For me, the lake has always been a place where things slow down. Growing up in Manitoba, spending time at the lake was not a luxury. It was part of life. It was where my family gathered, where conversations lasted longer, and where days were measured by sunlight instead of schedules. As my career has grown and responsibilities have increased, the lake has taken on a new meaning. It has become a place of reset, reflection, and clarity.
Running businesses, building brands, and leading teams can be intense. The pace is fast, decisions stack up quickly, and the noise never really stops. Over time, I learned that if you do not intentionally create space to think, the work can start to run you instead of the other way around. The lake reminds me how important it is to step back and regain perspective.
Stepping Away to See Clearly
One of the biggest lessons the lake has taught me is that stepping away is not the same as stepping back. When I am constantly in the middle of operations, meetings, and decisions, everything feels urgent. At the lake, that urgency fades. Without constant notifications and distractions, my mind settles.
Ironically, some of my clearest business insights have come when I was not actively trying to solve anything. Sitting near the water, going for a boat ride, or just being still allows ideas to surface naturally. Problems that felt complex suddenly seem manageable. Decisions that felt heavy become clearer. The lake creates space to think instead of react.
Calm Is a Competitive Advantage
In business, calm is often overlooked. People talk a lot about speed, hustle, and intensity. Those things matter, but calm leadership is just as important. When leaders stay grounded, teams feel it. Decisions improve. Stress does not spread as easily.
The lake has helped me develop that calm. Being surrounded by water, nature, and quiet reminds me that not everything needs an immediate response. Some decisions benefit from patience and reflection. Carrying that calm back into the workplace has made me a better leader. It helps me listen more, respond more thoughtfully, and lead with intention instead of emotion.
Perspective Beyond the Day to Day
It is easy to get caught up in daily challenges. A tough week, a missed target, or an unexpected issue can feel bigger than it really is. The lake has a way of resetting perspective. When you are looking out over open water, day to day frustrations shrink.
This broader view is critical when building long-term businesses. Growth does not happen in straight lines. There are seasons of momentum and seasons of challenge. The lake reminds me to think long term, stay patient, and trust the process. Not every wave needs to be fought. Some just need to pass.
Being Present Improves Everything
One of the most valuable things the lake offers is presence. When I am there, I am not multitasking. I am spending time with my partner, being with my son, and enjoying the moment. That presence recharges me in ways that productivity alone never could.
Being present outside of work makes me more effective when I return to it. Energy, focus, and creativity all improve when you allow yourself to fully disconnect at times. The lake reinforces the idea that balance is not about doing less. It is about doing things with intention.
Lessons in Patience and Rhythm
Nature operates on its own rhythm. The water moves when it moves. The sun rises and sets without urgency. Spending time at the lake reminds me that not everything can or should be forced.
In business, this lesson is invaluable. Growth takes time. Culture takes time. Trust takes time. Pushing too hard or moving too fast can sometimes do more harm than good. The lake mindset encourages patience and respect for timing. It helps me recognize when to push forward and when to let things develop naturally.
Creating Space for Better Leadership
Leadership requires clarity. It requires knowing what matters most and what can wait. Without space to reflect, priorities can blur. The lake gives me that space. It helps me reconnect with why I do what I do and what kind of leader I want to be.
When I return to work after time at the lake, I feel more aligned. Decisions feel more grounded. Communication becomes clearer. I am reminded that leadership is not just about output. It is about judgment, consistency, and setting the right tone.
Bringing the Lake Mindset Back to Work
The lake mindset does not stay at the lake. I try to bring it into my daily life and work. That means building moments of pause into busy days. It means encouraging balance within our teams. It means valuing clarity over chaos.
You do not need a lake to develop this mindset. You just need intentional space. A walk, quiet time, or stepping away from constant input can make a real difference. What matters is giving yourself room to think and breathe.
The lake has taught me that calm and clarity are not luxuries. They are necessities. In a world that constantly demands more, slowing down can actually move you forward. The ability to step back, reset, and reflect is one of the most valuable tools a leader can have.
For me, the lake is more than a place. It is a mindset. One that reminds me to stay grounded, think long term, and lead with clarity. When business feels loud and complex, returning to that mindset helps me focus on what truly matters and move forward with purpose.