Lessons Learned from a Windy Day Kayaking

After a busy few months at work, I decided to take some long overdue time to enjoy the outdoors and go kayaking. While it was extremely windy (isn’t it always in southern Alberta?), I enjoyed myself.

During my time on the lake, I had a few experiences that, on reflection, provided some valuable lessons applicable to life and work. I'd like to share those reflections and lessons.

Lesson 1: Embrace Failure and Persevere

We had new kayaks that I wasn’t familiar with. Combine that with the strong winds and my lack of balance, and it’s a recipe for disaster. As I was pushing off the shore, my kayak started tipping, and I couldn’t stop it—I fell into the lake. This was discouraging and made me cold. Some people would have thrown in the towel; in fact, my wife asked if I was still going to go out. I braved the cold, got back in, and ended up enjoying myself.

Lesson Learned: Don’t let failures stop you.

Workplace Reflections: Organizing the world’s first VR conference, Merging Realities, had its share of technical hiccups (like presenters in the floor). Despite setbacks, we persevered and continued to organize more social VR events.

Lesson 2: Find Joy in Challenges

With all the wind, there were lots of waves pushing against us as we paddled. It took tremendous effort to go just a little distance, and if we stopped paddling for even a moment, we were pushed backwards. Rather than complaining, we found joy in crashing through the waves and relaxing as we bobbed on them.

Lesson Learned: Challenges can be enjoyable; it’s all about attitude.

Workplace Reflections: Building new initiatives, like the Lethbridge College Global XR Forum, is challenging but rewarding. Enjoying the process made organizing less daunting.

Lesson 3: Momentum Matters

As we fought the wind and waves, trying to progress along the lake, I noticed something. If I built enough momentum, I didn’t need to paddle as hard to maintain my speed. As soon as I stopped moving and lost momentum, it took more effort to build up to the previous speed.

Lesson Learned: It takes effort to get going, but less to maintain momentum.

Workplace Reflections: Growing a new applied research centre with nascent technology wasn’t easy. We generated significant momentum with brand awareness, grants, and projects, streamlining processes and attracting new opportunities.

Lesson 4: The Value of a Team

I went kayaking with my wife and one of our dogs, Willow. To say the paddle was a challenge is an understatement, but had I been alone, it would have felt even more challenging. Being able to paddle with my wife and dog made the activity enjoyable, despite the insane wind.

Lesson Learned: Having people to work with during a challenging task can make the task more enjoyable.

Workplace Reflections: Growing the START Centre would be daunting without our amazing team. Sharing the load and supporting each other makes tasks more manageable and enjoyable.

Reflecting on these lessons, I realize they are not only applicable to kayaking but also to our professional lives. Embracing these lessons can help us navigate through the challenges and enjoy the journey, no matter how windy it gets.

#Leadership #Teamwork #Resilience #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkplaceWisdom