This episode dives into the annual cycle of New Year resolutions—filled with hope, ambition, and, ultimately, unmet expectations. It’s not just about what goes wrong but why, with insights from Dr. Robert Mora, who reveals startling statistics: the average person repeats the same resolution for a decade, often failing numerous times before finding a semblance of success. At the heart of the discussion is the detrimental myth of "go big or go home." Instead of imposing overwhelming change that triggers a reactive fear response, this episode unveils a transformative alternative: Kaizen. Derived from Japanese philosophy, it signifies making small, consistent improvements—tiny steps forward that sidestep fear, avoid drama, and bypass stress. Listeners are guided through practical tactics inspired by this philosophy, like carrying just enough cash to curb spending habits, or marching in place while brushing your teeth as an entry into fitness. These strategies function not by exhausting the mind's defense mechanisms but by engaging it creatively, keeping the path to change open and active, much like how General MacArthur leveraged small improvements to revolutionize Japan's post-war industry. The episode further explores the power of mental rehearsal techniques like "mind sculpture," demonstrating how imagining success in vivid detail can bring about real-world change. This mental conditioning empowers individuals to transform daily actions into habits, and habits into a new identity, driving momentum forward. Whether you're keen on revamping your yearly resolutions or curious about the science behind sustained change, The Conant Code offers insights, inspiration, and the practical wisdom of taking small steps. Dive into the book "One Small Step Can Change Your Life, The Kaizen Way" by Dr. Robert Mora to explore further, join us on this journey, and keep the momentum going. Until next time, keep thinking, building, and pushing forward.