Strategy Lessons from My Surf Instructor

Last week in Costa Rica, my surfing instructor shared some of the best life - and leadership - wisdom I've heard in a long time.

Walter's teaching style was a great fit for me. Before we got in the water, he demonstrated how to carry the board, choose a wave, prepare to catch it, and the mechanics of popping up to standing.

Then, we went out into the water, and he had me practice - quizzing me along the way. After each attempt to catch a wave and get up - even the successful ones - he'd ask:

"What happened?"

I'd respond with what I thought had worked (or didn't), and he'd agree or guide me in the right direction.

After one attempt when I didn't get up to standing, I told him I thought I'd gotten the timing wrong.

He shook his head and said, "No. What happened?"

I thought for a second and said, "The wave lost power."

He smiled and said:

"Yes. The wave lost power. Sometimes, that's what happens - and you can't control it. You need to know the difference between what is yours to control and what belongs to the ocean. And then, you go out and get the next wave."

I left that lesson with so much more confidence about my surfing ability, and a great reminder that it's not my place to take responsibility for or try to fix things I truly can't control.

So this week, as you're faced with a tough situation or thinking through an initiative that has hit some roadblocks, ask yourself:

"Is this me - or something I can fix? Or did the wave just lose power?"

Being honest about the difference will make it easier to reengage with the right focus.