In recent discussions, the Kaizen philosophy has gained notable attention. Originating from Japan, Kaizen emphasises continuous improvement through small, incremental steps. This concept resonates well with the ancient wisdom shared by Laozi: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”.
I’ve been reading Robert Maurer’s book, *One Small Step Can Change Your Life*, which I highly recommend. The book not only advocates for daily minor improvements towards achieving goals but also delves deep into managing the fear associated with change.
Maurer explains that the fear of change is deeply embedded in the human brain. When faced with new challenges or opportunities, this fear can either manifest as excitement or, unfortunately, cause some to retreat and give up through fear.
The Kaizen approach of taking small, “non-threatening” steps daily effectively bypasses this fear response, fostering more consistent growth over time. This technique is particularly beneficial in environments that require continual adaptation and growth, such as workplaces, educational institutions, and personal development areas.
A particularly interesting aspect for me when working with students has been the use of small, targeted questions to mitigate fear. Through discussions with colleagues and applying this in real-life settings, I have seen the significant impact of questioning on growth. Maurer emphasises that a well-placed question acts as a “wake-up call” to the brain, keeping the amygdala—the center for fear responses—quiet, while activating the cortex, the area responsible for thoughtful consideration.
Whilst questioning has always been a part of my practice, I have been developing more specific and focused questions inspired by Kaizen to guide feedback and encourage growth among my students and cast members. The results have been promising; students seem not only more open to adopting a growth mindset, but they also seem to engage more actively and positively with feedback.
I’ve found the principles of Kaizen valuable and, if you are not familiar, I encourage you to have a look into the methods and see if it can inspire you too!
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