One small step at a time is about the big idea of “Kaizen”, which is Japanese for “taking small steps to continual improvement.”
Kaizen is an ancient philosophy captured in this powerful statement from the Tao Te Ching: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Though it is rooted in ancient philosophy, it is just as practical and effective when applied to our hectic modern lives. Japanese corporations have long used the gentle technique of kaizen to achieve their business goals and maintain excellence. Now this elegant strategy can help you realize your personal dreams.
Kaizen has two definitions:
a) using very small steps to improve a habit, a process, or product.
b) using very small moments to inspire new products and inventions.
This philosophy of small steps toward improvement was introduced to Japan after the war, when General Douglas MacArthur’s occupation forces began to rebuild that devastated country.
“When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens—and when it happens, it lasts.”
—John Wooden, one of the most successful coaches in the history of college basketball
Just take one small step at a time for everlasting result ....
Source : “One Small Step Can Change Your Life” by ROBERT MAURER