“Kaizen” is a Japanese word that translates to “continuous improvement” or “change for the better,” according to the International Toastmasters President. He goes on to explain that Kaizen is more than just a word, it’s a lifestyle. It represents striving for constant improvement in all areas of life.
One of Kaizen’s principles is “Think of how to do it, not why it cannot be done.” Identify the obstacles keeping you from reaching a goal and then come up with way to overcome them. Don’t tackle the entire problem at once, but rather, break it down into smaller, more manageable piece. And keep persevering.
“Don’t seek perfection” is another Kaizen principle. Halfway to a goal is better than no progress at all. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds and you lose only 25, you are not a failure even though you haven’t completely reached your goal.
We can’t always be perfect, but we can always improve. Strive for improvement and excellence. Those are attainable goals.
In every project you undertake, as yourself if it can be improved.
Resolve to work toward continual, incremental improvement in every aspect of your life and excellence will be a word associated with all you do. You will always be raising the bar.
So, the goal is to never stop improving.
The goal isn’t to be perfect by the end, but to be better tomorrow.
While you’re improving yourself consider possible 2018 Guymon Pioneer Day themes. The committee is asking for short, concise theme suggestions that lend themselves to great logo and parade float ideas. Submit the theme by 5 pm on Feb. 16, to the Guymon Chamber of Commerce, Rt. 5 Box 120, Guymon, or call Jada at 580-338-3376. Be sure to include your name and phone number with your theme idea.
They are also looking for Pioneer Queen and Parade Marshall nominations. According to the information from the Chamber, “beginning in 1940, the founders of the Pioneer Days celebration have honored the memories of the mothers by selecting one lady who would represent all the pioneer women. Beginning in 1964, a Parade Marshall was named to represent all pioneer men. These individuals represent all the pioneers who braved the many hardships and lived through those homesteading years almost on faith and hope alone and who set a good example of courage for their descendants to follow.
The criteria for the queen and marshal is 1) a descendant of settlers in No Man’s Land in the late 1800s or early 1900s; 2) live in Texas, Cimarron or Beaver County at the time of the honor; 3) have lived in the Oklahoma Panhandle for at least 50 years; and 4) must be willing and able to serve if selected. Submissions need to me sent to the Chamber, Rt. 5 Box 120, Guymon 73942.
You can also improve your community involvement by attending some of the following events.
Bank of the Panhandle is putting on the Craft for a Cause on Feb. 12 with the proceeds benefitting Meals of Wheels. It takes place at 6:30 pm in the Main Street Guymon office at 116 NE 5th, at 6:30 and costs $25 a person. Call 580-468-3584 to reserve your spot.
That same evening you can support the OPSU men and women’s basketball teams with the women playing at 6 pm and the men at 8 pm.
Don’t forget to vote on Feb. 13.
And Feb. 15, 16, and 17 is the last weekend for the Guymon Community Theatre production of “The Shadow Box” where tickets are $8 a person and the talent is amazing. Go see this thought provoking play directed by Michael Patterson. Call 338-0019 to make your reservation.
Also, on Feb. 16 is the Mother Son Dinner, a benefit for Panhandle Services for Children. The dinner begins at 6 pm and it costs $30 a couple with $10 for extra sons and is served at the Methodist Church Enrichment Center.
And it would be awesome if you broadened your community support to include Main Street Guymon (close to my heart) and attend the Annual Awards Evening on Feb. 20. The cost of the ticket is $25 and you’ll see many wonderful volunteers and businesses recognized during that evening from 6 – 7:30 pm. Call me at 338-6264 for more information.
See the new and improving you on the bricks!