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6 Japanese Principles of Self-Development
Use them to be a little bit better every day
Kaizen
Kaizen means “continuous improvement”. When applied to self-development, it consists of making daily changes and small improvements for continuous growth, to also avoid sudden or major transformations.
This principle is also used by some companies like Toyota. Kaizen aims to drive efficiency and quality through the implementation of small changes and processes that in the long term increase productivity and quality.
Ikigai
Ikigai is a concept that represents the convergence of four elements:
- What you love.
- What you are good at.
- What the world needs.
- What you can be paid for.
The term means “a reason for being”. At the intersection of the four elements lies a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The purpose of Ikigai is to help individuals find what they should be doing in their professional lives.
Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is the combination of two words: wabi (less is more) and sabi (attentive melancholy).