The Kaizen Playbook: 1% Better, Every Day

As I’m working with USA Performance Psychology to prep for the Deaflympics in Tokyo, I’ve naturally gravitated toward some badass Japanese concepts. The one that’s been fueling my coaching and my own routines lately? Kaizen—the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement.

You’ve probably heard “get 1% better every day.” But Kaizen is deeper than just a catchy phrase. It’s a culture. A process. A commitment to showing up, reflecting, and growing—no matter how good you already are.

What Is Kaizen?

Kaizen literally means “change for better.” In sport, business, and life, it’s about stacking small wins—tiny, daily improvements that eventually add up to championship results. No quick fixes. No magic hacks. Just steady, focused progress.

Why High Performers Live Kaizen

The best in the world—All Blacks rugby, Olympic athletes, top execs—obsess over Kaizen. They know:

• Tiny gains compound. One small improvement, repeated daily, leads to exponential growth.

• Reflection is non-negotiable. Champions review their performance, spot gaps, and adjust—every single day.

• No ego, just progress. Kaizen means being coachable, curious, and never satisfied with “good enough.”

How to Apply Kaizen—Today

Here’s your Flanagan Performance Kaizen Checklist:

1. Prepare: Identify ONE area—mental, physical, tactical—where you want to improve this week.

2. Perform: Take action. Could be an extra rep, a new focus cue, or a tougher question in your post-game review.

3. Reflect: End each day with “Well–Better–How.” What went well? What could be better? How will you adjust tomorrow?

4. Repeat: Trust the process. 1% better each day isn’t always visible—but it’s always working.

Pro Tip: Make Kaizen Visual

Track your progress. Use a notebook, HabitShare, or a simple checklist on your phone. Celebrate the tiny wins. They’re your foundation.

Real Talk

Most people want big results, fast. High performers? They’re obsessed with the process. They know greatness is built in the boring, unsexy work—the extra video review, the honest self-talk, the willingness to try, fail, and try again.

Embrace Kaizen. Be the athlete, leader, or coach who never stops growing. That’s how you become unstoppable.

Want more on building a Kaizen culture in your team or organization?
Reply to this email or hit me up on social media @flanaganperformance—let’s get to work.

Keep stacking those 1% wins,

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