I am a public procurement expert with almost 20 years of research and hands-on experience in a variety of regulatory environments . I am also a part-time University Lecturer on industrial organization and market design. am committed to ensuring 'thinking and doing' in procurement coexist under one roof, with my research and civil service practice constantly informing each other

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Gian Luigi Albano

Emails: gla@gianluigialbano.com   |  galbano@luiss.it  |  gianluigi.albano@consip.it

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Books&Ideas: "Atomic Habits" and Kaizen

2024-07-14 12:58

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Books&Ideas: "Atomic Habits" and Kaizen

I bumped into “Atomic Habits” half by accident and half some sort of mental correlation with another recently finished book “The Subtle Art of Not Giv

I bumped into “Atomic Habits” (James Clear) half by accident and half by some sort of mental correlation with another recently finished book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” (Mark Manson). The topic of transforming one's life is so wide (and sometimes daunting) that it would be insane to come up with sensible and succint comments. Let's say that I was intrigued by the very down-to-earth, practical approach of both books. At the same time, I could not help but notice that there seems to exist a link - or at the very list I seem to perceive it - with a very ancient (and slippery concept) in the Japanese philosophy: Kaizen.

 

Here is why reading Atomic Habits has triggered a more intense curiosity to investigate Kaizen. The former provides a structured, systematic approach; offers specific strategies and tactics (e.g., habit stacking, environment design); focuses on creating a clear framework for habit formation and change; and aims to be immediately applicable and actionable. Kaizen is more open-ended and flexible, emphasizes the philosophy of continuous improvement without prescribing specific methods, allows for diverse interpretations and applications; and can be adapted to various contexts and personal preferences

This difference highlights an interesting contrast:

  1. Prescriptive vs. Principle-based: Atomic Habits offers a more prescriptive approach, while Kaizen provides guiding principles.
  2. Specificity vs. Adaptability: Atomic Habits gives specific tools, whereas Kaizen encourages finding one's own path to improvement.
  3. Western vs. Eastern philosophy: Atomic Habits reflects a more Western approach of systematization, while Kaizen embodies Eastern philosophy's emphasis on harmony and flow.
  4. Short-term vs. Long-term focus: While both consider long-term progress, Atomic Habits often emphasizes quicker, visible results, whereas Kaizen focuses on lifelong, sometimes imperceptible improvements.

If I could provide a pro-bono advice to James Clear, I'd say there is indeed fertile ground to make a bridge between these two approaches, combining the strengths of both Atomic Habits and Kaizen to create a more versatile method for personal improvement:

  1. Structured flexibility:
    • Use the framework of Atomic Habits to set up initial systems
    • Incorporate Kaizen's principle of continuous reflection to adjust these systems over time
  2. Measurable mindfulness:
    • Apply Atomic Habits' emphasis on tracking and measurement
    • Blend in Kaizen's focus on mindful, holistic improvement
  3. Short-term actions, long-term vision:
    • Utilize Atomic Habits' techniques for immediate action and quick wins
    • Frame these within Kaizen's philosophy of lifelong, gradual improvement
  4. Personalized prescriptions:
    • Start with Atomic Habits' specific strategies
    • Encourage experimentation and personalization in line with Kaizen principles
  5. Balanced goal-setting:
    • Use Atomic Habits' clear goal-setting techniques
    • Incorporate Kaizen's emphasis on process over outcomes
  6. Cultural adaptation:
    • Adapt Kaizen principles using more Western-friendly language and concepts
    • Present Atomic Habits techniques within a broader philosophy of continuous improvement

 

 

 

 

 

 

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