This post was originally shared on LinkedIn, where I reflected on my time as a rower and the life-changing lessons I learned. These insights continue to shape my approach to mental health and wellbeing, both personally and professionally. They link perfectly to Mental Health Awareness Week:
[Sarah McGuinness] “I was a rower once and it taught me sharp lessons I’m using *a lot* in today’s challenging environment.
Before I get to that, back story, in my 20s, I went from a novice on the Yarra River, rowing into rubbish traps, to joining an elite club with Olympians – learning what real discipline looks like.
To be super clear, I was most definitely *not* Olympic material. I rowed in the Z-crew in an old wooden boat taking on water in the 8km race. And once sank a single boat in the middle of winter and went for a very chilly, dirty swim.
But at the height of my training, I was doing 11 full sessions a week. Up at 5 am, cycling 10km to the shed, rowing from 6-7:30 am, working all day, then back to the shed for another session before cycling home.
I was determined, and it was brutal. But here’s a super quick summary of what I learned:
- Recovery is key (saying that again for the people at the back): Your body and brain need (need!) time to recharge if you want to perform well. Having burned out in 2020, this lesson has taken me a while to take on board.
- True teamwork takes effort: I learned what it means to be a crew going through the highs and lows together, despite our differences. Patience, empathy, and determination are essential to work in sync.
- Train in seasons: Elite rowers have on-seasons and off-seasons. That’s how they reach peak performance. Why don’t we do that at work?
- Community matters: Despite differences and politics and all the joys of differences, oh boy can a strong community rally together.
- Finding flow is epic: I don’t know how to describe to you the feeling of a boat sitting up on the water, the clack of the oars, the run of the boat on the water, and the sun coming up over a promising day ahead. It’s a phenomenal feeling.
These big lessons have stayed with me and shaped how I approach mental health and wellbeing these days.
If these messages resonate and you’re looking to prioritise these in your workplace during Mental Health Awareness Week, drop me a line! Love to hear from you.
I’m here to deliver a great workshop for your team that’s bite-sized, practical, and full of good stories – rowing, work, and otherwise.“
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