Your Life is as Complex as Predicting Surfing Waves in Hawaii (Achievement Nudge about Your Power of Choice)

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Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Bill Truby

During my time in Hawaii, I made some great friends—many of them passionate surfers. These early risers hit the waves at dawn, driven by something as powerful as the ocean itself: a prediction.

How do they know the waves will be worth the effort? They check a surf forecast. Imagine seeing this:

“The surf forecast for Hawaii over the next 12 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (November 25) at 11PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 6ft and 7second period with a secondary swell of 4ft and 8s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.” (An actual forecast delivered on November 15, 2024).

Simple words, yet they reflect staggering complexity. Having once read a book on waves (yes, of course I did!), I was amazed by the science behind these predictions. Turns out, wave forecasting involves layers of intricate math and countless variables: wind, gravity, underwater slopes, depth of the water, opposing currents, and even wave combinations from entirely different storms.

It’s astonishing. A wave crashing at Waikiki Beach might have begun its journey 10,000 miles away, set in motion by forces long past. But even with all that chaos, forecasts can get surprisingly close to reality.

And this brings me to you and me. Like ocean waves, we’re shaped by forces beyond our control. A storm years ago, sudden gusts of life’s wind, and the depth—or shallowness—of our experiences all contribute to the “you” reflected in the mirror today.

But here’s the difference: unlike waves, we get a say. We hold the power of choice. We can disrupt the pattern. We can rewrite the forecast.

Imagine my surfer friend Tommy looking at a bad surf report and declaring, “Nope. I’m rewriting this outcome!” Absurd, right? Waves follow the laws of nature. But for humans, defying the prediction is our ultimate freedom.

This is our superpower. Unlike waves, we aren’t doomed to crash where life predicts. If you’ve ever felt stuck—like wave after wave is knocking you down—remember: you are not a wave. You can break the cycle. You can change your course. Waves can’t choose. But you can.

When you take back your power of choice, life transforms. Instead of being battered by drowning waves, you learn to surf them. Those same forces that once overwhelmed you become the source of joy, growth, and freedom. And then… Life is NOT a beach!

This article is part of our ongoing Achievement Nudge series—short, witty, and often inspirational articles to spark your personal and professional growth. Explore more nudges on our blog, or sign up for our weekly Nudge and News email. Each edition includes an Achievement Nudge plus leadership, professional development, and personal growth videos and articles to keep you inspired and on track.

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Bill Truby

Founder and President of Truby Achievements