Growing up in New Zealand, by default, you are born to bleed black. The aura of the All Blacks is felt throughout every corner of Aotearoa, and every little boy, and many little girls, dream of one day donning the black jersey. The All Blacks have been a mighty force within the rugby arena for over a century. They have a win record against every opponent and a success rate of over 75%. Many consider them to be the greatest sporting team of all time.

Despite their amazing win record and vast array of successes, these aspects are not the most significant part of the team that gives me a deep sense of pride, respect, and loyalty. The team and players have created an environment in which the jersey is so much bigger than themselves. Each player is merely a temporary guardian of the jersey. The fundamental mentality they adhere to is to guard the jersey, respect the jersey, and try to leave it in a better place when passing it on.

It is one thing to devote yourself to a path of passion for individual glory, riches, or higher honour. But it is another thing to devote yourself to something with the understanding that the path you choose to follow is one that's already been paved. Your devotion is to a cause greater than yourself, greater than a team, and bigger than any one individual can comprehend.

Growth and the pursuit of consistent incremental progress with the faith that you will continue to improve is a fundamental aspect of life and vastly important in the search for happiness. Being part of a team, collectively pursuing improvement as a single unit, is a fundamental requirement for any team to become successful. Aspiring to contribute to the success of a universal spirit, a unit of well over 1000 men who devoted themselves to adding a fractional piece of value in any possible way, is a deeply rooted achievement. One of the mantras the All Blacks lead by which emphasises this is to “plant trees you'll never see”.

Having the mindset of looking to give the best version of yourself without any consideration for return is a wonderful state of mind, and one that very few ever achieve. The All Blacks signify a team of men who pride themselves on being better versions of themselves, better members of the team, and better players of the jersey simply to be better for a greater cause. Because if everyone gives, then no one needs, and if everyone just aspires to be better versions of themselves without any expectation of a return, what a wonderful world we would create.

If we can look to improve for the greater good, look to contribute for the simple objective of giving without thought of return, putting our best foot forward so that others may flourish in a collective environment, then we are on a strong path in the search for happiness.

Thanks,

Dean