Continuous Improvement Mindset

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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:

1. What is our goal?
2. What is our plan to achieve the goal?
3. What are our next three top priority actions?
4. How will we measure our progress?
5. What is going well for us?
6. What is not going well?
7. 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?
8. 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.

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Further Reading in Personal Development

• Personal Development: Wise words from Jim Rohn
  Discover the one reason you are not doing very well.
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• Fantastic Quotes to Inspire You
  Personal development is about refining your thought processes, so that your mind conforms to your own ideas of perfection.
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• Seeking the Approval of Others
  The fear of rejection is, for many people, a deep seated fear. It is so deep seated and primitive a fear, that many are not consciously aware of its existence, though we are painfully aware of its effects.
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• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
  Imposter syndrome involves feeling that one's true abilities are inferior to their outward image, causing fears of being exposed as a fraud. This leads to self-doubt and anxiety, but it is possible to overcome these limiting beliefs.
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• What Skills Do I Need To Improve?
  Learn from expert trainer Chris Farmer the skills that you need to improve to progress in your professional life. Read advice in our online training blog.
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