As we stick with the Thursday’s Theme of Motivation, I want to talk a little about Kaizen (the Japanese concept that small changes can produce dramatic results). When it comes to change, most people either JUMP in head first or they make RADICAL changes to try to get their desired results.
Let me show you the power of how SMALL changes can deliver BIG results.
A year ago, I was teaching 6th grade Science. Teaching nowadays is not the same as teaching 20, even 10, years ago. It’s much more demanding, requires longer hours, and places more stress on you than I ever imagined. Parents do not treat teachers like they did back when I was in school. When teachers inform parents about their child’s unruly behavior, some parents find it hard to believe that their child would ever disrupt class or act out - and instead, blame the teacher.
YES! The world is changing.
Due to this work-related stress, I started getting nerve twitches in my right leg.
I was limping and sometimes had to walk with a CANE!
Rewind to January 2006 - I started making small changes. I visited the gym daily. I found a new machine that I really liked: One machine that worked every body part. My thinking was that if I could start strengthening ALL my muscles - #1) my pain would go away #2) my leg would get stronger.
I went EVERY DAY to the gym. Did I feel like going? Sometimes. Did I push myself to do hard grueling workouts everytime? NO. At first, I did a bunch of cardio and LIGHT leg routines. Nothing too major. Then, I started working out all my muscles.
Next month, I was limping ONCE a week instead of DAILY!
Summer rolled around and I was limping ONCE a month instead of WEEKLY!
2007 jumped up on us, and I have NO LIMP! I have never felt better!
Small changes have the power to deliver big results! I tell you this to motivate you to incorporate this "Small Changes" concept in your life, in all areas of your life, and start seeing positive results.
Onwards and Upwards,
Kit
