In 2024 I created a self-development program called CodaKaizen. The purpose of the program is to help people develop their potential and live more meaningful lives. At the heart of the program is a shift in perspective—a question reframed. Most people ask:

“What is the meaning of life?”

It seems to me that a better way of asking that question is:

“Where is the meaning in life?”

That small change makes a big difference. It changes the question from being something philosophical into something personal and practical. It asks: Where are the places in my life that I feel a sense of purpose? For most people, I believe the answer is found in responsibility.

If you have a 4-year-old daughter, you don’t wake up in the morning, throw your hands up in the air, and yell, “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE?!” You get up, make her breakfast, take her to daycare, and go to work to support the two of you. Having those responsibilities gives you a sense of purpose. The responsibility of taking care of her IS what gives your life meaning.

CodaKaizen exists to help people develop into better versions of themselves. As they do, they become more capable of taking responsibility for their own lives—and eventually, for the lives of others. That path forward is laid out in what I call the Concentric Circle Theory of Improvement and The Four Journeys:

The Concentric Circle Theory of Improvement (CCTI) is based on the idea that a meaningful life comes from trying to make things better—starting with yourself, and gradually expanding outwards. It starts with getting your habits, mindset, health, and relationships in order. The more put together you are, the more capable you become of helping others. You’re like a light at the centre of the CCTI—the brighter you shine, the more light you will cast out into the world.

The Four Journeys are the names I use to describe the CCTI. The Four Journeys are:

• Hero’s Journey 1 – Taking Care of Yourself
• Hero’s Journey 2 – Taking Care of Others
• Mentor’s Journey 1 – Helping Others Take Care of Themselves
• Mentor’s Journey 2 – Helping Others Take Care of Others

Hero’s Journey 1 is the centre of the CCTI. It’s learning how to properly take care of yourself through your habits, mindset, and lifestyle. (This is what CodaKaizen helps people with.) Hero’s Journey 2 expands into the next closest rings: taking care of your partner, family, and close relationships. In both Hero’s Journeys, you play a hands-on role in creating positive change. But because your time, energy, and attention are limited, making a broader impact requires a shift in approach—that’s where the Mentor’s Journeys begin.

Mentor’s Journey 1 is about sharing what you’ve learned—supporting others as they work through their own Hero’s Journeys. Mentor’s Journey 2 happens when the people you’ve helped begin helping others. It’s when your impact has a positive rippling effect that reaches people you may never meet.

Together, the CCTI and The Four Journeys offer more than just a roadmap—they offer a story to live by. They help people find purpose through progress, and meaning in responsibility. Just as importantly, they help clarify a vision for how your life could unfold. That ethos is what inspired the name CodaKaizen.

The name itself is a pun which refers to the expression ‘begin with the end in mind’. The word coda is a synonym for epilogue and represents the end of a story. Kaizen is a Japanese word that means continuous improvement—it’s a philosophy that small, consistent actions lead to long term improvement. By putting the words together, the name CodaKaizen means: Imagine how you want your life to turn out (Coda), then make small, manageable changes to make that vision a reality (Kaizen).

I see CodaKaizen as a program that builds on top of psychotherapy. After going through my own dark period, it’s the system I wished I had in my late-twenties when I was turning my life around but needed guidance to build momentum and make sense of my past.

When someone is struggling with their mental health or working through deep pain, psychotherapy is essential. But once you’ve regained stability, a new kind of challenge presents itself: How do you move forward with purpose? That’s where CodaKaizen comes in. 

Therapy stabilizes you. CodaKaizen elevates you.

CodaKaizen is designed for people who feel the pull to become something more. It’s for those who’re ready to take responsibility for their lives, develop their potential, and become the hero of their own story. Whether you’re just beginning to put yourself together or already in a place of growth, CodaKaizen can help you on your journey—one step, one habit, one week at a time.