Self-actualization in business and life is a lot like inventing a snowboarding move, or preparing for the Crossfit Games. You have to set a vision, have awareness, and do the work while still pacing yourself.
The scary truth is: a lot of people will never self-actualize because we’re afraid of this process. But there is a process you can implement to make self-actualization easier.
Today, I’m joined by two athletes and entrepreneurs, Sylvania Harron and Jeff Lavin. We talk about what extreme sport can teach us about self-actualization and the secret to great leadership.
The first thing a team leader needs is self-awareness. You must know your strengths and weaknesses. Typically, people think they can do everything, but true success comes from focusing on what you do best and finding others to support the areas where you're weaker. This involves clarifying what you excel at (level 8 skills) and focusing on those, while delegating other tasks to those who can handle them better.
Achieving anything great requires you to focus on the nitty gritty and the 30,000ft view. at the same time. Great leaders can zoom in on the minutest details and also zoom out to see the bigger picture.
In high-performance scenarios, understanding when to push hard and when to pace yourself is critical. This approach prevents burnout and ensures sustainable performance over the long term.
Many people are scared of self-actualization. They avoid facing their dreams and fears because they're afraid of failure and the hard work required to reach their highest potential. However, facing these fears head-on and becoming self-aware are crucial steps toward personal and professional growth.
Inventing a snowboarding trick can teach us a lot about self-actualization. You need to have air awareness, understanding the bail points to avoid injury if things go wrong, and adhere to the four P's: Practice, Patience, Persistence, and Perspective. Practice involved countless reps, refining your skills continuously. Persistence means getting back up after every fall, despite the setbacks. Perspective required external feedback, analyzing the metrics or watching video footage to align your performance with your goals.
Guest Bio
Sylvania Harrod is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and athlete. Follow @sylvaniaharrod on Instagram.
Jeff Lavin is a former pro snowboarder, best selling author, private equity general partner, and investment banker. Follow @theshredneck on Instagram.