One last comment about blue zones, and I will move on, promise. Blue Zones are places where people live the longest and have the most significant percentage of those who live past 100. Not only live, but live vibrant, productive lives. It is well documented that having a great sense of purpose and being positive while supporting and being supported by a great community contributes to those long lives. We have examined how to take these characteristics and create blue-zone businesses that have thrived for over 100 years.

While not talked about as much, if you watch the Netflix Documentary on Blue Zones, you may notice another characteristic of their communities and their lifestyles: They live on steep hillsides, in houses with many steps, they walk a lot, and many sit on or very near the floor. Thus, they are always physically moving and working. There is a challenging route. There is not a car to transport them up the hill, there is not an elevator, and there is not a cushy, ergonomically correct desk chair. The simple acts of everyday life are a workout and keep the body moving.

The same helps build a business that can thrive. Too many times, we look for the easy button. And, while the easy route may work for today’s outcome, is it building strength that will help us thrive when an easy answer is not available? We need to do the work and build the muscle memory of success.