I have been on the river many times before, but never on a SOAR inflatable canoe. I like to challenge myself to try new things. I feel that the point of life is to experience adventure and live to the fullest. But not every experience will be enjoyable every moment. Some ventures end triumphantly while others may involve some pain. Let’s just say that they don’t call the inflatable canoes SOAR for nothing. You will be sore. A friend summed up the day saying: “you win some, you lose some.” My perspective is that there’s no losing when putting myself out there, only growing. Even when an experience is negative in the moment, it can turn into a positive after the fact. I gain courage, confidence, and strength from every endeavor – whether pleasurable or unpleasant. Every time I step outside my comfort zone into the unknown, I shed another layer of fear and beef up my “courage muscles.”
In normal water years, it could have been fun. However, due to the drought water level was just too shallow for a canoe, and especially the SOAR canoes which proved difficult to control. Trying to steer the canoe felt like trying to fly a kite with too little wind. The views of the river were amazing, and we saw lots of wildlife, but the trip was in no way relaxing. With no current and a head wind, those 9 miles were a grind; not for the faint of heart. We tried to go in a straight line to no avail and zigged and zagged most of the time trying to avoid the brush and trees only to spin right into them (when we were not paddling in circles, or dragging the boat behind us.) By the third hour, I did not want to paddle anymore. When I saw the Wohler bridge, our ending point, I swear I felt like an Olympic rower crossing the finish line.
Discomfort touches everyone. We’ve all gone through tough times. And since we are here (me writing the post & you reading it), it means we all get through them. If we are lucky the hardship is momentary and light. No matter what the size of the challenge is, you can overcome it by taking small, tolerable, steps toward positive outcomes. There are often many solutions to any given problem. With enough time and patience, you will come up with ways to get unstuck and moving again. Any movement is a step in the right direction whether it’s backward, to the side, or forward. Hardships require that we learn to push through them. We have to keep moving onward and upward. When you are in the middle of a tough situation, you may not appreciate the value of the experience. To capitalize on the “teachable moments,” look back to find the insights. What you went through could be a powerful catalyst on the next leg of your journey. Always ask: “how might the lessons learned apply going forward?”
Five Lessons from the River applicable to Work and Prosperity:
Lesson #1: You cannot control the current, or wind
When you are out in nature, you cannot control the environment, the weather, or other people. By the same token, there’s a lot in your work life that is beyond your control: distractions, disruptions, reorganizations, companies folding, stocks plummeting, and the list goes on. Times of struggle are a powerful reminder of our limits and limitations. When you accept that there are things that you cannot control nor change, you can free up the mental energy to focus on what you can actually do and accomplish.
Lesson #2: You are more resilient than you think
Unexpected and challenging situations may require you to make quick decisions without the help and support of others. At such times, you need to be self-reliant. This means you believe that you would be able to deal with whatever comes your way recognizing it’s not about the cards you are dealt but how you play the game of life using your skills and abilities to the fullest. When you don’t have another choice but to find your own way out of a situation, you learn to trust your own thinking, instincts, and judgment. It’s the secret sauce to confidence.
Lesson #3: You will persevere and overcome if you work for it
Hardship might be a bitter pill but perseverance is sweet. Self-reliance is the belief that you can do it. To persevere, you need to do the work. When you face obstacles, you figure out a way to go around, over, or under them. Perseverance is patient determination. Humans are hardwired to seek safety and comfort. But when you dig deep and keep pushing forward you enjoy the sweet taste of success coming out stronger on the other side of adversity. There’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes from having done something difficult and worthwhile. The challenges you face and the grit you have to rise up show the strength of your character.
Lesson #4: You have to be careful about what you say and how you say it
The way you say things can be just as important as what you say. Words have power. In fact, they are more powerful than you can imagine. You can influence others with your words; either create division and anger or peace and unity. So, choose your words wisely. When facing life’s, or work’s, stressors, it is very common for people to say things they later regret. To successfully manage adversity, take responsibility for your attitude, your actions, and the words you speak. Choose to avoid lashing out in anger and frustration and hold the peace voicing support and encouragements. This will allow you to work collaboratively with others and make the best of a bad situation. Never paddle in anger.
Lesson #5: You have to lean in to keep on track
Leaning in (to the left or to the right, depending on where you need to go) makes it easier to turn the boat. The natural instinct when seeing an obstacle on the path is to steer around it, or push against it. However, on a SOAR canoe, it is better to lean into it and let the current take you. When you physically lean in you will bounce off things without the risk of tipping your canoe. To achieve what you want on the job and in your career, don’t be afraid to lean into roadblocks. To keep on track and be on top lean in to embrace challenges and risk.
The struggle is real. Hardship is painful. But every setback is an opportunity to learn something that would serve you forever. On the career journey, you are likely to hit a log or get stuck on a rock. Whatever goals you set for yourself, the primary one is to get through the obstacle course doing the best you can do. Find that tiny sliver of possibility and paddle forward. It is up to you to be positive and seek out the humor in every situation. Positive attitude will help you move forward faster and more constructively. Whether on the river, in life, and at work, humor may not be the key to success, but it does make everything better.
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