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How to Set Goals with Kaizen & Ikigai: A Japanese strategy-setting guide. Focus, cure procrastination, & increase personal productivity.
Do you have trouble setting and achieving your goals?
Do you procrastinate, or put things off till the last moment?
Do you know why 80% of New Year's Resolutions have failed by February? Because most people were simply never taught how to set goals properly. The majority of projects are never completed on time, and most people find it difficult to stay motivated.
The solution lies in understanding the innate psychological forces--that try to trip you up, and prevent you from accomplishing your goals.
What if I told you that the Japanese have solved this problem?
In this book, we'll be introducing you to 3 concepts from Japan:
Hansei: The art of honest self-reflection. Ikigai: How to find your "true calling." and Kaizen: Goal achievement--through incremental progress.Read on, and you'll understand why so many Fortune 500 companies (like Toyota, Nestle, & Lockheed Martin) have enthusiastically adopted Kaizen, with great success.
And the best part is, it doesn't matter if you're a student, a dieter, or an entrepreneur, these techniques will work for you!
THIS BOOK WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO ACCOMPLISH ANY GOAL YOU SET!
We will bypass the typical "productivity nonsense," and show you how to set ambitious goals, and stick to them--to make your vision of the future a reality!
You will learn:
Why traditional goal-setting causes so many people (and projects) to fail. How to end procrastination forever. The Japanese trick to find your purpose, and foster intrinsic motivation. The Asian psychological technique that turns your mind into a productivity machine!As you become familiar with Kaizen, you'll find yourself wondering how you ever got along without it.
Get the book today to learn more!
105 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2019
411 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 11, 2019
I'm always on the lookout for books that incorporate Kaizen into personal improvement and development. Being a big fan of Dr. Robert Maurer and Matthew E. May I have found that these small books can deliver a big impact on your life, so I was really excited about this book. Unfortunately, although the audiobook was okay, I did not find it at the same caliber as the above-mentioned authors.
The author provides many scenarios but doesn't provide actual examples of how people implemented various tactics. There are a lot of "you can" scenarios as opposed to "he/she did" examples. This made it difficult to connect with the situations.
The other thing I found a bit disenchanting is how some of the steps he mentions as "Kaizen" are not the smallest step one could take. For example "walking for a mile" is a pretty big step for someone leading a sedentary life. How about walking 10 yards or walking in place for one minute. Another example he discusses is not going out to eat if you are in that habit. How about starting with one less appetizer or one last bite.
Finally, I did not feel connected to this book and I think that's an important piece for a novice who's trying to implement Kaizen into their personal life. The book felt forced as opposed to a work of passion by the author. There was discussion on the connection between the four concepts that the author introduced and there was far too little time spent on hansei. As I have learned after many years of studying kaizen, hansei is the secret sauce to lasting improvement.
The author provides many scenarios but doesn't provide actual examples of how people implemented various tactics. There are a lot of "you can" scenarios as opposed to "he/she did" examples. This made it difficult to connect with the situations.
The other thing I found a bit disenchanting is how some of the steps he mentions as "Kaizen" are not the smallest step one could take. For example "walking for a mile" is a pretty big step for someone leading a sedentary life. How about walking 10 yards or walking in place for one minute. Another example he discusses is not going out to eat if you are in that habit. How about starting with one less appetizer or one last bite.
Finally, I did not feel connected to this book and I think that's an important piece for a novice who's trying to implement Kaizen into their personal life. The book felt forced as opposed to a work of passion by the author. There was discussion on the connection between the four concepts that the author introduced and there was far too little time spent on hansei. As I have learned after many years of studying kaizen, hansei is the secret sauce to lasting improvement.
August 8, 2021
Real life example explained in details like why we could not follow our goals
Liked the correlation between the four concepts (lingchi,hansei,kaizen, ). Each explained with detailed example that most of us can co relate to our own life , for example instead of reading for an exam next day ,spending the night doing random things. Also beautifully explained how we know what need to be done to improve our work\situation instead of being an busy idiot doing things of less importance. I could relate the practice the lessons learned in real life.
Liked the correlation between the four concepts (lingchi,hansei,kaizen, ). Each explained with detailed example that most of us can co relate to our own life , for example instead of reading for an exam next day ,spending the night doing random things. Also beautifully explained how we know what need to be done to improve our work\situation instead of being an busy idiot doing things of less importance. I could relate the practice the lessons learned in real life.
August 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book - an excellent book to read after ‘Ikigai’. The core is simple but encouraging - basically instead of looking at the big goal (thus getting overwhelmed and putting it off), focus on making one tiny improvement every day. He touched on fitness, wealth, relationships. I just wish it was a little longer
December 12, 2021
Comparable to Atomic Habits but with an Eastern twist
I found most of the book very informative. It provided explanations and useful tools to put the concepts of - - - Lingchi
- Hansei
- Ikigai
- Kaizen
To work for you.
Around the 80% mark and for the next 10% of the book I felt the tonality and ideas of the book shift off and it felt like filler. However around the 90% mark he got back on track.
I was going to give it a 4 star review but the last 10% redeemed itself.
Worth getting.
I found most of the book very informative. It provided explanations and useful tools to put the concepts of - - - Lingchi
- Hansei
- Ikigai
- Kaizen
To work for you.
