During a recent ski trip to Vermont, I set out to tackle a skill I had always struggled with: riding switch on my snowboard. In years past, I quickly gave up whenever I felt the discomfort of riding with my non-dominant foot forward. This time, however, I committed hours of practice to mastering the skill, embracing the awkwardness and pushing through the frustration. By the end of the trip, I could ride switch with confidence, and the experience left me with more than just a new snowboarding technique.
This perseverance mirrors the challenges I face in consulting. Just as learning to ride switch required me to step outside my comfort zone, consulting often involves tackling unfamiliar problems or adapting to new industries. The initial discomfort is inevitable, but success comes from pushing through and trusting the process.
Practicing switch also taught me the value of patience and incremental progress. Each fall and shaky turn was a step closer to improvement, just as each small breakthrough in consulting builds toward impactful solutions. Whether mastering a new skill on the slopes or addressing complex client challenges, persistence and a willingness to embrace discomfort are key to achieving meaningful growth.
Switching Perspectives: How Snowboarding Taught Me the Power of Perseverance
