Last summer, Stacy and I went to Hawaii to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed the rare opportunity of being alone together and spending quality time. There are a lot of things to do in Hawaii and we made sure that most every day was a new adventure. We both worked hard prior to the trip to get in good shape and we especially enjoyed the many opportunities to be active.
While we were there, we decided to learn how to surf. Neither one of us had ever done it before, and we felt like it would be a good way to test our physical conditioning and strength. A friend of mine is attending college and working as a surf instructor on Oahu, so we decided to spend a day at Waikiki Beach with him.
Finding A Rhythm
At first, we received some basic instructions on the shore. We learned how to paddle the board, how to get in position for the wave and how to stand up. It all seemed very easy until we entered the water. Then, things quickly became very confusing.
There were a lot of other people in the water who were also learning to surf. We were on long boards and they were very difficult to maneuver. Even though the waves were gentle, they were relentless and it took us a while to find our rhythm and timing.
Finally, we mastered the art of getting in position and then we caught our first rides. It was amazing. I don’t really have the words to describe it. Despite all the other people there, I felt like I was the only person in the world. It was quiet and loud at the same time. It was a wonderfully beautiful feeling. For the first time, I felt like I understood the music of the Beach Boys. I truly was sitting on top of the world.
Sticking With It
The waves on Waikiki are known for their long and gentle rides. Each time we caught a wave, we were able to ride it almost all the way to the shore. Then we would have to paddle back out. Getting back in position required a lot of effort. It truly tested our levels of fitness. The exhilaration of the ride made the long paddle out worth it, but it also tired us out.
Each time I got into position for the next wave, I had the opportunity to rest by floating on my board. There was no pressure to catch the next wave, because I knew that there would always be another one right behind it. Some waves, were bigger than the others, but for the most part, I could rest until the I was ready, without any thought of missing my opportunity. If I was lucky enough to get out there in between the natural sets, I could rest even longer. These moments of recovery made it easy for me to stay at it, the entire time we had allotted to us.
Living At The Speed of Life
Life is also rhythmic. Sometimes we get concerned that if we don’t jump right into something we will miss our opportunity. Fortunately, the old adage, "Opportunity only knocks once", is false. LIke the waves of the sea, the opportunities of life are endless. It is true, that some may be easier for us to catch, and may even propel us more powerfully, but there will always be a new one available to us. All we have to do is to get into position and make ourselves ready to go for it.
The energy we spend getting into position and riding the waves of opportunity can burn us out or burn us up. We need to make sure we take the time to float, so that we can catch our breath and renew our vision. It is easy, while floating, to fill like we are missing something. Learning how to wait, is just as important as learning how to get in to position. The renewal of our energy that comes from our moments of rest is vital. It helps us become our best.
I noticed while in the water, that with each new wave, I learned something new. By the end of the day, I could call myself a surfer. I learned confidence and technique. Each ride taught me something about the wave and about life. I am still learning from those life lessons and they continue to energize me. I hadn’t really thought of my surfing lesson for over a year now, but the scheduled rest I am taking this week helped me bring it back into my mind. I may miss some opportunities this week, but there will be new ones next week and I will be ready to catch them.
How do you renew your energy? What are you doing to makes sure that you stay anxiously engaged in work and life? How are you creating the space you need to bring your life and leadership responsibilities into harmony?
I invite you to take a break and think about these questions. Doing so, will set you apart from those who are constantly paddling and paddling. People always ask me where I get so much energy. My answer is always the same – I allow myself the opportunity to take lots of breaks in between sets. I hope you will join me.
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