Coaching For Women News Edition 4
What if mastering a stand-up paddleboard could teach you everything you need to know about achieving your goals?
I recently relocated from sunny Brisbane, Queensland to the stunning shores of Port Stephens, New South Wales. This place is all about the water—think a massive natural harbour and endless aquatic adventures. Naturally, I decided to dive right in (well, not literally… yet!) and embrace the local lifestyle. Step one? Ordering myself a shiny new stand-up paddleboard (SUP), of course!
Practice Makes Progress!
With my life vest strapped on and a leash on my ankle securing me to the board (or was it the other way around?), I stepped boldly onto the beach, ready to conquer the waves. As the gentle waves rolled in, I clambered onto the paddleboard with the grace of ‘hippo learning ballet’. SPLASH… SPLASH… SPLASH—falling off again and again turned out to be equal parts hilarious and humbling.
But I wasn’t about to let a few (okay, many) tumbles stop me. My mission? Paddle a couple of kilometres to a cute little coffee shop for a well-earned latte. Determined to prove to myself—and the amused neighbours—that this wobbly adventure was just the beginning, I kept going. Who knows? Today a beginner, tomorrow (with plenty of practice) the SUP queen of Port Stephens! Every fall reminded me that progress isn’t linear. It’s about learning, adjusting, and staying committed—a mindset that applies to any goal, whether on the water or in life.”
Belief YOU can do it!
The moment I finally managed to stand up on the paddleboard, it hit me—this wasn’t just about balance; it was about connecting my brain, body, and soul with this board. I had to fully focus and believe I could do it. Falling off? No biggie—it’s just part of the adventure! With a splashy reminder to relax and embrace the journey.
Turning Setbacks into Resilience
One glorious morning on the water, I was paddling back from that adorable little café, feeling like a total SUP pro. But then—a rogue wave came out of nowhere, and SPLASH! I was thrown off the board. I was way out in the bay. Suddenly, it became obvious I didn’t have the strength to hoist myself back onto the board. To make matters worse, my life vest had apparently decided its new job was to strangle me instead of saving me. Lovely.
With the shore looking ridiculously far away, swimming back and regrouping became the only option. It was a sobering moment. From that day on, learning from this experience, I got serious about upping my game: strength training, tweaking the paddle length, adjusting the air pressure of the board, debating barefoot vs. beach shoes, and—most importantly—finding a life vest that didn’t choke me at every wave.
It wasn’t just about staying afloat; it was about leaning into that growth mindset I mentioned in my last blog. Progress over perfection, one splashy, wobbly wave at a time.
Values Behind Your Goals
Why keep chasing the stand-up paddleboarding dream? Like any goal, it’s all about figuring out what lights your fire. For me, it was crystal clear—this challenge aligned perfectly with my core values: integrity (no quitting ever) fun (because being on the water is pure joy), and self-actualization (mastering new skills).
“What values drive your goals? How do you handle setbacks when the waves of life get rough?”
Every goal you conquer isn’t just a win—it’s a stepping stone that strengthens your belief in tackling the next big challenge. It’s proof that, with determination and a splash of fun, anything is possible. So, paddle forward, dream big, and embrace the wobbles- they’re part of the adventure.
To use a metaphor, every fall is like a wave sculpting a stone—shaping you into someone stronger, more balanced, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
“So, what’s your next big goal? Embrace the wobble, keep paddling, and trust that you’re capable of more than you imagine!”
Ready to make 2025 your breakthrough year? Click here to learn more about my Fresh Start 2025 program, tailored for ambitious professionals ready to elevate their careers and personal growth. Let’s work together to turn your goals into reality—book your FREE 20-minute Strategy Call with me, Hannah, today!
