Sweep the shed!
“The death of a dream is the day that you stop believing in the work it takes to get there.”- Chris Burkmenn
The New Zealand national rugby union (more commonly referred to as just “rugby”) team, commonly known as the All Blacks, represents New Zealand in men’s international rugby, which is considered the country’s national sport. Famed for their unmatched international success, the All Blacks have often been regarded as the most successful sports team in history.
The team won the Rugby World Cup, which is held every four years, in 1987, 2011, and 2015. They were the first country to win the Rugby World Cup 3 times and the first country to retain the Rugby World Cup when they won in 2011 and then in 2015. New Zealand has a 76 percent winning record in test-match rugby and has secured more wins than losses against every test opponent. Since their international debut in 1903, New Zealand teams have played test matches against 19 nations, of which 12 have never won a game against the All Blacks. The team has also played against three multinational all-star teams, losing only eight of 45 matches. Since the introduction of the World Rugby Rankings in 2003, New Zealand has held the number-one ranking longer than all other teams combined. They jointly hold the record for the most consecutive test match wins for a tier-one ranked nation, along with England.
The All Black’s accomplishments are even more impressive when you take into consideration the fact that New Zealand is a small, remote island nation, with a population of only 4.5 million. They have found a way to be a consistently feared superpower in the sport of rugby.
The All Blacks perform a Haka before their international matches. The All Blacks’ Haka is one of the most iconic sporting demonstrations in the world. The Haka is performed to challenge opponents before matches. Although I have never seen it in person, I have watched multiple videos of their Haka and it really is awe-inspiring. If you have never seen it, I would encourage you to look it up on YouTube.
The All Blacks are also known for their team culture and their team mantras. One such mantra is “Sweep the shed.” Sweeping the Shed is a tradition that says that no individual is bigger than the team and its ancestors. Everyone is responsible for the smallest details — including cleaning out the locker room after training or a match. Sweeping the sheds. Doing it properly. So no one else has to. Because no one looks after the All Blacks. The All Blacks look after themselves. Sweeping the shed is your job, no matter who you are.
Another mantra they follow is that better people, make better All Blacks. This mantra aligns well with our process of focusing on our well-being by making better choices, having better habits, and establishing better routines. If we can make better choices, have better habits, and establish better routines with our five pillars of well-being on a consistent basis, then we become better versions of ourselves and better people. We then show up and can be better at whatever it is we do, personally and professionally.
Check out the All Black’s Haka when you get a chance. Make better choices, decide to have better habits, and work to establish better routines. Your five pillars of well-being will improve and you will be a better person. Forward, always!