Radical Consistency
Friday night Lori and I had the pleasure of dining with friends at the Columbus fine dining institution, The Refectory. We had only been there one time previously, many years ago. It was a group event, with a set menu. So I didn’t feel like we had ever had the “full” experience. It would be easy to assume that a French restaurant that has been around since the late 1970s might be a bit stodgy or dated, but nothing could be further from the truth. It has clearly evolved with the times, offering a range of ways to enjoy their cuisine without breaking the bank account, and delivering a truly enjoyable experience - thanks in part to their amazing wine cellar and great sommelier, Taylor Wolf.
Owner Kamal Boulos started working for the restaurant under prior ownership in 1976, eventually purchasing it in 1991. His steady presence in the front-of-house all these years, combined with the 30+ year tenure of chef Richard Blondin have built a rock solid foundation of consistent excellence that is second to none.
The restaurant is a study in consistency. Many entrepreneurs are highly creative and easily distractible - chasing the latest bright, shiny objects and often drifting from their Core Focus. Not so with the leadership of The Refectory.
I have experienced the benefits of consistency personally with regard to dieting this year. With just one week to go in the first quarter of the year, I have lost a little weight each and every week - except for this past week - which has nothing to do with our visit to The Refectory (my weigh-in was prior to this). I’m down 14 pounds since the first week of January, and I intend to keep going.
I won’t get into the details regarding what my protocol is, except to say it is super basic - but something I observe it each and every day. In addition to building my confidence and giving me a stronger sense of agency, I’ve experienced other benefits, all of which are tied to this change in eating - better sleep, more consistent energy throughout the day, and a higher degree of focus as I work. I feel good physically, and it feels like I am living each day more in line with all of my priorities. The year is off to a great start.
This somewhat magical feeling, when improvement in one area of life leads to unexpected halo benefits in other areas - this same mechanism applies to many different things. Better diet leads to better sleep. Better sleep leads to better daily energy. Better daily energy leads better daily focus. Better daily focus leads to better parenting and decision making, impulse control, etc. - creating a positive virtuous cycle that can be very powerful.
Abraham Lincoln is quoted as having said “I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.” It speaks to the ratchet effect of capturing and preserving improvements, however small - not giving them away, but adding to them as much as we can. Some days are successful simply because you held your ground. I picked up a couple of pounds in the last week, but I promise you the numbers will go the other way, in spite of the amazing meal we enjoyed Friday night. I may not wipe away the entire weight gain in one week, but things will move in the desired direction. I promise.
Go to The Refectory, the next chance you get! I can’t imagine anyone not loving it. And think about what cornerstone behavior you can improve on that might create a virtuous cycle in your life. It can happen!
Sunday Supper
This Roast Pork with Jalapeño Gravy looks lovely. I’ll be making this today, along with a sheet pan of Crispy Roasted Potatoes and this Roasted Root Vegetable Salad with Sweet Lime Dressing.
Sunday Music
This week I discovered Jacob Collier by way of Chris Thile’s Instagram feed. Here is a trio performance by Thile, Collier and Madison Cunningham that is just beautiful. And here is a full 2-hour performance by Collier in Lisbon, Spain, 2022. Enjoy!
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Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,