It's ok to stop.

The last time I put on skis was over 20 years ago. What I remember most clearly was the moment I took those skis OFF. Picture a 20-something-year-old Christina: sitting on the floor in puddles of melting snow, cheeks red and swollen from sunburn, desperately tugging ski boots off of aching legs, with tears streaming down her cheeks. 

I tried. I had the training I needed. I took ski lessons.* I had the support I needed. My sister graciously skied backwards in front me as I zig zagged back and forth, encouraging me and waiting for me when I fell. 

But here's the thing. My body was tense. I was afraid. I felt guilty slowing others down. And bottomline: I don't like going downhill fast. 

So that last time I took my skis off in a puddle of snow and tears wasn't defeat. It was a choice to say: "Nope. I tried this. It is not for me. I can let it go now." 

This may all sound trivial, and in the scheme of things, it really is. I live and work in Maine now. Most of my friends head to the mountains every weekend for the joy of skiing. I happily know myself and stay on level ground.

What's my point? We don't have to do all of the things. There is absolutely growth from pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones. There is also the wisdom of recognizing when it's time to stop. This matters at the organizational level. In strategic planning, we help organizations do more of what they do best. That means getting clear about priorities. It also means deciding when to take things off the list that no longer serve the organization. This matters at the individual level. Our executive coaching clients are capable of leading and doing many things. The question is what they choose to say yes to, and what they choose to say no to.

Think of me this weekend. As my neighbors head to the slopes, I will be happily watching the Olympics from my couch. 

Warm wishes,

Christina (and Jodi)

*Disclaimer: I grew up in the Mid-Atlantic, so the "mountains" where I I learned to ski are a very specific type of low altitude, ice, and slush. My final ski adventure was out west. I saw what skiing really can be! 

P.S. I do like sledding! This was our most recent family sledding adventure.