Around the 80% mark and for the next 10% of the book I felt the tonality and ideas of the book shift off and it felt like filler. However around the 90% mark he got back on track.
I was going to give it a 4 star review but the last 10% redeemed itself.
Worth getting.
January 25, 2022
I enjoyed this book. It was an excellent selection for me at this stage of my life.
I do tend to procrastinate at times but taking small steps usually works. I only knew
about Ikigai. But now I understand how it is connected to Lingchi, Hansei and Kaizen.
I like Lingchi. When I reflect on my own life, I see the application of Lingchi. This knowledge
can lead to actions, thus preventing 'death from a thousand cuts.'
I do tend to procrastinate at times but taking small steps usually works. I only knew
about Ikigai. But now I understand how it is connected to Lingchi, Hansei and Kaizen.
I like Lingchi. When I reflect on my own life, I see the application of Lingchi. This knowledge
can lead to actions, thus preventing 'death from a thousand cuts.'
October 14, 2023
Hidden gem
I have read dozens of productivity and self development books. They are all filled with unnecessary parts that make them too long and they are nothing more than glorified blog posts. This one is different, I found every part to be of relevance. The author mixes philosophy, practical advice and even engineering to create a well rounded action plan for whomever needs help setting goals and achieve them. Will read again.
I have read dozens of productivity and self development books. They are all filled with unnecessary parts that make them too long and they are nothing more than glorified blog posts. This one is different, I found every part to be of relevance. The author mixes philosophy, practical advice and even engineering to create a well rounded action plan for whomever needs help setting goals and achieve them. Will read again.
November 15, 2020
The book is a must-read for those who truly want to know the secret behind accomplishing their goal.
Concepts like Lingchi, Kaizen and Ikigai explained with a lucid description with relatable examples, makes it interesting to read.
A highly recommended book for learning important life lessons.
Concepts like Lingchi, Kaizen and Ikigai explained with a lucid description with relatable examples, makes it interesting to read.
A highly recommended book for learning important life lessons.
November 16, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! The author created the perfect blend of action items, examples, powerful quotes, illustrations and scannable content. But his writing style was also easy, soothing, even meditative. It was never a chore to read and every chapter had something genuinely meaningful to say. I cannot recommend this one enough for people looking to get unstuck and find ways forward.
May 13, 2024
A methods book, short and sweet
I like this book because the author lays out four key principles that anyone can adopt, and he does so in a humorous way. If you are interested in self improvement, but find the "classical" approaches either daunting or not giving you results, try this book.
I like this book because the author lays out four key principles that anyone can adopt, and he does so in a humorous way. If you are interested in self improvement, but find the "classical" approaches either daunting or not giving you results, try this book.
February 17, 2020
A work of great utility
As far as I go, I find that this book is highly transforming for me. Even if I take very few ideas out of the work, I am benefited a great deal. I thank the author for his endeavor. I suggest that the book is apt for a repeated reading.
As far as I go, I find that this book is highly transforming for me. Even if I take very few ideas out of the work, I am benefited a great deal. I thank the author for his endeavor. I suggest that the book is apt for a repeated reading.
May 12, 2020
Loved this!
Combining these four ideas into one easy to read book was awesome! I think my understanding of each principal has been increased by at least 10x. May purchase few my kids as a gift.
Combining these four ideas into one easy to read book was awesome! I think my understanding of each principal has been increased by at least 10x. May purchase few my kids as a gift.
January 4, 2022
While there were a couple chapters that I felt didn't apply to me (or weren't what I wanted out of the book), such as Kaizen and Exercise, I still felt they were well written and informative. The four aspects put together work really well, and I feel prepared to tackle my goals with them.
June 5, 2022
Refreshing book
It is amazing to read especially the first five
chapters.Other chapters are extension and utility of Kaizen principles.I loved this book.The author has encashed all the important principles in this little companion. Simply I love this book.
It is amazing to read especially the first five
chapters.Other chapters are extension and utility of Kaizen principles.I loved this book.The author has encashed all the important principles in this little companion. Simply I love this book.
November 1, 2024
practical and Insightful
This book is a great way to see your pursuit of goal attainment from a practical standpoint. Every book I’ve read on setting goals never touched me the way this book did. It’s a guide to pursue your best self.
This book is a great way to see your pursuit of goal attainment from a practical standpoint. Every book I’ve read on setting goals never touched me the way this book did. It’s a guide to pursue your best self.
January 22, 2020
The book is well-written and informative of key Chinese and Japanese methods for improving productivity.
July 14, 2021
Amazing book.
It was awesome book..lot more things learnt from the simple book..Very profound and must read for those who wants to upgrade in all areas of life
It was awesome book..lot more things learnt from the simple book..Very profound and must read for those who wants to upgrade in all areas of life
July 1, 2023
This is a good book for somebody who is not familiar with these concepts. I teach these every day, but he did a great job of explaining it, so giving it four stars.
January 20, 2024
It's a little of everything: goal setting, habits, kaizen, and ikigai. I think other books that focus on a single topic are more useful since they provide more stories, examples, and tips.
November 30, 2024
An excellent book! Written in simple terms, it provides tremendous help in finding focus and direction in your life. The advice is straightforward yet profoundly useful. I highly recommend it as the perfect read for a relaxing weekend.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews