Introduction

Good morning, good afternoon, or wherever you are. It’s Chris Walker, down on Bondi Beach, basking in the sunshine despite the six-degree weather. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s key to success in life—tenacity. What can we learn from surfers battling the winter waves, and how does this relate to our inner world, especially when we’re feeling less than inspired? Let’s explore how tenacity, self-reflection, and understanding what’s in your heart can unlock your true potential.

The Waves of Life and the Tenacity of Surfers

Looking out at Bondi Beach today, the contrast to yesterday’s flat surf is remarkable. The waves are alive, with barrels forming, and about 50 surfers are out there tackling them. It’s not just a love for the ocean that drives them—it’s tenacity. Rain, hail, or shine, these surfers are committed. They’ve endured the cold winter, donning their wetsuits, to experience those perfect moments on the waves.

Tenacity is a trait that transcends surfing. It’s vital in every aspect of life, whether spiritual, mental, or physical. Success demands consistency. Those surfers have day jobs, yet they carve out time to practice. This speaks volumes about the power of being relentless in pursuit of what you love.

What’s in Your Heart Today?

Tenacity isn’t just about showing up physically—it’s about being present mentally and emotionally. One of the most important questions you can ask yourself daily is, “What’s in your heart today?” Reflecting on this, you connect with your inner wealth—your source of motivation and inspiration.

Sometimes, what’s in your heart may be excitement and anticipation. You might be looking forward to the day ahead, eager to get to work or engage in something that inspires you. But other times, it’s melancholy—a sign that something isn’t quite right. When melancholy strikes, it’s a gift, a call from nature asking you to slow down and contemplate what needs to change.

The Gift of Melancholy

Melancholy is not something to run away from. In Innerwealth, where there’s order in the chaos, melancholy is a signal. It’s not a time to make impulsive decisions but rather a moment to reflect. Whether it’s a personal relationship, career, or health, when you feel melancholy, it’s a sign that something is out of balance.

For many, especially those favouring masculine energy, melancholy often turns into anger. For others, it may lead to self-depreciation, perhaps indulgence, like an extra glass of wine at night. Either way, it’s essential to recognise melancholy as a gift—an opportunity for introspection and change.

Finding the Right Questions

In moments of melancholy, we often find ourselves asking the wrong questions. We might ask, “How do I get out of this job?” or “How do I improve this relationship?” These are not the right questions. As I often say in my consulting work, whether in business or personal life, the answer lies in asking the right question.

Imagine being in a boat at sea, trying to figure out how deep the ocean is. You need to step outside the boat or use tools to measure accurately. Similarly, we need a sounding board—whether a coach, a friend, or a partner—to question the question. Only by getting the right question can we arrive at the correct answer.

The Power of Love Over Expectation

When we perform tasks, we often expect others to acknowledge our efforts. We hope for approval, thinking it will allow us to live up to our potential. However, expectation and potential don’t belong in the same sentence. Expectations block love, and love is what fuels potential.

To unlock your true potential, freeing yourself from the burden of expectations is essential. This doesn’t mean living without expectations entirely but rather ensuring they are your own, not someone else’s. When you act out of love, without the need for external validation, you free yourself to achieve greatness.

Living With Spirit and Tenacity

Living with spirit means approaching life with energy, purpose, and conviction. It means doing things not for approval but because you know they are right in your heart. Tenacity plays a crucial role in this process. When others criticise or doubt you, having the tenacity to stay true to your path is key.

In a corporate environment, when faced with criticism, it’s perfectly valid to ask, “Are you qualified to judge whether this is right or wrong?” If you know in your heart that you’ve done something with integrity, then stand by it.

Unraveling Expectations to Unlock Potential

So, what blocks your heart? Expectations—your own or those imposed on you—block the flow of love and, by extension, your potential. We live in a world overwhelmed by expectations of how things should or shouldn’t be. These expectations can drain our energy, cloud our thinking, and sabotage our potential.

To fulfil your potential, you must unravel those expectations. This doesn’t mean going through life without any expectations but rather ensuring that your expectations are yours. They must align with your heart and soul, not the demands or opinions of others.

Conclusion

So, what’s in your heart today? Are you inspired, excited, or feeling a little melancholic? Whatever it is, it’s essential to acknowledge it and reflect. Tenacity is the key to navigating life’s ups and downs—whether catching waves at Bondi Beach or navigating the waves of life. Remember, unlocking your potential begins with love, not expectations, and asking the right questions.

This is Chris Walker. I wish you a beautiful day. Take time to reflect, embrace your tenacity, and live with love. Bye for now.