A former boss of mine was fascinated by the Japanese art of Kaizen, which centers around the principle of continuous improvement. It teaches us to always be on the lookout for even the smallest of steps we can take in our lives that will be the most meaningful and impactful in the long run.
A friend once told me “small steps and gestures can make grand differences over time.” That statement really resonated with me and I find myself continuously identify ways to help yourself and others around you.
Consider your investment process. How do you approach your day? When looking at your investment portfolio are you thinking about changing holdings or positioning? What small changes do you see that you could make in this area?
Recently on my YouTube channel I have discussed the importance of intentionally choosing the first chart you look at each day. Does the first chart you look at each day positively impact your mindset and routine for the day? Should you consider changing what you listen to on the commute to work to something more meaningful? Is there something new that you could read? Is there something that you need to remove such as a bad habit or another action that does not add value from your process?
Find that one thing that is the least helpful and remove it. That is one single small step that you can make that is going to help you in the long run.
My new commute to the office takes me about forty minutes. During that time I used to listen to the markets, business radio, and podcasts. One day I decided to silence it all. I turned it off and felt an overwhelming sense of peace as I enjoyed my new commute through beautiful woodlands and emerged into the city.
I become lost in my own thoughts and have started using that time to really piece together my tasks for the day, the tasks I need to accomplish, things that I am going to write, things that I have read the previous day and how I can implement it into my day.
The quietness I have discovered has allowed me to arrive at the office in a much more positive and calm headspace.
My challenge to you is to find just one of those small steps that you can make in your own life that is going to pay dividends down the road.
RR#6,
Dave
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Please see the Disclaimer page for full details.