Yes, it really has been just over a year since my last post! The past few years have been a whirlwind of activity, including building new video studios and offices for Gemba Academy. This period culminated in being approached by a large German multinational training company and, after nearly a year of due diligence and negotiations, we agreed to a sale, followed by a year of integrating into their systems and processes. The partnership has been highly beneficial, allowing Gemba Academy to maintain a high degree of independence while benefiting from the resources and reach of a much larger company with sixteen training companies around the globe.
I retired at the beginning of this year but continue to be involved in a couple strategic projects. In addition to just needing some rest, the decision to retire was largely influenced by my father-in-law’s sudden passing from brain cancer many years go, but just shortly after his retirement in his mid-60s. Life comes at you fast. With a long list of destinations and projects I wish to explore, I decided it was time to focus on my own aspirations.
Initially, I chose to prioritize my health—physical, mental, and spiritual—to establish a strong foundation for future travels and adventures. I have always been an early riser, accustomed to starting my day at the gym by 5am without needing an alarm. However, upon reflection, I realized that my routine had become stagnant. To invigorate my fitness regimen, I adopted a new app (FitBod) which crafts varied workout routines and encourages strength gains. I extended my gym time to 90 minutes and added two hours of intense pickleball with a group of 20 friends after a quick breakfast, followed by a five-mile contemplative and meditative beach walk near my home. By 11am, I’m ready for a nap!
Within just four months I’ve reached the best physical condition of my life, even seeing abs for the first time since discovering beer in college forty years ago, making me wonder why I didn’t do this years ago. Oh, yes, that job thing. I’ve also focused on improving my sleep quality, which is very different than sleep length, and crucial for preventing neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. An interesting discovery with my Garmin device revealed that even a single glass of wine or a morning coffee could disrupt my REM sleep significantly. As of February 1st I have eliminated both alcohol and caffeine, which started as an experiment (kata!) but has now become a lifestyle change. As much as I enjoyed wine, I’ve found that I appreciate quality sleep even more.
Reflecting on my old wine-drinking habit, I realized it wasn’t the wine I missed but the ritual itself—pouring a glass, watching the sunset over the ocean, and discussing the day with my wife. I’ve since replaced wine with decaffeinated green tea, maintaining the essence of this calming and reconnecting evening routine.
Similarly, my morning routine was also a long-standing ritual that needed reevaluation. It wasn’t just about waking early and hitting the gym; it was about meaningful self-improvement, which I only began to address after deliberate reflection.
Organizations have their rituals, too, such as annual parties, staff meetings, and financial reviews. However, the value of these rituals often goes unquestioned. Take, for example, performance reviews—do they still serve their intended purpose, or are they merely a formality? Be serious. Effective rituals, like the morning standup meetings in many lean companies, can significantly enhance communication and alignment if properly maintained and adapted to the organization’s needs.
But rituals can also stagnate and become counterproductive. Like my previous workout routine, they can perpetuate mediocrity if not regularly reviewed and improved. In corporate financial audits, auditors often look for unchanged items on balance sheets as indicators of potential issues. Similarly, in religious services, attendees might recite liturgies without engaging with their meanings. Change, and improvement, should be expected.
Rituals and standard work practices can reinforce positive behaviors and streamline processes, but without continuous, intentional reflection and adaptation, they risk becoming obsolete and missing opportunities for enhancement. What rituals do you have, and when was the last time you critically evaluated them?
