When I lived in DC I rowed at Potomac Boat Club. My favorite spot to row was behind Roosevelt Island. We usually didn’t do a lot of rowing back there since our group of scullers was quite large at times. But in the afternoons, which were primarily on my own it was my go to place to row.
I spent countless hours in my single just messing around back there. Playing with my grip. Doing balance drills. Working on my catch timing. There was usually no one else out there. I had the water all to myself. And though there were sounds from the highways alongside the island, it was relatively quiet. There were no distractions.
I’m convinced that this quiet, focused alone time back behind the island allowed me to make discoveries in my rowing that were integral to my success. As Cal Newport would say I was doing deep work.
It also makes me think of this book I just read in which Pressfield talks about physically putting yourself at the center of your dream. In other words, find your spot, go there, and get to work. When I wanted to get to work I rowed out behind the island.
Everyone needs their spot. The place they can go to do the work that matters to them. Whether it’s a garden or a cabin in the woods. I would also argue that your spot doesn’t have to be a physical place. It can simply be a mindset.
When you find your spot and go there alone there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. You can write a book. Or build a Lego castle. Paint a watercolor of the ocean.
Don’t you think it’s time to find your Roosevelt Island?
