In Japan, the word for constant and never-ending improvement is kaizen. Not only is kaizen an operating philosophy for modern Japanese businesses, it’s also the age-old philosophy of the warrior class—and it has become the personal mantra of millions of successful people all over the world. Virtually all world-class achievers, in business, sports, and arts, are committed to continual improvement. They understand that in order to succeed in an ever-changing world, they must constantly learn and evolve. They don’t wait until external influences, such as a teacher, manager, or industry development force them to gain new skills or knowledge. Rather, they are self-motivated learners constantly looking for new ways to improve their performance and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Ghandi