The Power of a Continuous Improvement Mindset

How we frame the challenges we face in our lives often dictates their outcomes and the emotions that we experience along the way. Also, most importantly, how we deal with challenges can lead to personal growth or stagnation.

Continual growth, throughout our lives, is optimal, but it requires effort. And it’s not easy, especially when you consider that our brains are wired to seek or maintain comfort and safety. This biological fact alone is a major stumbling block for human achievement. It ensures that high performers will always be in the topmost echelon of the population.

“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. But you cannot choose both. They are mutually exclusive.” - Brené Brown

Pushing ourselves beyond our “comfort zone” is perceived as risky and scary. We make up real and imaginary excuses to maintain the status quo. While deep down, we may know that growth occurs when we push beyond our usual “limits,” we consciously or unconsciously sabotage opportunities that can create positive momentum and lead to lasting change and growth.

As business owners and leaders, we need to adopt the mindset that change is guaranteed and welcome. And the opportunity that change represents outweighs the threat it poses.

We must constantly remind ourselves that we are in business to serve our customers, and profit is just a measure of how well we serve our customers. To survive and thrive, we must commit ourselves to continually search for ways to improve every aspect of our business to serve our customers better. It sounds simple and makes sense - but it’s hard. It requires significant effort, commitment, and discipline.

"Continuous improvement means that we never perceive current success as our final achievement." - John Hunter

Start by focusing on interacting and actively listening to your customers and learning about their problems, needs, and desires.

Collaborate with your customers to review and analyze your products, services, and processes.

Engage your team, both front-line and corporate, to actively participate in the problem and improvement discovery and implementation process.

A continuous improvement mindset is a super-power that provides the foundation for an adaptable, resilient, and long-term viable organization.