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Mike Lee

About the author

In a world of disruption, change and adversity Mike Lee helps individual contributors, leaders and organizations activate the purpose-driven, future-focused and heart-centered skills to meet the moment and prepare for what's next.

Right now we are constantly being pushed outside of our comfort zone. Many of us have had to learn a new skill in order to adapt in this new normal. One thing I’ve had to adapt is my morning workout routine. It’s no longer an option to go to Barry’s, SoulCycle or a yoga class so I’ve had to find something to replace it.

And, that’s been learning to surf. While just jumping in and executing a ton of repetitions is part of the process, here are 3 keys to develop this a new skill in an intentional, efficient, and effective manner.

Find a Master Teacher

You need to find someone who has walked the path that you are or has been the guide on someone else’s journey. The higher levels you get to the higher level of teacher you are going to need. For me, since I’m just starting out my “Master Teacher” was a buddy of mine who has been surfing for almost 20 years. He has been able to point out so many of the details that I would have overlooked.

Abundance of Opportunity

When I first got out there I was trying to catch as many waves as possible. And, soon was wearing myself out. For a moment I paused and realized that there was always another wave coming. There was always going to be another opportunity. I had to live with the patience and trust that another opportunity en route. When learning something new — especially something incredibly challenging like surfing —you aren’t going to get it right away. Giving yourself the permission to have compassion and patience helps you trust the process.

The Power of The Present

When you’re learning to surf you have to be 100% locked in on the task at hand otherwise you without a doubt are going to fall. I was reminded of the pure focus and deliberate practice you have to execute in order to get quality repetitions — regardless of the skill you’re trying to develop. If you’re mind is in the past or it’s in the future worrying about falling you are 100% going to fall. Through a mindfulness practice you can not only train your mind to be more focused, you can train it to create the awareness of when your focus drift and then bring it back to the task at hand.

If you or your team is looking to…

  • Cultivate the resilience to bounce back from adversity
  • Shift from uncertainty to action
  • And, lead the way forward into the new era…

…we might be able to help.

Drop us a note to explore our individual and group virtual solutions.

Who We Work With

Our clients are high-performing, bold leaders who desire to influence those they lead and make an impact on the world. They have the open-mindedness to always step out of their comfort zones, think differently and challenge the status quo.

 

What We Do

We help organizations level up their performance through non-traditional approaches to improving engagement, cultivating resilience, and transformational leadership. Ultimately, impacting their ability to drive innovation, foster creativity and solve the complex, critical challenges we’re facing in today’s world.

 

How We Do It

We effect change the root level. The individual. We empower them with the skills, mindsets and strategies of basketball’s elite, blended with mindfulness and emotional intelligence, to unlock the human potential within. We believe that transforming people transforms organizations.

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