With Zurich expecting some warm and sunny days this week, I wanted to share a lakeside story that stuck with me as an example of stepping out of one's comfort zone and never giving up. Whenever the lake's temperature rises, you'll often find me at the water's edge, enjoying yoga, paddleboarding, swimming, and meeting friends. About two years ago, a young man caught our attention at the lake with his unusual board - a pump foil board.

A pump foil board resembles a surfboard with a long mast and wing underneath. It demands rhythmic body movements to propel forward, requiring a strong core, legs, and precise balance and coordination. It's truly an art in itself.

This young man kept coming back, tirelessly trying to stay on the board longer each time. It was inspiring to see his determination despite the countless falls and the swim back to start again. We observed him over the past two summers, making progress but not quite reaching his desired level. It wasn't easy.

Then, the other day, to our surprise, he smoothly glided on the water for a long time, mastering pump foiling. We cheered for him, recognizing the beauty of his journey. His courage to persist, his patience, and his unwavering perseverance paid off.

His story left us, the observers who were initially critical, with some envy. It was proof of what we all seem to know but tend to forget when it comes to stepping out of our comfort zone and trying new things, unlearning to learn, and so on.

Mastering new skills indeed requires often stepping out of our comfort zone, believing in ourselves, and committing to consistent effort and dedication. Pump foiling is physically and mentally demanding, but we saw first-hand how it can be mastered with courage, determination, resilience, and patience.

This story isn't just about pump foiling—it's a metaphor for life and work. In today's world of work, learning, unlearning, and relearning are more essential than ever. Don't let the fear of failure hinder your progress. Embrace the journey, and remember, growth takes time.

So, whatever new challenge lies ahead, whether it's mastering pump foiling or adapting to the digital age, approach it with courage and determination. Don't get confused by the opinions of others! Focus on your journey and keep moving forward! It will pay off.

 

#courage #courageforward #careerforward #nevergiveup #careercoaching #executivecoaching