When it comes to self-improvement, most people set big, audacious goals. Setting those goals feels good. It pumps you up and you feel like you can conquer the world. But then . . . it happens. You have a setback and within a matter of days, your fiery ambition to change yourself is extinguished. And so you’re back to where you started, only you're even worse off than before because you're saddled with the sting of failure.But what if I said there’s a much more effective way to improve yourself and it just requires getting 1% better each day? It's called the Kaizen method. It sounds like a mystical Japanese philosophy passed down by wise, bearded sages who lived in secret caves, but it actually has a surprisingly American and modern origin. My guest today has written a book about this philosophy of small, continuous improvement used by Japanese carmakers for over 60 years. His name is Robert Maurer and his book is "One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way."Today on the show, Robert explains the American roots of this Japanese manufacturing process and how the Japanese re-introduced it to America in the 1970s. He then digs into the psychology of why the Kaizen method of improvement works so well not just for organizations but for individuals. We end our conversation with the practical ways you can incorporate Kaizen in your own life.

Dr. Robert Maurer, faculty member at UCLA and UW Schools of Medicine, discusses creating excellence one step at a time. Topics include the power of Kaizen, harnessing tools like automatic writing and mind sculpture, the importance of mental practice and visualization, techniques for improving healthcare, parenting advice, and the power of small steps and acts of kindness.

In this podcast, Dr. Robert Maurer discusses the concept of Kaizen and how making small steps can lead to big changes. He shares insights on why starting with small habits is more effective than setting large goals. The podcast explores the power of small steps in various areas of life, including relationships and creative progress. It also discusses the use of Kaizen in language learning and breaking tasks down. The episode concludes with a discussion on being present in conversations and a call to support the show.