Everything I’ve learned about growth and success I’ve learned from skateboarding. That’s right, skateboarding.

Who would have thought my number one passion when I was just 13-years-old would make such a profound impact on my life?

Well, my mom might’ve had a clue. She must have known I was totally hooked when I skipped school to skate at the mall in elementary school. I was suspended (and kicked out of the gifted program), but my time spent in the principal’s office that day is permanently ingrained in my memory.

That moment was a testament to how much skating meant to me. I can still remember my first board vividly — a Fred Smith Punk Size, a true OG. In fact, I remember all of my early decks, and I rode them as they were meant to be ridden: with rails, tail covers, nose guards, and slime balls.

You see, skating in the late 80s and 90s wasn’t just a fun after-school activity (or during school, in my case). It was an entire lifestyle. From Steve Caballero and the Bones Brigade to watching “The Search for Animal Chin” and idolizing Tony Hawk, I was neck-deep in skateboarding culture and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Today, I can say with full confidence that everything I’ve learned about success, growth, and particularly failure, was learned through a lifetime of skateboarding.

Today I cover:

• Life Lesson #1: Never Be Deterred by Failure
• Life Lesson #2: Abide by Trial and Error
• Life Lesson #3: Explore Alternate Creative Ventures
• Life Lesson #4: Break Out of Your Comfort Zone
• Life Lesson #5: Learn Your Momentum

Now It’s Time for You to Drop-In

While I still love to skate, I’m the first to admit I’m not as adventurous on a board as I used to be — breaking a wrist at 40 is a lot more physically and financially time-consuming than it was a kid. But if you like skating, I urge you to reach out to me.

There’s a skate park right down the street and I’d love to connect with you. Until then, you can find me at alex@happyprogress.com or on the Happy Progress Podcast.

Visit happyprogress.com, dm me @happyprogress, or email me at alex@happyprogress.com