Archives for posts with tag: kaizen model

My Daily To Do List is Actually Fun. Here’s How.

August 7, 11 //
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Argh, to do lists. Is it possible that they can actually be fun?

Every day, there are a series of “A” priority tasks I need to accomplish in order to make a living. Some I am aware of when I make my daily to do list, and other unpredictable items come across my plate that I need to make a priority.

Then, there are a series of secondary priorities, or “B” items that sit just there. And so it goes.

This process caused me to be reactive instead of proactive.  Since I’ve been studying and embodying the Wellness Inventory, I’ve learned about the power of the Kaizen Model, Japanese for ”improvement” or “change for the better.” It refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon taking incremental, small steps toward continuous improvement.

It made me think about there are things on my to do list that I want to make a priority, but I never seem to get there because all the “A” priorities take over and I’m left feeling frustrated sometimes at the end of the day.

So, I created a daily to do list that that include things that are important to me but become “B” priorities.  Some of these things are actually what I love doing, and chores that when that when I remember, I am grateful because each small step leads me toward a greater goal of accomplishing what’s important to me. (more…)

Five Ways to Prevent Work Burnout

June 8, 11 //
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Are you feeling stressed or burnt out?

Burnout is an all too familiar phenomenon in all jobs at all levels.  It happens when we are stuck in jobs we do not like, in jobs that fail to satisfy our needs or in jobs that demand more time and energy than is physically and emotionally possible to maintain our happiness quotient. Even the word “work” sounds  serious and difficult, and that’s often the crux of the problem.

We use work to give structure to our time and meaning to our lives, to earn a living, to express our talents, our dreams, our creativity and even perhaps to change ourselves and the world at large. As such it is both a necessary and desirable way to spend our time. But when it becomes hard and serious to the point of causing excessive stress or a sense of personal frustration or worthlessness, it undermines both our health and our happiness and leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled.  It sucks, but it’s true.

Of course, you could make a drastic change and quit today, fly to a tropical beach somewhere and do nothing but sip a cocktail with a cute little umbrella in it.  But perhaps that’s not possible at the moment.  So in the meantime, it’s important to realize that you are the person who is responsible for your happiness and well being despite your feeling of burnout.  You can do something about it.

According to the Wellness Inventory, a holistic assessment and life-balance program, there are five ways to prevent burnout.

1.  Be Aware. Know that you are feeling burnt out. Simply acknowledge and accept that this is your reality.

2.  Self-care. Get plenty of good nutrition, exercise and create a supportive environment around you.

3.  Relax. Take time for regular deep relaxation and frequent mini-relaxations throughout the day. Mentally go to that tropical beach, meditate or listen to a piece of music to quiet your mind.

4.  Ask for What You Want. You may not know what you want, but perhaps you know what you don’t want.  Whatever the case, take a little time to drill down to what it is you really want and find ways to make it happen.  If you haven’t heard of the Japanese Kaizen Model for Continuous Improvement, consider its effectiveness.  In short, it means taking small steps in order to create big changes in your life.

5.  Take Time for Creativity.  Being creative is a wonderful way to relax and reduce stress.  Pull out the art supplies and draw with your kids, build a sandcastle on the beach or simply belt out your favorite song in the shower. Whatever it is that resonates for you, engage in an activity that allows your left brain to let go and your right brain to play.

What do you do to prevent burnout in your life?

Source: The Wellness Inventory