Read the Waves: Embracing Imperfect Opportunities

In 2017, during a family trip to Hawaii, I finally got my chance to experience something I’d dreamed of for years: learning how to surf.

I’ve always been drawn to those epic pictures of surfers catching a wave. It looks like magic—the moment when they seem to defy gravity, effortlessly riding nature's power. The Hollywood movie Blue Crush made it look both challenging and attainable—cool in a way I couldn’t resist.

I wanted to try it.

Since none of us had ever surfed before, we decided to do it right from the start. We hired an instructor for a few hours.

I figured the hardest part of surfing would be paddling out against the waves, reaching the spot where the waves started to break. Or maybe it would be getting up—quickly moving from my stomach to my feet in time to catch the wave.

But I was wrong. Both were difficult, but neither was the biggest challenge.

The hardest part was reading the waves.

Experienced surfers know how waves will bend and break. This skill allows them to avoid wipeouts, conserve energy, and have more fun. Our instructor was extremely helpful in this regard. He gave us strategies, tips, and even literally pushed us into the waves we needed to ride.

He also encouraged us to just go for it, reminding us that there really isn’t any other way to figure it out. We couldn’t ride every wave, and we couldn’t wait for hours to find a “perfect wave.”

So, through trial and error, we learned. We discovered that some waves weren’t big enough to carry us to shore. Others were too big for us novices to handle—they knocked us down because we weren’t ready for them. We also learned that the perfect wave doesn’t exist; it’s about choosing a wave and committing to it.

By the end of those few hours, we hadn’t mastered surfing, but we had learned something invaluable: the importance of trying, falling, and getting back up, again and again. Because, just like in surfing, in life, you can’t wait for the perfect wave—you have to go for it.

While these were important surfing lessons, I also found them to be important lessons in life and at work.

There have been many times when opportunities have come along over the years. Like surfing, it is important to figure out which wave to ride and when to wait.

As a novice, I learned that I can’t take every single opportunity, or I will burn out. On the other hand, waiting for the “perfect” opportunity doesn’t work either. It usually results in not taking any chances and getting nowhere.

With more experience, I now have a better understanding of where I want to invest my time and energy. It has taken a lot of practice. I’ve wiped out a lot. I still misread situations. Sometimes opportunities look great in the distance but don’t pan out as I expect. Others fall short.

However, getting a good instructor, being willing to experiment, and trusting in the process has been the best strategy I’ve found so far. And knowing that there will always be more waves has kept me positive when things go astray.

Over the years I can’t help but think back on this lesson and wonder: how often do we hold ourselves back, waiting for something perfect before we act?

It’s not always easy to tell when the timing is right or when a chance is worth taking, but that experience is part of the process. Even when things don’t go as planned, every attempt brings you closer to understanding how to choose wisely.

So, as a challenge this week, I invite you to think about an opportunity or decision you’re currently facing. Are you waiting for the “perfect wave” before taking action? Maybe it’s time to identify a wave worth riding and commit to it—even if it’s not perfect. Remember, every experience adds to your skill and confidence.

Whether in surfing, life, or work, it’s about learning, trying, and trusting that there will always be more waves to ride. With practice and perseverance, you’ll get better at knowing which ones to take and which to let pass.

Best of luck and happy surfing! Lauren

P.S. Opportunities are everywhere—even if they don’t look perfect. Our services, including leadership coaching, strategic planning, and personalized mentoring, can help you navigate those waves and take action with confidence.