Forget Big Goals—Try This Instead

Read time 3 minutes

Hi, it’s Rohit!

When we think of growth, we often imagine dramatic change—quitting a job, starting a business, running a marathon. But the truth is: real transformation rarely happens in one big leap. It’s almost always the result of small, consistent steps.

This is the essence of the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen: continuous, incremental improvement. At its core, Kaizen is about progress without pressure.

Why does Kaizen matter?

• Big goals create resistance. The brain sees them as threats. But a 1% improvement feels safe—and doable.

• Consistency beats intensity. A small action done daily reshapes identity far more than a rare burst of effort.

• Improvement compounds. Just like money grows through compounding interest, habits compound through Kaizen.

Think of it this way: if you improve by just 1% every day, in one year you’ll be 37 times better. But the magic isn’t just in math—it’s in mindset. Kaizen shifts the focus from perfection to progress.

Here’s how you can practice Kaizen today:

1. Shrink the change. Instead of “I’ll meditate 20 minutes daily,” start with 2 minutes.

2. Anchor habits to existing routines. Read one page after your morning coffee. Take a 5-minute walk after lunch.

3. Reflect and refine. Kaizen is not about blind repetition—it’s about learning what works and adjusting.

The deeper insight here is this: Kaizen is less about doing more, and more about becoming someone who improves by default. When small wins accumulate, they don’t just change what you do—they change how you see yourself.

So, let me ask: What’s one area of your life where a 1% improvement, repeated daily, could create a breakthrough over the next year?

Stay patient, stay consistent, and let small steps unlock big shifts.

Until next week!
Rohit Makker

“1% Better Every Day”

P.S. Have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover? Feel free to reach out!