Surfing Passion

Finding passion in what you do is one of the most fulfilling experiences.  This summer we had great surf.  My best friends and I would be glued to the surf reports weeks in advance in order to predict when the next great surf was coming.  When the surf arrives, sunrise comes early and we slip into our wetsuits, going over logistics.  Grumbling stomachs eat peanut butter sandwiches, carefully constructed the night before, as we begin our trek.  The neighborhood looks tired at dawn, leaving empty roads and dim lanterns on at the ends of driveways to light our path.  Although our bodies were tired, we knew that surfing trumped sleep and that has always been our mindset.

I’ve been watching the ocean unfurling its’ blue barrels my entire life, but everyday I find a new perspective and appreciation for the deep blue.  On days we couldn’t ride, we’d live vicariously through Red Bull athletes by watching their videos and movies.  The next time we’re on the water, we push ourselves trying new tricks to improve our skill.  It’s great when you exceed your limits. Passion is what often pushes us to exceed our limits.

Everyday we set boundaries for ourselves without ever realizing it. These limitations appear to keep us safe, but ultimately hold us back from improvement. It can be hard to recognize what you’re capable of and how to prove yourself in the world today. As with surfing, going beyond what you think is capable is when you start to accomplish your goal.

There are plenty of logistics to consider when going out surfing. The same is true in many aspects of business. One such logistic in surfing is finding the right beach. It is like finding the right job. So much planning needs to go into it. Are you confident with your resume and do you have the right suit for the interview? If there is good preparation one can close a deal or rip a wave for that matter.

Another logistic is using the right vehicles to transport the surfboards.  Not everybody owns a car that can carry a 12 foot board. I for one don’t have this car.  More often than not, we end up hanging a board out the rear hatch of our car using straps to secure it in place.  Making sure the product reaches its destination safely is at the top of priorities for businesses. Cost is another factor. Determining the best way takes research and sometimes trial and error. Difficulties sometimes creates new solutions.

A third logistic that must be considered while surfing is the environment. Checking the weather and dressing for what may be a big sky day or a rough, rainy and windy day will determine how we approach the waves.  You cannot control the environment but you can deal with it.  The same can be said about environments in business.