I talk to and meet a lot of people who are wanting to start movements. It seems to be the buzz word of the day. In fact, I hope to start a few myself.

The problem is you can’t create or start movements. Movements just happen.

I was in a meeting last week and I compared it to creating a wave in a wave pool vs. the ocean.

An ocean wave you simply get on and ride. You get your surfboard, you wake up early in the morning and ride. You have a responsibility to show up and do your part but you don’t create the wave.

However, a wave in a wave pool requires a bunch of work. You have to build a big wave creating machine, have engineers draw up plans, have lawyers discuss liability, have a business plan so you don’t go bankrupt, and countless other items to make the wave (or movement) happen. Btw, you still have to bring your surfboard.

So let us be clear about something. You DON’T create or start movements. That’s a dream, not a strategy. Movements just happen like ocean waves. And sometimes they are 3 footers and other times they are tidal waves. Both are valuable and important.

As people who want to make the world a better place, our only comittment is to get on our surfboards, be in the ocean, and enjoy the ride.