experience, and discover meaningful ways to give back to our community.

If you choose to assimilate Kaizen principles into your everyday life, think “small.” Here are six things to remember:

1. Take one small step at a time
2. Ask small questions
3. Solve small problems
4. Take small actions
5. Give small gifts
6. Enjoy small moments

 What about Ikigai?

According to traditional Japanese culture, everyone has an Ikigai. It is the basic principle in one’s life and the main reason to wake up each morning. Fulfilling one’s Ikigai is the secret to living a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

Finding Ikigai is difficult, as it requires a deep, often lengthy search into one’s soul. This search is regarded as the most essential aspect of one’s life. It is the point where one’s passion, talent, and life’s mission often intersect. The journey is worthwhile, though, because once there is a sense of purpose, people find they are even more resilient to anything life throws at them. When it comes time to retire from work, for example, most Japanese people are quite different from those in Western culture; few of them actually retire full-time. Their Ikigai allows them to thrive in every situation, so they find more joy in keeping busy and remaining active throughout their entire lives.

Here are the six things you should awaken in your heart to practice Ikigai in your daily life:

1. Find your passion, i.e, what you love
2. Identify your gifts, i.e, where you excel
3. Discover your values, i.e., how you see the world
4. Explore your possibilities, i.e., things you can do that would make a positive difference
5. Pinpoint the reason(s) why you get up every morning
6. Learn to live in the moment

Several years ago, I traveled to Okinawa in Japan. I experienced several noteworthy aspects that distinguished its culture from that of other places I had previously visited. As a result, I spent two years researching and studying the Kaizen and Ikigai philosophies. The time was well spent because I happily found my personal Ikigai: helping others find their inner strength and courage to live authentic, fulfilling, and contented lives. In other words, “My Ikigai is to support and strengthen the mindset and the skills of the people around me.”

Now, as we are midway through another challenging year, I want to share some of what I have learned so you can hopefully have the same positive experiences that come from embracing worthwhile philosophies.

Do you want to join me on a journey to develop your own Kaizen-Ikigai Vision Plan using the fundamentals of art? Do you want to take the following steps to live a happier, more fulfilling life? If the answer to both of these questions is “Yes,” then click here XXXXX to register for my Six-Day Kaizen-Ikigai Art Journey. Participation is absolutely free.

• Tools needed to travel on this journey: Blank paper or a sketch book, pencil, pen, colored markers, coloring pencils, crayons, or any other art material you already have on hand.
• I will send out an email invite each day so you can work on your journey one day at a time.

As you travel on this journey with me, you will reflect, draw, and write. Using these tools, you will uncover your gifts, passions, values, and purpose for being. You will experience less stress, get more accomplished with what you enjoy doing, improve your relationships with others, and learn to open new pathways to creativity and abundance. When you have completed your journey, you will have consolidated all your discoveries into a personal Kaizen-Ikigai Vision Plan to use in your new life.

Join me! The only requirement is that you bring an abundance of enthusiasm and ideas!