Don’t Stare at the Logjam

I grew up in the mountains of Colorado, and our version of a good time was spending time outdoors. We would frequently go hiking, camping, rafting, and kayaking. I learned many lessons from these outdoor adventures, many of which came from facing adversity and challenge, that relay directly into personal and professional life today.

One of the most important lessons is the following: when you are kayaking or rafting down a river, there are sections that have big rocks, turns, and features that create rapids. Often, these rapids contain logjams, big holes, and dangers that you need to avoid (or else bad things happen). Flipping your raft mid rapid, or having to swim out of your kayak is never an enjoyable experience.

One thing you learn quickly on the river, is that you shouldn’t focus on the things that you are trying to avoid. If you stare at a logjam too long, then you’ll end up in the logjam. If you stare at the ugly, rocky hole that you don’t want to go into, guess where you’ll end up?

In kayaking, as in life, it’s critical to focus on where you want to go…not on the things you want to avoid. Be mindful of the things you need to avoid, understand and acknowledge they exist, but do NOT give them all of your energy, focus, and attention.

“Always remember your focus determines your reality” — George Lucas

Instead, focus your energy on the things you want to accomplish or achieve. Your ideas and your dreams are far too important to squander on anything less than everything you’ve got.