Constant and Never Ending Improvement (CANI)

Recently, I wrote about how small positive habits =  major impact over a longer period of time. No sooner was the blog posted, and someone asked me, “But how do I grow habits?

Ok, that question made me stop and think---“What do I do?”

I simply “CANI”.  That is I consider events I want to improve with the idea of Constant And Never ending Improvement. 

This is how I grow my faith, have stronger family relationships, better health, more secure finances, and closer friends.  Really when I think about it there are lots of different arenas, however “how to” is the same in each of the different areas.   

I learned about “CANI” years ago from a personal coach I really respect.

Oh, by the way, this is a habit, so I really did have to stop and think about what I do. And yes, it’s a system, which should not surprise those of you who know me well.

Here’s how it goes: 

Maybe my “CANI” is a result of a client/customer interaction, a training session with my work out coach, a staff meeting, a class we hosted or even a discussion with my husband, Ken.  A chance to “CANI” happens for me all the time.

When the occasion is over, I ask myself, “Ok, how did it go? What two things did I do well?” and then I ask myself “what two things do I need to improve on?”

The critical juncture for me is posing the questions.  Actually asking myself, “What went well?”, and “What can I improve on?”  Believe me if you are alive, you did incredibly well on something and there is also room for improvement.

Maybe you had great eye contact; your timing was right on.  You had perfect pitch or tone in your voice.  You were “spot on”. Perhaps it was the how you started the encounter, or when you ended, it could have been just the jest of what you talked about.  You were mind-blowing somewhere, find it!

And yes,  we all need to improve.  Could you have been more patient, kind, considerate, direct or even better prepared?  Did you listen?  Do you understand where they are coming from? Again, believe me, there is always room for improvement.

 
So, there’s “CANI”.  Next time you have an opportunity, try it!  And, let me know how it helps with changing those habits.