Advancing Against Mighty Headwinds

What Athletes Know: Go Low. Go Slow. Go Together.

I talked my youngest son into driving to the beach with me last weekend. I needed to clear my head from everything going on in the world. He agreed because he wanted to see what were forecast to be 10 to 15-foot waves. 

Being on the beach—sand blowing in our faces, hat flying away, jackets flapping in the wind—got me thinking about the art of navigating headwinds. 

Or, rather, it got me thinking about what athletes who battle literal headwinds know that may be helpful to the rest of us in today’s tumultuous climate.

Here, then, are some strategies to consider, whether you work in a mission or purpose-driven organization or are just trying to find your way through these crazy times.

In each case, there is not only a physical benefit but a psychological one, as well. 

Photo credit: Gregor McEwan

Go Low

Whether on bike, skis, or skates, if headwinds are against them, athletes know to go low. 

Cyclists tuck into an aerodynamic position on the handlebars with elbows in and a flat back. Skaters crouch down, hips low, torso nearly parallel to the ice, arms behind their backs. Skiers similarly tuck, knees bent, torso low, poles under the arms. 

Or consider bobsledders who go so low, their heads are barely lifted enough to see the tracks. 

How can this apply to leaders and teams working to advance critical missions while being met with relentless political, financial, and policy setbacks?  

Here’s how I think about it: Go low means get grounded.

Give yourself and others space to have some courageous conversations. Try to focus on what matters most. And do something to sustain yourself. There is abundant evidence, after all, that grounded leadership builds trust, fosters innovation, and improves resilience. 

Go Slow

On first blush, we may not imagine “go slow” as a good strategy—in sports or important missions at critical times. Yet in some cases, it can be a smart one that proves vital to long-term success. 

Elite runners often start slow to conserve energy. Cyclists may go slow to force other riders to take the lead—and bear the brunt of the headwinds. And in martial arts, slowness is considered key to training because it builds control, strength, and focus. 

How can this help advance mission-driven people navigate headwinds? 

Consider the work of Dolores Huerta and César Chávez. To reduce exploitation of farmworkers, they spent years building alliances and educating communities before launching a grape boycott that took five years to succeed—but ultimately led to historic new labor contracts. 

They understood that relationship-building and endurance were more important than speed. Today, relationship-building and sustainability are no less important. 

As Daniel Kahneman demonstrated in Thinking, Fast and Slow, slow, deliberate reflection can advance good judgment and resilience. 

Go Together

In a team context, there is perhaps no better strategy athletes have for navigating headwinds than going together. 

In cycling, riders may shield each other from headwinds by taking turns at the front, which helps reduce energy spent for other riders by up to 40 percent, according to a study in The Journal of Applied Physiology. 

In distance running, going in groups can help racers shield each other from the wind and share the mental load.

And perhaps most clearly, in rowing crew, being closely coordinated is what makes the difference between winning and losing

Going together in organization can help reduce stress, strengthen confidence, and help team members tap into the power of a shared sense of purpose. 

As research by Michael West and others show, teams that collaborate and support each other also tend to be more resilient and innovative. 

I designed the Better Now Shift™ to support mission and purpose-driven leaders and teams in these times of punishing headwinds. The sessions I facilitate provide an opportunity to let off a little steam, re-establish a sense of grounding, and boost clarity, connection, courage, and impact.

If you or your team could use a little reset, let’s talk. Book a complimentary chat to explore how the Better Now Shift™ can provide a container to help you find more clarity, connection, and impact in times when we could all use a little extra support.

Warmly,
Lisa

P.S. Please join me and other like-minded individuals for the May 2025 Better Now Shift™ Gathering on Zoom. It’s next Thursday, May 15, at 1 p.m. ET, 10 a.m. PT. 

We’d love to have you. Register here to join. 

This complimentary monthly gathering provides an introduction to the framework, an opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals, and a chance to practice strategies that can sustain us for the long haul.