It's the early 2000s. Laird Hamilton has just conquered Teahupoo, and Kelly Slater's dominance is redefining the sport. My perception of surfing was firmly rooted in short boarders shredding the faces of green giants.
I must have been around 16, grappling with the belief that any success had to adhere to a rigid, predefined formula and that any deviation from this path would mean failure.
One summer evening, I stood with my Dad, watching a group of surfers catching waves. One standout individual was riding a kneeboard, completely defying my perception of what conventional surfing was.
I raised this with my Dad, but in response to my scepticism, he shared the words that continue to guide me today: "Look at how much fun he is having. He's catching more waves than anyone else. It Doesn't matter how you ride the wave."
This revelation remains a guiding principle in my life. It reminds me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to any success. It's not about a specific process or tool, but about reaching our destination by whatever means we choose. We all have unique paths, dreams, and desires, and what truly matters is that we ride our own waves, regardless of how unconventional they may seem.