Books&Ideas: "Atomic Habits" and Kaizen

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