The eddy--river waterman know them well- a pocket of calm in the river where the flow is obstructed by a rock or other structure, causing the water to flow upstream. It's a "parking place" for your whitewater vessel—a moment to regroup, refocus, and reset before continuing down the river.
When scouting whitewater (strategy) we seek out eddies below the rapid, places to pause and refresh. Before we hop in the current, we decide where the team will regroup. If one boat stops while the others keep going, chaos can quickly follow. A single boat going solo in a Class V rapid? That’s a dangerous move.
Most of the whitewater I’ve guided has been in narrow, steep creeks—tight and fast, where even between the rapids, the water flows swiftly. Guiding this type of technical whitewater meant getting excellent at spotting and catching “micro eddies,” small moments of respite to reorient. One of my mentors used to say, “There are ALWAYS eddies.” Even in the thick of the chaos, there’s always a moment to catch your breath, recalibrate, and offer support to others.
When you catch an eddy—use it. Refocus, make a new plan if necessary, reposition your people in the boat, and allow others to get off the boat (Class V isn't for everyone). That pause could be the key to navigating your next rapid with even more precision.
As you craft your strategic plan for the coming year, remember to locate your eddies. Between the rapids of your big goals and challenges, be sure to identify those spaces to refocus, reenergize, and most importantly celebrate--the classic paddle high-five. Take time to recognize progress, celebrate the wins, and have some fun!
Let the good river flow.