Are you looking for change?

Each year, during the month of Ramadan, many people attempt to benefit from this distinguished period to seek positive changes in their lives. However, it is likely that many will fail in improving their lives, as those who seek change only during special occasions often face challenges. A few years ago, I attended a course about the kaizen method in management. Kaizen is a Japanese approach to change and development that emerged following Japan’s defeat in World War II. The Japanese applied this method to various aspects of life, from lifestyle to factory management.

Interestingly, this method succeeded in creating successful management despite the challenges faced by a people devastated by defeat and lacking essential production tools. What is the kaizen method that brought about such transformative change? Kaizen is a Japanese word composed of two parts — “kai,” meaning change, and “zen,” meaning better. The term signifies continuous improvement, a philosophy created by Taiichi Ohno to guide industrial and financial establishments and be implemented in all aspects of life.

This successful method is built on the principle of continuous change, emphasizing that change should not be temporary or a onetime replacement of a method. Instead, it should be a constant and ongoing process, regardless of its scale. The kaizen method became renowned for its slow and continuous approach to change, recognizing that most individuals struggle to make major changes abruptly.

Kaizen teaches us why we often fail when attempting to link our changes to religious or social occasions. True change doesn’t occur simply because we desire it during specific events. Instead, it happens when we genuinely believe in change and practice the correct method. We all seek changes in our lives, identifying certain traits we wish to overcome. However, we may lack the method to address these shortcomings. The Kaizen method guides us in eliminating shortcomings in our lives, factories and management. When we remove obstacles hindering progress and production, success becomes attainable.

I recommend studying the kaizen method to anyone seeking positive change. It successfully lifted a nation out of weakness and transformed it into a strong, developed nation. Having spent significant time with the Japanese, I can attest that the kaizen method has shaped the Japanese people into individuals who embrace change and achieve success.

As we enter this month of Ramadan, which aims to train us in patience, let us consider that change is a gradual process. If we genuinely want to change, let Ramadan be the start of a continuous journey toward improvement. Patience acquired during this month can guide us in sustaining positive changes throughout the years of our lives, recognizing that change is an ongoing process that requires dedication and practice.