I grew up following my dad’s footsteps – or should I say ski trails. He taught me to ski at a young age and I loved it growing up. I was ultimately fearless and challenged the hills we visited to hurt me. As I bombed hill after hill and pushed the limits that I didn’t know existed, another activity finally caught my eye. That activity turned my life sideways. Literally.
Unfortunately, I didn’t start learning to snowboard until the realization kicked in that I was not bulletproof. That became one of my biggest challenges to date. As much as I’ve wanted to progress and push myself to the extreme, my mind has created false limits that I’ve been scared to cross. Now, I don’t know if anyone else faces those problems, but they’re a real pain in the ass.
Learning to ride with the fearlessness I had as a kid is at the top of my to-do list (right up there with clean my room and do the dishes). After nearly six years of riding, I’ve finally conquered an extremely frustrating battle – learning to ride toe side. I’ve not yet perfected carving, but I’m way better than I’ve ever been. That small feat is a huge accomplishment in my mind because it’s real proof that I’m finally progressing.
If you want to progress, you have to accept falling. You can’t get better if you never push yourself. So whatever sports or activities you’re interested, for the love of progress, keep getting after it. The satisfaction that comes with each success is like no other. If you let that love push you, you’ll be capable of some incredible things.
Live big.
