Kaizen

December 2, 2019
In her approachable debut, Harvey, who worked as a publishing rights consultant in Japan, uses straightforward, encouraging language and inspiring photographs to explain the Japanese art of kaizen (“good change”), which advocates taking small steps toward achieving big goals. To begin, Harvey writes, one must identify the habit to be changed or goal to be achieved, then inventory priorities, formulate a plan of improvement, decide the time frame to meet the goal, create a daily or monthly to-do list, and keep a progress journal. While her prologue and introduction explore her exposure to Kaizen and the history of the practice in Japan, the bulk of the text serves purely as a guide for readers. If one encounters stumbling blocks, Harvey suggests adjusting targets to create more achievable goals and seeking support from family and friends. True change can take days, months, or years, she notes, and the process should be allowed to unfold without discouragement. Harvey also provides simple but practical steps—visiting a museum for a cultural fix and organizing trips, for example—to encourage new ways of thinking. Self-help enthusiasts interested in Japanese philosophies will find Harvey’s practical advice constructive, positive, and suitable for many of life’s situations.