In everyday life, we encounter more entrepreneurial lessons than we think. A good example: surfing.
When I post surf photos I sometimes get strange faces. You're not on vacation, are you? Aren't you supposed to be working? Yes, I am working, but this is my relaxation & I still get quite a lot out of this. Here's what I've learned from surfing, which I can apply to my business.
Lesson #1: Focus and don't give up
I started surfing 5 years ago, but I am still not good. People who have only been at it for six months are better than me. But here's the big difference: I had no focus. I did 2 lessons, then six months of nothing, then another month of active, then another 8 months of nothing. It didn't progress that way, because I almost had to start over every time because I had to get used to it again.
You can also apply this to taking courses or content creation: keep the focus and try to do it in as little time as possible rather than an hour every few weeks.
Lesson #2: Get started only if you have a good mindset
If you go into the water frustrated and stressed, you're not going to succeed. The ocean is going to get you. It works the same way with your work. If you feel things aren't going quite right, don't ram on. Take a break and take a moment to come to yourself.
Lesson #3: Adapt to circumstances and be flexible
Very nice that you have 2 hours to surf at noon on Friday, but if there are no waves, you won't get very far. This has taught me an awful lot about flexibility. As a control freak, I found this very difficult at the beginning, because I just wanted to work on my business at certain hours. But that's not how it works with surfing. This has taught me to adapt much better to the circumstances.
Lesson #4: You don't become a professional in a few weeks
Becoming a pro surfer takes time. Becoming an expert takes time. Count your blessings, be proud of your progression and don't give up. Only then will you become a pro surfer - ehhhh, expert!
