I love that the new year brings a fresh start for many—a chance to start a new goal or focus on a resolution—sure, I know these can start any time in any month of the year, but there is something inspiring about the clean slate of January. And even more than liking new goals, I'm a person who admires the spirit of "kaizen," or continuous improvement.
In business, kaizen means you're always looking at processes, ideas, and structures, even the ones that work beautifully, to improve and smooth things without taking them offline. In my personal life, I strive to implement the spirit of kaizen by living my life to the fullest while always looking at how I can elevate my thoughts, improve my relationships, and strengthen my spirituality and optimism. This year is no different, and rather than making hard-and-fast goals, my kaizen quest involves improvement through adding some things in, and paring some things out.
As I look at what I'd like to reduce in my life, it's the negative noise and chatter of the world. I know it's important to live in the world and understand it well, but for me, I need to check that balance because so much of the media is polarizing and negative. Those of you who know me well know that I'm a long-time news junkie. But believe it or not, I've turned off my talk radio in favor of classical music. I've stopped watching the steady stream of cable news and replaced it with good books and very selective shows that have a positive message. (Hint: The jury is out on the season's newest judges, but you KNOW I'll be watching American Idol!) In the past month or so, since I began "cutting out," I can feel my stress level drop and my ability to listen rise. I feel like I'm more receptive to the needs of my family, a better listener to colleagues at work, and most importantly, I'm more open to the promptings of the spirit.
Which brings me to what I'm trying to add IN to my life. Many of you know that my Christian values are at my core. The gospel guides me and gives me comfort and direction no matter the hardship I am facing. I believe my Savior loves and knows me personally and without that connection I would be lost. I cherish my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this year, I am adding a heightened dose of daily personal scripture study. I've also begun listening to the audio dramatizations of the Old Testament and I am growing to love and know these characters—from Esther to Elijah!--like they were my own family. My church has a website replete with video and printed messages on a variety of inspiring topics from patience to service that I'm treasuring.
Additionally, I'm seeking improvement through enlightenment in other areas. There is an app that I love from "The Secret." It offers a daily message that I can't wait to read each day on my iPad. It just starts my day off on a strong, bright note. And finally, although this may sound crazily simple, I am working to elevate my life through more laughter. I've always been a natural "laugher," able to see the humor in a good joke or a silly YouTube video or a wacky story from one of my co-workers. But I'm going to do it MORE, because I know that laughter heals, helps, and is absolutely contagious! I find myself seeking situations where I can laugh, whether that's surrounded by dear friends, taking in a little comedy, or watching streamed NetFlix videos while I'm on the treadmill at home—my favorites are the '60s romantic comedies. A little Doris Day or Cary Grant can really put a smile on your face!
Now, all of this isn't to say that I'm ignoring the challenges of the economy or those in need of my service or charity. I know there are storms, and devastation, and unrest and political turmoil at home and across the globe. But I also truly, deeply believe that I will be the best steward of strength for others if I focus on what is positive and beautiful. That's my kaizen quest for 2013. What are you adding in, cutting out, and working to improve in 2013? Wishing you well always on your quest for greater happiness!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Adding In, Cutting Out
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Loved your post Jeanette. I pray this new year brings you closer to the Lord, open to the workings of the Holy Spirit and lots and lots of laughs!!! What a great combo! Wishing you the best. Love and Prayers, Karen
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I feel like I'm constantly adding in more instead of looking at how to simplify. My goal for 2013 is to make sure I'm sleeping enough, which certainly means my list of "must do" items needs some careful consideration. Wishing you lots of peace and joy in 2013.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am looking to cut out some of the negative forces in my life so that I can be more a part of my family's life. My kids are growing so fast and I already miss those pudgy toddler years, though we still seem to have the fingerprints on all surfaces. :) Thank you for sharing your uplifting message with us. I wish you and your family all the best.
ReplyDeleteI cut out the constant news cycle as well. I was far too addicted to it. I definitely feel much lighter after removing the constant analysis and prediction of what's to come in the news. I will add more exercise and more time working on my craft projects. It's going to be a great year!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your post Jeanette. I love the way you let us know you. You make me feel special. This year I'm not so much cutting things out but adding things. Just like you I'm adding more Bible study in my life. I'm having more friends over and I'm adding my spiritual journey more into my crafting. So far, I've ralized that the more GOOD things I add in I don't even notice all the negative things that have gone away...without me even putting effort to it. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI love your kaizen quest! I have found that as I study my scriptures more, listen to the BYU-I devotionals and conference talks... I am not able to tolerate the talk radio shows like I used to. I want to be informed, but the contention is just too much.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I feel like I am more open to the Spirit and I am able to make a bigger difference in the lives of the people I see everyday.
Thanks for your insights, Jeanette!
ReplyDeleteMy kaizen quest is to "cut the fat"!
Now before you laugh out loud knowing me, the "fat" comes in many forms…yes the "fat" is around the middle (only) so that's gotta go!
In my day job, I vow to cut the "fat" on my customer service calls to be more efficient and to alleviate that "unnecessary excellence" oxymoron that I am well known for. The "fat" also comes from years of hoarding…uh collecting things and not using it. It's mercy cleaning time! Trash or Treasure!
There is more personal "fat" to cut, and while I haven't figured that kaizen solution yet, I will!
I love your post, and your plans for 2013. I wish you happiness and peace in your quest, Jeanette. Mine is similar in nature and not a resolution really. I plan to try and live by the phrase, "Never let anyone dull your sparkle!" I, too, need to keep out the negativity that so easily drags us down into the depths of sadness. I also want to take it a step further too by not being the one to dull another person's sparkle. God bless and best wishes this year! :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you on your kaizen quest, Jeanette. I am focusing on prioritizing my life to ensure that my energies are leading me to joy. I am allowing myself to question the usual, the expected, the routine and to determine if they still lead to positive outcomes. Here's to a joyous 2013!
ReplyDeleteI got rid of the tv in October 2012 after not turning it on for over a year. Most nights I listen to Christisn music while the lord leads me in my direction for making papercrafting projects to share with others. The blessings my first six months as an consultant have been awesome including bringing someone a handmade wreath and arriving just while she was thinking of ending it all. Instead the wreath shared God's love and me a thankful heart for the design skills. My goal for 2013 writing about 3 gifts everyday for over 1000 gifts in a year.
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