SUP'ing with the Turtles

This morning's stand-up paddling (SUP) session was truly a gift. Being outside, on the water, and getting a full-body workout made me appreciate the experience even more. Besides encountering turtles, which is always delightful, I had a few reflections during the session:

Setting goals and focus: At the beginning of my SUP session, I set my goals - to have fun and paddle at least three miles while being mindful of my technique.

Utilizing resources: I acknowledged the importance of using resources to achieve my goals safely. This included ensuring proper technique to prevent injuries, staying hydrated in the heat, planning breaks for rehydration, and having a lifejacket, since I was paddling alone.

Self-coaching and inner thoughts: Throughout the session, I captured any inner thoughts or distractions and used self-coaching to stay on track and motivated, as there were no others around to seek encouragement from.

Observing the turtles' behavior on the water got me thinking about the ripple effect of attrition on individuals and teams. Similar to how turtles react to one's approach, individuals and teams also adapt their behavior based on the experiences and actions of others.

Different parts of the water presented various challenges like wind and small ripples, requiring me to maintain balance, and avoid drifting off course. This reminded me of the importance of leaders supporting talent with balance and alignment during moments of uncertainty.

Staying focused on goals and techniques is equally important for leaders, as they need to ensure that their teams are aligned with organizational objectives, providing feedback and support for success. In addition, they should also be prepared to make necessary adjustments when needed.

In adverse conditions, like facing little headwinds during my paddle, I learned to ensure a constant breath and grounding myself on the board with slightly bent knees, ?and staying focused on paddling techniques to maintain my direction. This made me reflect on the significance of self and leadership check-ins, ensuring proper resources, and pivots to avoid burnout.

After each lap, I took an intentional moment to hydrate and perform some yoga movements to prevent fatigue and burnout. This reminded me of the importance of self-care and providing resources to support well-being, both as an individual and as a leader.

Overall, I am grateful for the wonderful moments of SUPing, ?and I am excited to explore ways to improve my paddle stroke speed, which will undoubtedly enhance my overall performance on the water.