On one of my morning walks last week down in Huntington Beach, CA, I was fascinated watching the hundreds. Yes hundreds. Of surfers out before 6:30am, taking full advantage of some good waves coming in. And I’m guessing for many of them this is their workout/playtime before heading to work.
Seeing them got me thinking. There are valuable insights and lessons service-based business owners can draw from these wave riders.
1st and foremost, dedication and a relentless pursuit of improvement are key, much like surfers honing their skills. Just as surfers study the ocean, entrepreneurs must continually educate themselves in their industry to stay ahead.
And not just their specific industry. Honing their leadership skills, communication skills, talent development and management, technology as it relates to simplifying and streamlining their operations, etc. – like a surfer studies techniques, equipment, body strength.
Surfers definitely exemplify the importance of taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities. A reminder for business owners to embrace challenges with confidence.
Patience
is another crucial takeaway. As surfers wait for the next great wave. It mirrors the need to remain patient in business for results to take hold.
Practice
just like the surfers are out there day after day, week after week, testing different waves, different boards, different techniques. The same is required of entrepreneurs as they strengthen communications, sales techniques, hiring practices, customizing or tweaking service offerings, software platforms, etc.
Discipline and commitment
crucial in both realms, to ensure consistent progress. They realize the first time out of the gates it won’t be perfect or look perfect. That’s why lessons usually begin while still in the sand (I know you are smiling now as we’ve all seen, maybe even done it ourselves, where you practice standing on the surfboard without being on the water!)
What I really loved and appreciated
Seeing so many surfers all at once – was realizing how they were a collective group of like minded individuals. Out enjoying their craft with friendship and camaraderie. Alive and well as they would swim up to each other and give high-fives or fist bumps. It wasn’t about competition. It was about collaboration, enjoyment, sharing tips and techniques, taking turns, cheering each other on, laughing with one another.
While there are more lessons to share, I’ll leave it with this one today. Just as surfers rest to recover in between waves, business owners benefit when they understand the significance of rest. Be it for creativity and sustainability and schedule down time on the calendar as well.
Reminder
And as I started thinking of these parallels, I was reminded myself. When I change my surroundings, when I unplug, and when I do things I enjoy (sunrise walks, time near the ocean, spending time with mentor and colleagues on my business versus in my business – to name a few), I allow more clarity, creativity and intentionality in my own life and business as well.
I guess my experience and this article are a perfect example of not just practicing what I teach. I’m preaching what I practice.
What lessons and reminders are around you that you may have missed?
Those you miss if you didn’t allow yourself to be fully present?
I’d love you to share them with us in the comments below.
Optimize Their Way to 7 Figure Growth experiencing more money, more time freedom and more JOY along the way!
Service-based business owners hire Dana Earhart when they are ready to Optimize Their Way to 7 Figure Growth experiencing more money, more time freedom and more JOY along the way!
With 25+ years in consulting, Dana’s built teams from the ground up and led teams of 2 to 100 across multiple continents. It was almost 11 years ago, with a toddler in tow, she took the leap, leaving a 20 year career in corporate consulting, to launch her own business. Helping others lead more effectively while streamlining and simplifying is one of her specialties.
Today, as a Business Growth Strategist and the CEO of Dana Earhart Consulting, Dana helps transform “overwhelmed and overworked” 6 & 7-figure business owners into THRIVING 7+ Figure CEOs, without being workaholics.
By blending business strategy with personal growth and development, Dana delivers a holistic approach for business owners ready to optimize their way to 7+figure revenues creating more money, more free time and more JOY!
If you are ready to create this in your business and life as well. I’m guessing it’s worth exploring with a 30 min call to see if we may be a good fit? Grab a day/time that will work for you and let’s start talking to determine if we’re a good fit.