Surf-Lessons from an 86-Year-Old
This post is about an 86-year-old teaching me about surfing, business, and life. What might he teach you?
A dear friend recommended The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey to me, just in time for the book’s 50th anniversary.
At its core, The Inner Game emphasizes the importance of overcoming internal mental obstacles, such as self-doubt and overthinking, to achieve mastery and satisfaction in any endeavor.
While continuing to embark on personal and professional journeys that came with their welcomed highs and unexpected and unwanted lows, I was struck by Gallwey's metaphor of looking at obstacles as challenges similar to how a surfer views waves. He writes:
The surfer waits for the big wave because he values the challenge it presents. He values the obstacles the wave puts between him and his goal of riding the wave to the beach. Why? Because it is those very obstacles, the size and churning power of the wave, which draw from the surfer his greatest effort. (...) the more challenging the obstacle he faces, the greater the opportunity for the surfer to discover and extend his true potential.
This metaphor hit home, as I had stayed in calmer waters for a while. I had become really good at anticipating falling off bigger breaks, so I avoided them altogether.
Gallwey pointed out that my potential would remain a secret hidden from myself unless I manifested it through action. This view asked me to reframe obstacles from hindrances to necessary ingredients in my process of self-discovery.
领英推荐
An obvious example for me is LinkedIn. My posting history over a decade on the platform is zero. I gathered connections because that is what people do when working professionally. I've stayed away from engaging on these networks because of a couple of unquestioned beliefs (notice the circular and reinforcing thinking):
Underlying these dynamics was, and at times still is, the belief of not being good enough to truly put myself out there. This is where The Inner Game started to shift things for me. I can't stop the waves, but I can learn to surf. And right now, I am standing up.
Two prompts:
AI Research Associate | Driving AI-Powered Business Intelligence for Workforce Planning training and development. Increasing learning outcomes by 400%
6 个月What an inspiring story, Jeffrey! It's amazing how wisdom and life lessons can come from the most unexpected places. Keep sharing these gems!
Principal at MarketFit | Co-Founder Ways of Being
7 个月Thank you for sharing my article, Jeffrey Lipsius! I’m glad you found it valuable and appreciate the support.
Consultant | Coach | Facilitator | Speaker | Courage Researcher | |Talent Development | Women In Data | Women In Tech
7 个月This post for me, is about finding a kindred spirit who thinks the same things I do and asks the same question I do too. I so enjoyed it I’m going to share it. I truly believe that when we choose courage it will always reward us in us expected ways. I see courage in your writing.
Well written and thought provoking. I can relate, and I’m going to get a copy of that book!
Certified Life Coach, CNM
7 个月Great prompts! This article reminds me of the power that lies between the time when a goal or intention is created and the obstacles that are in the way… Within those moments, we have a choice. We have a choice to paddle forward into the wave or to wait for the next one. My surfboard is made out of the deep knowing that I have a choice in how I navigate my obstacles. And when I do, my surfboard is made of relaxation. Surrender and trust. And when I allow myself to ride that surfboard, I find that my choice is to head towards challenges and obstacles, knowing I will come out on the other end more relaxed and open minded of how I integrate the results and challenges, I faced.