It is reminding me of a powerful (yet small) book I read years ago called "one small step can change your life" by Robert Maurer, a psychologist on the staff at the UCLA medical school. He teaches "the kaizen way" which is the Japanese word for small, continuous improvement.
I do have one disagreement to this idea, though. With some changes, it is actually much easier to make a big structural or systemic change that solidifies the results we want. For example, getting rid of all sugary snacks in the house and making a rule to buy no more, is much easier to quit sugar than the long, hard path of eating just a smaller amount of sugar a day (which may take years, then backsliding.). Another example: Vietnam vets who came back from war environment, dramatically cut down on drug abuse. It was the environment change that made all the difference. Or, finding a new tool for productivity that could change how we work. Or, leaving an abusive partner rather than trying to adapt or reform them.
Perhaps first we can brainstorm structural changes, then if no oppty available there, start with a tiny step.
On Sep 25, 2016 George Kao wrote:
Beautiful and inspiring article!
It is reminding me of a powerful (yet small) book I read years ago called "one small step can change your life" by Robert Maurer, a psychologist on the staff at the UCLA medical school. He teaches "the kaizen way" which is the Japanese word for small, continuous improvement.
I do have one disagreement to this idea, though. With some changes, it is actually much easier to make a big structural or systemic change that solidifies the results we want. For example, getting rid of all sugary snacks in the house and making a rule to buy no more, is much easier to quit sugar than the long, hard path of eating just a smaller amount of sugar a day (which may take years, then backsliding.). Another example: Vietnam vets who came back from war environment, dramatically cut down on drug abuse. It was the environment change that made all the difference. Or, finding a new tool for productivity that could change how we work. Or, leaving an abusive partner rather than trying to adapt or reform them.
Perhaps first we can brainstorm structural changes, then if no oppty available there, start with a tiny step.