Think like a surfer
A few years ago, I attended a workshop where everyone was asked to share a metaphor. A brilliant lady stood up and talked about how running your own business can be like surfing.
I can’t remember exactly what she said, but her speech stuck with me, and I’ve shared my own version with founders and leaders in our coaching sessions many times.
Now I realise that navigating any new change in your life is like surfing.
I make this comparison with limited experience of surfing. I loved the days at Watergate Bay and Fistral beach in the sunshine getting up on the board. Sadly, I don’t live near waves, so surfing is not a regular pursuit. But here’s what I know about surfing and how it relates to pivoting your business or career.
Why pivoting your career or running a business is like surfing ??
1. Acknowledge it’s a spiritual journey.?There are moments when you have no idea how you will get through. Scary sharks, friendly seagulls, storms, and sunny days. Waves waaaay too big for you that may see you crash and burn. You have to trust that one the right size for you is coming along. And it will. Test your faith, commitment, and grit.
2. Mind over matter.?If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, that is also true. If you’re paddling a wave and think you will not catch it, you won’t. It’s the same with interviews or new business meetings/conversations. If you don’t believe it will happen, it likely won’t. So believe you can.
3. Being present.?Overthinking the last wave will distract you from the one touching your toes. When doing something new, there can be a lot of thinking ahead, but there are opportunities in the present moment that can be missed if we don’t tune into them. If we lose focus and presence, we can be thrown off our game, just like being thrown off the board, and we may miss a few more waves. Staying present, smiling and rolling with what comes our way can lead you to unexpected wins.
4. Persistence and perseverance pave the way. The extra effort, paddle, and push to get up on the board. Even if you don’t make it, the learning gets you even more ready for the next one, preparing you, and your muscles, for when it’s your time.
5. Every time you fall down, get back up.?Getting thrown off the board and water up your nose can be brutal. Committed surfers know that sometimes you catch a great wave, and sometimes you don’t. Rest, get your breath back, and shrug it off and go again.
6. Camaraderie and character are key.?The beer on the beach with your crew makes it worth it. Forming friendships and a support network is what’s going to keep you going. You can learn from each other and support one another, and even on the days when it can be gruelling, you’ve got people who understand. If you hold back on getting involved with your peers, you can miss out on valuable expertise, and inspiration. And fun!
7. Take lessons.?If you hadn’t been surfing before, you’d likely take a surf lesson from a (hopefully reasonably swoony) instructor. As an expert, they would show you how. Teach you the moves and techniques for your level, with no judgement. They would high-five you when you stand up for the first time and motivate you when you fall off to get right back on.
8. Patience pays.?How many times do you wish things could happen in your timeframe? In surfing, you can’t command the waves to come. There is nothing like sitting out on your board in the water waiting for waves, and it’s just flat. Nice, but flat. You could get upset and frustrated that it’s a quiet day, or enjoy the sunshine, feel the water and listen to the sounds of the birds. It could even be a great day to wax your board. You are ready, though. Have patience that you’ll catch the waves when they come.
9. Being fit makes it more fun.?In surfing, physical and mental strength are both critical. Keeping yourself strong and looking after your body and your mind to support your resilience and stamina will help you catch those waves.
10. If you are not in the water. You are not in the game.?You’ll never know unless you try. Get in the water.
PIVOT POINT:
Think like a surfer if you want to pivot to more flow and success.
COACHING PROMPTS:
Thanks for reading today. I’ve loved putting this together and remembering sunny days down on the beach in Cornwall.?
领英推荐
Get in touch if you’d like an instructor to help you surf through your pivot in 2023. I’m booking 1:1 coaching clients to start in January.?
To your pivot,?
Liz
Founder and Coach at Slick Pivot
I help ambitious founders and leaders get good at change, so that they can achieve success AND find flow in work and life, through strategic, practical coaching and improved mental fitness.
Ready to Pivot? Here are three ways to work with me:
Join The Pivot
??The Pivot is for overwhelmed, yet fiercely ambitious founders and leaders who want to create more confidence and self-trust to lead their businesses and lives their way, with more growth and less stress.
??A blend of 1:1 and group coaching over 6 months, it’s everything you need to feel more confident and clear as a founder and a leader.
??If you find the imposter syndrome strong, feel the need to quit and walk away and are not confident leading yourself and/or your team, I’ve got you covered.
??Confidential conversations that dig deep. Mental Fitness that supports your growth. Transformation that pivots you forward.
Hire me as your 1:1 Coach
??100% personalised and confidential coaching to focus on your business growth, your leadership or your career pivot.
??Access clarity, flow and success.
??Have me in your corner all the way with regular sessions and access to all my strategic practical business and leadership coaching tools.
Bring me in to support your team
??Your team is growing, success (and pressure) is in the air. You’d love to support them in their clarity and resilience.
??You can book me for a 3 hour interactive session on Mental Fitness.
??Work with me to design your bespoke team offsite and strategy days.
??I also offer 1:1 coaching for the team members you would like to grow and develop to the next level.
I’m taking bookings for 2023. So get in touch via my site or email me at?[email protected] ?with your needs.