Economics of Pursuits

Exploring beyond the stoke: what is your economical mindset for success in outdoor pursuits?

‘Take more shots’ says economist Stephens-Davidowitz, referring to a basketball analogy of a quantitative approach and maximal effort expenditure. Conversely, Dan Gilbert, philanthropist, businessman, billionaire, champions the ‘do less better’ approach – although maybe he can afford to do less. I’ve seen these alternate positions played out in the local lineup on a decent swell and, more seriously, in strategic leadership within education where ‘sharp and narrow’ is the exclamation but general capability is the expectation. Returning to the beach and my preferred analogy, watching some paddle onto every wave on the radar and others who sit and wait for the perfect wave is a perfect illustration of the two approaches. I guess you need to consider your goal, want you want out of the session – The Why?

The surfer who paddles onto every wave possible gets the practice and multiple opportunities for stoke. They are likely fit and strong and their endurance gives a probability of being in the right place at the right time for a nice wave. If they miss a wave, their energy will create an opportunity for ‘luck’ and another nice ride on the next wave. They also run the risk of paddling for a poor wave at the expense of a better one a bank over or 10 seconds later. Quantity may get more at the expense of better quality.

The alternate is the chilled out boardrider who waits, absorbing the feel of the water and watching the frantic fun of the others around, who then paddles to the perfect spot for a great wave. This surfer is patient and catches only the best. However, if the surfer misses or goofs the wave there could be a long wait for another nice ride. It is tempting to break from the quality mindset here and paddle onto any wave next regardless of the potential for success.

The surfer’s mindset is not the only consideration here because two external factors, beside toothy wildlife, are the frequency of waves and the competition/companions vying for their fair share. Do either of these factors impact on the stoke of a great session? Does the energetic surfer create opportunities or the chilled surfer demonstrate efficiency in the economics of fun?

Swap out the sport and consider the pursuit of fun on trails, climbs, dives, or just quietly, strategic decision in the workplace – consider: is less more, or is more, simply, more?!

Respect the people, Heal the country

In this NAIOIC week it is timely and important to pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge the traditional custodians and protectors of the land on which I have the pleasure of working, playing and walking upon. Our history as a nation is short and blinded but with healing and nuance our future will recognise Australia’s history to be long and beautiful. I acknowledge the Gubbi Gubbi and Kabi Kabi people and their bountiful land and commit to signaling my reverence and championing of proud, resilient indigenous youth in my endeavours as an educator, adventurer and communicator.

I will ensure this reverence and acknowledgment is shared on my small platform forever more.

On behalf of teachers:

Every child is capable of learning; and by learning I mean improvement and achievement beyond current understandings and skill level.  The capacity to meet and/or succeed development milestones and achievement standards will vary in time, effort, and support.  It is important to discuss this because:

We need you to challenge and encourage your child to always give their best – and this is hard.

We need you to encourage them to give their best.  This week I gave a lengthy speech at my school parade (you’re always welcome) on the importance of meeting expectations.  I spoke of being respectful, responsible and safe so we can be learners.  These four expectations underpin our student code of conduct and are the bedrock upon which our aspirational SPARK values system sits.  It is our job, and undoubtedly your job, to encourage them to give their best and meet expectations every day.

And here’s something contrary that we know – they won’t always meet them!  We know this, I know this, so why do I go on about it? 

If we lower our standards we won’t get what was possible – we won’t get their best – we will get what was easy!

So, I’m asking you to follow up and follow through with habits and routines that support your child’s learning and skill and behavioural development.  And I ask this while giving the gift of three phrases to help from my broken record catalogue:

“What are you doing? What should you be doing? What will happen when you do?”

“Yet” (Paraphrasing their typical: ‘I can’t do it!’)

“Are you getting closer to finishing / your goal or further away?”

Every child will develop, in their own way and in their own time – if we support them and challenge them to give their best.       

Every journey begins with E

Begin!

It has taken several trial runs and savage editorial slashes before I gave up and had an epiphany – just begin. Seth Godin, in his excellent blog and podcast, frequently calls for a start or an opening now – and not to wait for all the pieces to fall in place for a ‘Grand Opening’. It is easy to glimpse any success and see an overnight success story -if you don’t look deeper and find their long lead up and runway. At some point founders, leaders and creators wrestled with the thought of whether their creation was ready. Had they applied enough thought to the creation, had they considered all factors -are they ready? And then they began and worked away until they succeeded. Enthusiasm to begin is usually enough.

This call for energetic enthusiasm is shared by others. Kevin Kelly (Wired Magazine, entrepreneur and investor) shared in his thoughts that enthusiasm is a key leverage for success: “Being enthusiastic is worth 25 IQ points” – Kevin Kelly. 26 Oct 2020.

So, feeling somewhat smarter for starting, I give you Droppoint Outfitters.

And now…

I’m not special, important or a noted disruptor in any sense of the word and this short post outlines my intention (publicly) to post a blog of rules, reflections and ramblings.

Nothing long, nothing with obscure references – but hopefully not nothing.

Consistency and establishing a new routine will be a challenge. Will my values of innovation, adventure and ‘the new’ help or hinder this routine?

Too soon to unleash further ramblings; way too soon…