Hello from the other side,

This isn’t an Adele song—just me, checking in.

It’s been two years since my last game of rugby. These days, the boots I wear to work don’t give me blisters, and my sock of choice isn’t a Leukoplast ankle strap. And yet… I miss it. I miss the intensity. I miss the camaraderie. I miss being good at something.

When you practice a craft over many years, you build a sense of comfortable familiarity. I played rugby for a long time. I got good at it. And now, that chapter is closed.

Fast forward to now.

I’ve got a new job. It’s close to home. I wear a collared shirt from 9 to 5, and thankfully, I no longer have to tackle 120kg Tongans. On paper, it sounds ideal. But to be honest? I’m frustrated.

I carry unreasonable expectations of myself. I expect things to come as easily as they used to. But the truth is, I’m a beginner again, and that’s hard.

My answer to that frustration? Kaizen (改善): incremental improvement.

In Japanese culture, Kaizen is a philosophy of making small, consistent changes—progressing little by little rather than chasing dramatic overnight transformations. It’s about patience, persistence, and showing up each day with the intent to grow.

That’s where I’m at: somewhere in the wilderness, learning how to navigate this 9-to-5 world. The word Kai means "to change." Zen means "good." So here’s to change for the better—slow, steady, meaningful.

It won’t be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. It’ll be uncomfortable.

But as a great mate of mine once said:

“Be comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Thank you, Kev.