Rollerblade crash lessons...

OK, so let’s clarify right away that it was not a major crash. Some cuts and bruises, a ruined pair of jeans and slightly battered self-confidence. But it provided some useful lessons upon reflection.

I realize that I am probably a bit of a learning—and teaching—nerd. My first thought after the crash, after checking that all bones and joints were still in their right places, was to ask myself: “What happened here?”, “What can I learn from it?” and finally, “How can I use that in the future?”

One of my teachers, Jim Rohn, described a successful life philosophy that has stayed with me: study, practice and teach. On this occasion, the pavement had become a rather direct part of the studying and practising.

So, without further ado, here are my main lessons from the experience.

Look ahead

Getting a bit overconfident on my rollerblades, I did not look far enough ahead to notice an intersection that would require two sharp turns.

In life and leadership, I think we need to lift our eyes regularly and consider what is coming. What might require us to slow down, change direction or prepare differently?

Being absorbed in what we are doing can be enjoyable and useful. But occasionally looking up helps us make choices while we still have room to act.

Have fear—without letting it take over

As I approached the intersection, I also noticed a bicycle coming from the other direction. I thought something along the lines of “Oh, crap…” and, for a moment, became scared enough to let fear control my actions—or lack of them.

Fear can give us useful information. Sometimes slowing down or stopping is exactly the right response. The difficulty comes when the fear takes up so much space that we struggle to see our options.

For me, being courageous as a leader includes acknowledging fear while trying to remain present enough to choose what to do next.

Stay flexible when circumstances change

We can make well-intended plans, and then circumstances change or an unexpected opportunity appears. If we become too rigid about the plan, we may miss another way forward.

As fear took over, I became tense and could not maneuver my rollerblades as well as I might otherwise have done. I made the first turn but hit the ground on the second.

Afterwards, another possibility occurred to me. After the first turn, I could have continued in the “wrong” direction for a short while, slowed down and then returned to the intersection.

I cannot know exactly how that would have worked out. But being tense and fixed on my original route meant I did not even consider it at the time.

Notice what happens to your confidence

In the middle of the speed, the turns and the unexpected bicycle, I stopped believing I could handle the situation. That happened at about the same time as the “Oh, crap…” thought.

My friend Ola Wallström, who works with success strategies and mindsets, once told me about two things he had noticed among his most successful clients. They believed that what they wanted to achieve was possible for them, and they enjoyed working towards it.

In those short seconds before my crash, I had neither confidence nor enjoyment.

Of course, believing in yourself does not replace skill, preparation or sensible precautions. But noticing how your thoughts affect your attention and actions can be useful, both on rollerblades and in leadership.

Keep learning from the experience

I am happy to report that I got back on my rollerblades and continued enjoying them. With a little more attention to what was ahead and a reminder that changing the plan can be a perfectly good choice.

And I remain committed to lifelong learning and sharing—even when the lesson costs me a pair of jeans. :-)

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