Liquid logic

Sometimes you strike an unexpected vein of wisdom or philosophy. Such was the case with Anna Levesque’s article in a recent issue of “American Whitewater.” Not a source I usually mine for life lessons.

Anna is a kayaker and instructor, usually writing on paddling technique. However, in this case, she relates the lessons of life she’s learned from paddling. “Kayaking has been a significant teacher in helping me understand how to create a happy, fun, successful and adventurous life for myself no matter what others think or what society tries to dictate that I should do instead.”

Rule one, pay attention. “That feeling of focusing on what’s in front of you and what you need to do to make it through the rapid is very freeing. In that moment there is nothing but you, the river and your goal. When we get trashed on the river, or miss a wave or mess up a move, it’s not because the river is out to get us. We can’t blame the river for our mistakes, lack of focus or bad timing. We have to take responsibility for our actions and our thoughts that may have caused the mess up.”

A productive philosophy since we can’t learn from our mistakes if we deny them. In my line of work, I’m often asked how you know when someone is mentally ill. One sign is blaming the river, in Anna’s parlance. Some of the ill continuously run afoul of different relatives, police officers, teachers and various others, but their defect prevents them from seeing that they’re the common thread in the problems. By facing how we err, we have the opportunity to correct and grow in life, as well as take responsibility for our actions.

Rule two, look at where you want to go. “How do you choose what route to take? You can start by looking at where you want to go. If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut in your life, think of it as though you’re caught in an eddy. Keep your eyes on your goal as you make that first move in peeling out.”

I do a little business consulting on the side and lead companies through strategic planning. I can usually predict how well they will succeed during the goal-setting step. At this juncture, we set specific targets. If we don’t know where we want to be, how can we plan how to get there?

Companies (and individuals) who set meaningful and specific goals to shoot for generally succeed. Keeping their eyes on the goals maintains the course toward them.

Rule three, build a supportive team. “I’m picky about who I paddle with, especially when paddling a river that challenges me. The same is true for me in my life in general. That doesn’t mean that they (friends) always tell me what I want to hear. I count on my good friends to call me out on behavior that isn’t productive. My students like to joke about my ‘tough love’ method of teaching. I don’t do it to make them suffer. I do it because I know it will make them get better.”

I’ve seen this over the years in employee behavior. Good employees surround themselves with others who push them to improve and support them in that direction. Others congregate with those who reinforce negative behavior, doing them no favors. Misery loves company.

Rule four, flip over, roll up and keep going. “Imagine giving up kayaking after your first swim. I’m sure it’s happened to someone, but for most of us we didn’t let a swim discourage us into giving up. It’s important to learn from the swim, but not to internalize it as an indication of your own self-worth.”

I don’t know for sure what my odds are after failing in my first attempts. However, I do know with certainty what chances of succeeding are if I quit. Winners never quit and quitters never win.

Rule five, live in the present. “The adrenaline rush, being outside and being active is really fun, but it wasn’t the physicality that hooked me on the sport. It was, and is, an intense feeling of happiness and fulfillment that comes with focusing on and enjoying the present moment.”

You have control over your present and future. Live your life in them.

It’s all pretty much common sense, but reminders can be beneficial. I’d guess that Anna’s students come out better paddlers and better people.