Published September 18, 2023
The Swimming Lesson: Embracing Partnerships and Growth
On a sun-drenched summer day, my daughter Goldie stands by the poolside, her curious eyes filled with anticipation. She looks at me and asks, "Dad, am I a good swimmer?" I smile warmly, encouraging her to try. "You're doing great, Goldie," I reply.
The Deep End
Confidence swelling, Goldie ventures further into the pool. "Dad, I'm good in the deep," she exclaims, excited about her newfound prowess. She begins to paddle and splash around, feeling the thrill of being in control.
The Unexpected Sink
But then, something unexpected happens. Goldie starts to sink. Panic sets in, and she calls out, "Dad, I'm starting to sink!" As the water engulfs her, she struggles to stay afloat.
Partnerships and Mentors
As Goldie teeters on the brink of panic, I reach out, gently lifting her back to the surface. In this moment, she realizes that it was her dad who had been holding her up and keeping her alive all along. Goldie's swimming journey is a metaphor for life and business - we all need partnerships, multiple mentors, and coaches to succeed.
Just as Goldie had me to support her in the pool, we too need mentors and partners in different aspects of our lives and businesses. No one succeeds alone. We must seek out those who can guide us through the deep waters, offering their wisdom and support when we start to sink.
Putting in the Reps
In any endeavor, whether it's swimming or building a business, practice is essential. Goldie had to put in the reps to become a better swimmer. Similarly, we must work tirelessly to improve our skills and knowledge. It's through consistent effort and dedication that we can achieve our goals.
Having a Coach
As Goldie's dad, I played the role of her coach, providing guidance and encouragement. In life and business, having a mentor or coach can make all the difference. They can offer insights, share their experiences, and help us navigate the challenges we encounter.
What's Your Split?
In the world of athletics, a "split" refers to the time it takes to complete a certain portion of a race. In life and business, our "split" represents the time and effort we allocate to different aspects of our goals. It's important to assess our splits and ensure that we're dedicating enough time to the areas that matter most.
Goldie's swimming lesson reminds us that we all need partnerships, mentors, and coaches to succeed. Whether we're navigating the deep waters of life or business, having someone to support and guide us can make a world of difference. So, ask yourself, "What is your split?" Are you dedicating enough time to the areas that will lead you to success? Embrace partnerships and keep pushing forward – just like Goldie in the pool, you'll make progress and reach new depths.
