Continuous Improvement Mindset
What is a Continuous Improvement Mindset?
Continuous improvement is an essential concept in business and in life. It suggests that no matter what the situation, improvement is always possible and should be strived for.
Is a Continuous Improvement Mindset Stressful?
I have recently read an article which suggested that adopting a continuous improvement mindset is negative because it imposes stress and suggests that we can never be happy; because no matter how good we are, we could and should be better. The article suggested that we should not take continuous improvement "too seriously" in order to preserve our happiness.
False Choice
There is no choice to be made between adopting a continuous improvement mindset and being happy.
It is perfectly possible to be both.
We call this mindset "happy, but not satisfied."
Happy, But Not Satisfied
This philosophy means that on each and every day, we are happy with what we have achieved so far, but we do not feel a sense of self-satisfaction; indeed, we feel excited about doing everything we can to actualise our full potential.
Continuous Improvement is Not a Demand for Perfection
Continuous improvement is an adventure where each and every day, we do whatever we can to add the maximum value to our friends, customers and family by developing our own skills.
Continuous Improvement Makes Us Happy
We do not believe that we have to choose between happiness and continuous improvement. Indeed, we believe - in fact, we know for certain - that it is possible to be happy as we work to fulfil our potential.
Continuous Improvement in Practice
To implement the philosophy of continuous improvement, we simply ask and answer the same questions every day:
- What is our goal?
- What is our plan to achieve the goal?
- What are our next three top priority actions?
- How will we measure our progress?
- What is going well for us?
- What is not going well?
- In relation to what is not going well, what do we need to change in our plan, or our action, that will get us back on track?
- How can we improve upon things we are already good at?
Eight Continuous Improvement Questions
Asking and answering these eight continuous improvement questions, and then acting on the answers, is a simple way to ensure that we are making continuous progress towards a better future.
Visions of a better future are the basis of optimism, and optimism leads to happiness.
This is how we can blend happiness with continuous improvement.
Personal Development Training
If you would like to know more about how to be happier and how to achieve more at work, then please attend our personal development training.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Personal Development
-
How to Gain Confidence
Would you like to be more confident? You are not alone. Many people lack confidence because their thought process is actually destroying their confidence. Here are three easy steps to improving your confidence.
Read Article > -
Habits of highly effective people - planning ahead
Planning ahead is the major habit of all highly effective people Do you know what are the subset goals that will form the steps towards your next major achievement? The atomic theory tells us that all big things are composed of a vast number of small things. Therefore all your elephant...
Read Article > -
How to Build More Self-Esteem
People who suffer with low self-esteem, generally under-perform in all areas of their life. It is possible to raise your self-esteem, and this blog shows you how you can develop your self-esteem and feel better about yourself on a daily basis.
Read Article > -
How to Develop Abilities and Talent
There is no such thing as natural ability. All successful people have studied and perfected their talents, so it appears easy. If you want to make a success of something, the first thing you need to develop is mental focus.
Read Article > -
Personal Development Develop a Positive Attitude
Positive people are mentally strong to cope with whatever life throws at them. Having a positive mental attitude is something that can be developed by mindfulness over your own thoughts. Increase your chances of success with a PMA.
Read Article >
Looking for Personal Development Training?
If you're looking to develop your Personal Development Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 5 days, London - Central, places available