Kaizen, can I get an amen?
Still on the search for that elusive one-word descriptor for my 2009 focus. (Graciously, so is Vickie!) It’s funny how limiting language can be. For instance, in Spanish there is a word to describe the relationship between you and your sister-in-law’s sister. One single word: concuñada. I mean, even for the sister of my brother, I have to use a three-word hyphenate to describe our relationship: sister-in-law. But, in other languages (particularly languages that are used in areas where cultural values are different) describing important concepts is sometimes just, you know, easier. South American cultures definitely place more value on the extended family, so this whole example of a concuñada makes sense. We give words to things that are important to us.
Simple mom introduced me to the concept of Kaizen, a Japanese term that hints at part of what I was describing yesterday — the value of slow, steady progress toward things. It is the cultural equivalent of baby steps — making changes so small that you scarcely notice them, until wham-o! You’re different.
NOTE: Most of us should understand this concept because, with very few exceptions, this is how we got overweight in the first place. I guess the idea here is just to channel the concept of Kaizen so that it works FOR us, not AGAINST us.
Anyway — I’m still on the hunt for that solitary word to describe the opposite of procrastination, but this is a good reminder that foreign languages are a good place to look.
January 5th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I always forget the small steps principle… I keep thinking it has to be this HUGE, mondo change for me to be able to lose weight. But you’re absolutely right–it’s the little things that count. I’m focusing on drinking 24 oz of water a day, limiting the Diet Coke to 12-24 oz water a day, and walking on the treadmill four times a week for 30 minutes. That’s it. I’m not even worrying about food for now. (Gosh, I hope it works… ;))
January 6th, 2009 at 4:22 am
I asked my oldest (on phone, at college) about an antonym for procrastination (and told him that I couldn’t find one listed). He said that they actually discussed the fact that some words do not have antonyms in a class last semester. The word they were discussing was violence. There is no direct antonym. The opposite is non-violence. Very interesting.
January 6th, 2009 at 10:52 am
SEEK!
January 7th, 2009 at 6:07 am
japanese concepts rock, except for that school girl porn problem.
January 8th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I love that concept of Kaizen, thanks for opening my eyes to it.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Just stumbled upon your blog today and as someone who has just started her own weight loss journey, I wanted to say kudos to you for coming so far! I’m looking forward to reading more.
January 16th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
where are you???????????
January 21st, 2009 at 11:40 am
I’m still checking in to see how things are going. . .