a positive outlook
Gemba – 現場 – Japanese term meaning “the real place”
“In quality management, gemba means the manufacturing floor and the idea is that if a problem occurs, the engineers must go there to understand the full impact of the problem, gathering data from all sources.”
“The only real way to understand a problem is to go and see it on the ground.” Economist article on Genchi genbutsu here.
Before going to bed, I count my blessings of the day.
The 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen R. Covey (habit 5)
Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. Here, the New York Times offers basic tips to get you started on a path toward greater equanimity, acceptance and joy. Take a deep breath, and get ready to relax.
Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University, June 2005:
I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.
…if you knew you wouldn’t fail?
Mia and Ela jumping on a trampoline, Hoher Hirschberg.
or how to reach an overwhelming goal.
1. Put your valuables into a watertight bag.
2. Throw the bag into the current.
3. Jump.
I hate jumping into cold water. Yet, once I drift down the river Aare in Bern, I feel it’s the most thrilling and rewarding experience. There’re many analogies to the “Aare-bag-method” in life. Decomposing a problem into manageable steps makes it less overwhelming.
