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- On a mission to learn how to surf.
On a mission to learn how to surf.
And the power of "obsession" in getting good at anything in life.
Casey Rickey
December 02, 2024
The word “obsessed” has a strange connotation.
We hear obsessed, and our minds immediately go towards the negative.
But obsession can actually be a good thing when applied to the right, positive avenues.
That’s why you’ll see alcoholics, drug addicts, etc, turnaround their lives and become elite level athletes, top performing entrepreneurs, etc.
They understand the immense power obsession can have over ones life, first hand.
When harnessed properly, obsession allows us to master not just one, but many skills throughout our lifetime.
Right now, I’m harnessing obsession to learn how to surf.
Learning to surf (kook)
Surfing is quite possibly one of the hardest skills in life to learn.
It’s sort of like learning a musical instrument.
Or starting a business…
You have to be REALLY determined (and most give up).
A few practice sessions won’t cut it.
You have to work at it (ideally), every day.
Sometimes, for years.
Sometimes, for 10 years.
Sometimes, for life.
A surfers journey truly never ends, because there is always something to improve upon (though you could say that with any sport really).
Here’s are the biggest lessons I’ve learned in regards to properly channeling obsession…
Obsession stems from passion.
Obsession is not something that can be forced.
You have to actually LOVE the thing you’re pursuing.
In other words…
Obsession shouldn’t feel like a “chore.”
Obsession should feel effortless.
Most importantly, obsession does not exist without focus.
Can you imagine trying to learn guitar, piano, drums, and the violin all simultaneously?
Though not impossible, it would probably take WAY longer and you’d be better off just focusing on one instrument at a time (unless you’re a musical genius/prodigy).
I could go on and on about this subject… but I think I’ll leave it there :)
How have you channeled obsession in your own life? I’d love to hear (respond to this email).
This week’s “1×1×1”
1 creative quote. 1 creative inspiration. 1 photo from my life. Format inspired by Ben Sampson: check his newsletter!
💡 Creative Quote of the week:
“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.”
🌅 Creative Inspiration of the week:
I chatted with this local (incredibly kind), Balinese lady while she fixed a bracelet of mine, after buying a few gifts from her. We chatted on the importance of creativity…how creativity is essentially “life,” in the fact that it gives us something worthy of waking up for and pursuing day-in and day-out. Creativity keeps the mind busy. When I get into a creative flow, it’s easy for a day, week, or even months to fly by without even noticing.
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be creative, everyone can create in some way. You don’t even have to be great at it. I truly believe everyone can benefit from picking up some sort of creative hobby or passion.
📸 Photo from my life:
On the topic of surfing/obsession, I’m currently visiting Uluwatu, Bali for a few days to check out the area, surf, and start carving out my plans + goals for 2025. I’ll be going back to the US for holiday + snowboarding, and some much needed cold weather (never thought I’d ever say i MISS the cold!). A few months in 90+ degree humid heat will do that to you I guess!
My $75/night Airbnb
This is my view as a write this newsletter… an oceanside airbnb for $75 USD/night. Not a bad spot to post up, watch sunset, and start planning out my goals for the new year!
Enjoying my emails?
Don’t be shy, let me know! I love hearing from you. It’s what motivates me to continue doing stuff like this (just respond to this email). Was there something that stuck out to you? Inspired you? Have a question? Just want to say hello?
📈 Newsletter Growth update:
Not gonna lie, I started this newsletter AMPED… and soon realized how hard they are to grow. That said, my focus has now become not number of subscribers, but quality of subscribers. Hoping to continue to use this as a forum mainly for creative expression, while sharing some glimpses into my life to those closest to me, both personally and professionally!
I am also loving this as a forum to dive deeper into topics. Lately, I feel with my LinkedIn content I’ve been writing for the algorithm. LinkedIn isn’t exactly the best spot to “deep dive” into particular topics, or just free form write… I’ve found newsletters are great forums for this!
Refer a friend!
Newsletter growth is hard. I write these mostly for fun and as a creative outlet. If the above brought you value, consider sending the below link to a friend :)
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