Thinking In Waves: The Problem With 100%


The Problem With 100%

I recently watched a video of Coach Boyan

With a client on a doubles surkski

In which they positioned themselves and their boat

To catch a wave.

As they begin to accelerate their paddle strokes to increase speed,

Boyan encouragingly says,

“Nice and easy. No force. Only catch waves that don’t require a lot of force.”

Insightful and wise words here

That align with the essence of Thinking In Waves

And worthy of deeper reflection

Such as:

Do your Life Waves seem to require a 100% commitment of force?

What is driving such a commitment to these Life Waves?

How could you improve upon your effort and efficiency?

Of course 100% intensity is useful -

If we are in danger or at risk, it’s needed.

But when a 100% push becomes the:

  • Social norm
  • Price of daily admission
  • Badge of honor,

The output cannot be sustained.

Here, let's return to the Wave Surfing Progression

And consider some fundamental corrections:

  1. Improve the level of our Basic Speed --> Better management of our all-day/every-day speed transforms our economy of performance
  2. Select Better Life Waves --> Choose Waves that match our values and abilities OVER Waves that other people tell us to chase

At the end of the video, Boyan reinforces the message to his doubles partner:

“Remember, don’t go for waves that require a sprint at full speed. Only go for waves that require 70-75% acceleration.”

What does this mean to us?

Let go of the Life Waves that consume our 100%….

And focus on the Life Waves that

Welcome our 70-75%.

With gratitude, Joe

PS - In a Thinking In Waves essay earlier this year, I mentioned that I was working on a survey about Adventure and Coaching Retreats in Catalunya. I am in the early stages of sharing this survey and welcome your feedback.

The survey is short and not a commitment to participate in the program.

If you have a few minutes, I would be grateful for your help in crafting a world class adventure and coaching experience in the region where I love living and am excited to share with friends.

Please find the survey --> HERE... and THANK YOU!

See you on the Wave.🌊

Joe Jacobi​

Olympic Gold Medalist | Performance Coach | ​Author​

Unlock Your Why, Achieve Impacting Wins, & Ride Spectacular Life Waves

Joe Jacobi

Olympic Gold Medalist | Performance Coach | Author I write about what it means to perform with full engagement in the second half of life.

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