When I was recently invited to a business breakfast featuring Layne Beachley as the guest speaker, I didn't jump at the chance. To be honest, despite reading and watching a few profile pieces, I'd never “warmed” to Layne.
Which is exactly why I decided to go along.
Always take the opportunity to challenge your assumptions
Stretching and testing our assumptions and beliefs is just as important as stretching and working our bodies. If you want a strong, flexible mind, you've got to step out of your comfort zone.
If you only ever interact with people, information and experiences that you are very comfortable with, that reinforce what you already believe, then of course you'll continue to think along the same lines you always have – without challenge there can be no change, and without change there can be no growth.
When you're open to new connections – your efforts are never wasted
When I go to events or meetings with this mindset, I find my time and energy is rarely 'wasted'. I always end up making connections, and discovering stories, that help me to be more savvy in my living.
I'm a big believer in the power of storytelling. When you hear someone's story you learn about them, their lives, their choices and discoveries. But more than that, when you listen deeply you also learn about yourself, your own feelings, judgements and perceptions.
In the case of my breakfast with Layne, I was thoroughly engaged as she shared her story and her opinions. She spoke of facing her fears (when riding the big waves), being OK with letting go of some of her dreams, learning to sit with loss, and tapping into the power of focus, determination and hard work.
A woman who dreams big and makes it happen
Layne Beachley was a professional surfer and the first woman in the history of the sport to gain seven World Championships, six of them consecutive in 1998 – 2003 and again in 2006.
Since retiring from professional surfing in 2008, she's focussed on new goals and aspirations including the Layne Beachley surf classic (the richest women’s surfing tournament on the world tour offering over US$100,000 in prize money), a clothing range, and the Aim For The Stars Foundation. Layne established the Foundation to support women and girls to “Dare to Dream, Pursue their Passion and Aspire to Achieve".
Layne says:
To dream takes courage. To want to set yourself apart from the masses by allowing yourself to set a goal, no matter how unrealistic it may seem.
Then BELIEVE that one day that dream will transform into reality. Pursuing a passion requires commitment. Commitment to yourself, the effort required to remain true and focussed on your goal.
Making my own connections
Listening to Layne, what struck me was how comfortable she is sharing her strong opinions and beliefs, without self-censoring or worrying what others might think.
I too have strong beliefs and opinions, but my fear of offending people or causing conflict often gets in the way of expressing my thoughts freely.
I wonder what does this cost me? If I showed more courage in being myself – what magic would happen?
Prickly on the outside but sweet inside!
The final word must go to Layne… when asked to pick the fruit that most represents herself – as quick as anything she responded “A kiwi fruit – prickly and rough on the outside, juicy and sweet on the inside.
So true! Like a kiwi fruit I had to take the time to peel away the prickly layers, but I was certainly rewarded by the sweetness within.
In the end, the breakfast was a wonderful experience and opportunity for learning, connecting and growing.
I wonder, what simple action could you take today to connect with a new person, experience or piece of information? What rewards might you discover if you are open to challenging your assumptions?
Tell me what's on your mind in the comments!
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