When something new comes up, the Zen cook is able to make a choice about whether it has a higher priority. If it doesn't, you have to say, "Excuse me, I understand that . . . but what I'm doing right now is more important." The situation is always changing. If something can't be done today, I'll do it tomorrow, or the next day. It's always just step by step. One day at a time.
— Bernard Glassman, Rick Fields, Instructions to the Cook