What New Zealand–and the Haka–Taught Me About Preparation
MARCH 24, 2025
Rituals set the tone for how we show up in high-stakes moments. Whether it’s a deep breath, special music, a go-to process, intentional preparation fuels presence, energy, and performance.
What happens before important moments shapes how you show up in them.
I'm in New Zealand right now, soaking in everything this stunning country has to offer. From the North Island to the South, it’s been an adventure-packed journey. With Haviland (my sister and business partner) we’ve gone jet boating through narrow river canyons, bungee jumped off cliffs (and bridges) and climbed the local peaks by the Franz Joseph Glacier. It’s been equal parts adrenaline rush and awe-inspiring nature immersion.
But one of the most impactful parts of this trip hasn’t been the wild rides or the dramatic landscapes—it’s been learning about the Māori people.
The Māori are the Indigenous people of New Zealand, and their culture runs deep here. It’s rich, spiritual, powerful, and full of rituals that connect mind, body and community. One tradition that stood out to me more than anything else?
The Haka.
A traditional Māori dance, performed to challenge opponents, unite the team, celebrate great achievements and elevate energy and spirit. We had a bit of a mix up with our guide here (really taking my blog last week to heart) and didn’t get to see it live to show you, unfortunately. But you might have seen the All Blacks—the legendary New Zealand rugby team—perform the Haka before a game. It's intense. Rhythmic. Fierce. Check it out here.
Even watching the video of it, feeling the pulse of it, I understand why it works.
It’s not just a dance. It’s a reset. A rally. A grounding. A declaration.
And it got me thinking…
What do you do before stepping into an important meeting, sales pitch, presentation or any moment that matters?
What’s your version of the Haka?
Do you take a deep breath? Give your teammate a high five? Shake out the nerves? Play a pump-up song? (Or go full Haka in the parking lot—I definitely want pictures if you do that.)
Whatever it is, rituals matter.
They set the tone. They shift your energy. They bring your team into sync. And they remind you: you’re ready for this.
After this trip, I’ll be carrying a little Haka energy with me into the next big moment—and I hope you will too.
What’s your go-to ritual to get fired up? Tell me on Instagram or Linkedin – love to hear it.
Key Idea
Every High-Stakes Moment Needs a Pre-Game Ritual. Rituals set the tone for how we show up in high-stakes moments. Whether it’s a deep breath, special music, a go-to process, intentional preparation fuels presence, energy, and performance.
Takeaway
What happens before important moments shapes how you show up in them.
Build your Movement
Do you have a pre-game ritual before important moments? What might you add or take away to make it even more powerful?
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