3 words + a cold plunge

When I was 12, my Dad took me to the lake to try paddling his new racing kayak.

It was 20' long and shaped like an arrow and it was super tippy.

I had never paddled a boat like this before, but being the ever-bold athlete, I gladly accepted the challenge.

The Bonus?

I lived for my Dad's praise in anything I did, athletically, so this was a chance to feel the love in a big way.

I got out on the water and took off with ease, until I got a little too cocky, too fast and bumped the paddle on a mis-stroke.

I quickly dumped sideways and plunged into the frigid 50-degree water.

It was April and freezing in New Hampshire and I wasn't wearing a skirt so the cockpit instantly filled with water.

It was a cold plunge before cold plunges were all the rage.

My Dad yelled from the shore, "Swim in, Amber!" as I panicked and gasped in the cold.

I was borderline hyperventilating as I doggy paddled and dragged the water-filled boat behind me.

As I got closer to shore and my Dad was within a few feet of me, I was gasping and crying and he said 3 words to me that I'll never forget.

"Stand up, babe."

I was in knee deep water, still swimming and gasping for air as I put my feet on the ground and stood up with a sheepish grin.

We laughed as I stripped off my soaking wet sweatshirt and vowed to never paddle that boat again.

But the moment stayed with me...

Sometimes we're closer than we realize.

And the moment we're reminded of our own abilities - everything changes.

I work with brilliant people.

They are experts at their craft and, yet, they are often like I was - dragging the whole boat behind them, gasping for air - when it comes to their marketing/messaging.

My job is to remind you of all the things you're already doing right and give you some tips on how to make what you're doing even more effective.

It's my turn to say, "Stand up, babe." 

It gets to be easier than you've been making it.

xo

Amber