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I LOVE surfing. And I now spend my life living in cool surf spots all over the globe.
Here are five of my favorite life lessons:
1) You have to be willing to fail to succeed
After my first surf session, it took me eight sessions before finally paddling onto and catching a wave.
The perseverance required to succeed in surfing is something I have carried into all other aspects of my life.
2) I am insignificant in the world
There’s no better ego destroyer than repeatedly getting smashed by big waves. The ocean doesn’t care who you are or what you do.
Surfing is a healthy reminder that you are a tiny, weak, and insignificant object compared to the forces of mother nature.
3) Shutting off your thoughts is powerful
When I’m surfing, my thoughts shut off, and I solely focus on catching waves and not getting obliterated.
It’s also the most spiritual activity in my life. When I get out of the water, my body, mind, and soul feel cleansed.
4) Where you look is where you go
There’s a saying in surfing that where you look is where you go. This concept also applies to one’s life path.
If you have a clear vision for where you want to go in life, it can feel straightforward to design a path to get there. And if you don’t have a clear vision, you will go wherever the wave in life takes you.
5) The path to mastery is through diligent practice
There are no shortcuts to becoming a great surfer other than training and spending a lot of time in the water.
If you want to become great at anything, you have to dedicate a significant amount of time to achieve your goals.
Final Thoughts
At the top, you can see a clip of me surfing this past week! I’m not great, but I’m getting better :).
Do you have a hobby outside of work that lights you and your soul up? And if so, are you carving out enough time each week for this hobby?
If you haven’t found a soul-igniting hobby, then take the time to brainstorm what this activity could be for you.
Life is short and there’s no better time than now to start doing things you love! 😎
Essay 9/x
