During the final few years of racing on the whitewater world circuit,  my coach challenged me to come up with 3 words that encompassed the goals we were targeting on the water. His thinking was simple – on the long journey and in the complex formula that IS peak performance, we need a few key guiding words that simplify the whole equation at life’s critical moments. When we’re playing out our top performance, we’re driving our 3 words to their full capacity.

It’s cool to see one my favorite bloggers, Chris Brogan, not only embracing this concept but promoting it to others. And of course these terrific mediums of communication allow us to share our goals and increase public accountability for them like never before. So I’m ready to roll out my part of the Brogan challenge.

My 3 Words for 2010: Edges, Energy, Elite

Edges – This word directly relates to my work leading USA Canoe/Kayak through its transition period. With just about anything canoe/kayak, the sport is often perceived as challenging to do and difficult to access (not true, by the way.) Trying to lead, grow or change our interest in the sport from the “center of the circle” is nearly impossible – most people outside of our circle who we want to bring to the inside will not make the time or the effort to find us. So, I’m going to the edges of our circle to meet and engage such people at the edges of their respective circles. At these edges is where we’ll find new participants, sponsors and stakeholders who understand this and are stepping out to their own edges. The edges are where life gets interesting, the new rules are created and where the shape of your circle becomes changeable. Time at the Edges = Rewarding Opportunities

Energy – There are two elements here for me in 2010. First, to live the life I want to live and best serve the relationships that matter to me most. Time to do it all is NOT the issue – energy is. Being more attentive to my entire energy system and how I fuel it is a huge piece to my success, happiness and effectiveness. Second, our home in Tennessee is going to become our personal center for better understanding alternative energy opportunities. I’m going to absorb all that I can about options like solar and wind and take steps to integrate them into our lives.

Elite – This is the word that comes from “What I cold have done better in 2009.” Since retiring from top level competition after the Athens Olympic Games, I figured it was time to adjust my life to fit the flow of peeps similar to my age, responsibility, etc. I kind of distanced myself from the “world’s best” process which I used so effectively in my competitive paddling years. Big mistake. My “Elite” edge is a part of my DNA and putting it out to pasture is crazy. Elite is a belief system that works well for a whole lot of other things besides racing well on the river. I’m glad to have it back into my “everyday lifestyle.”

The beauty of 3 words is that they’re a guide that simplifies your best self. So, what are you waiting for? What are your 3 words?

Lots of changes since I last updated the blog. At the time of my last post in early October, I was pretty much biking or kayaking whenever I pleased. Today, I squeeze in rides and paddles during downtime of a new project I took on about 10 weeks ago – I’m currently serving USA Canoe/Kayak as its Interim Executive Director. It’s been an amazing opportunity so far filled with the right amount challenge, purpose, passion and risk. And of course I love working with some fantastic people too.

Change doesn’t come easy nor does it come fast. But there’s nothing like being a part of it, particularly when you care about what you’re changing and you can see results along the way. With that in mind, this video below and link to a letter from USA Canoe/Kayak’s Board Chairman, David Backer, reflect that sentiment – please take a moment to check it out and of course let me know your thoughts!

Click HERE for David Backer’s letter

Honored to have met Dr. Jessie Stone, founder of Soft Power Health, at the recent Whitewater Symposium. What an inspiration! Check out our conversation and learn how she committed to her true passion, engaged the likes of Emily Jackson to pitch in and helped take kayaking across social and economic lines. And she does all of this while competing as a member of the U.S. Freestyle Kayak Team!

Resource Links

Soft Power Health

Jessie’s Team Jackson Kayak page

Jessie’s NPR story (Audio)

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