The Discomfort Zone

Why do some paddlers make moves look effortless while others keep missing them by inches? And when did you last give up on a move you could have made? In this solo episode, Anna shares what two recent private instruction clients discovered that changed everything: looking where you want to go isn't as natural as it sounds, especially when something intimidating downstream is pulling your eyes away. Anna connects this paddling fundamental to the bigger picture, including how her dream of leading a whitewater paddling and Ayurveda trip to India went from a casual idea shared in a Reboot and Refuel Reset to a sold-out reality, and how her own back recovery required the same commitment to vision over time. In this episode, you'll explore: Why looking ahead is a learnable skill that takes practice How committing your vision changes your angle, and your outcome The real reason we give up on moves, goals, and dreams too soon Why sustainability means keeping your eye on the goal even after things start going well This episode is for anyone who knows where they want to go but keeps getting pulled into distraction and worry, or gets stuck in tunnel vision, looking only at what's right in front of you (aka your bow). 🎧 Listen now and start paddling toward what matters.

Ann Gillard saw a gap in the paddling community and did what any good river person would do: she gathered her crew and got on the water to build a space where people can actually show up as themselves. Ann is an ACA Level 4 whitewater kayak instructor, NRS ambassador, and founder of Pride Day on the River, a volunteer-led event on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts dedicated to LGBTQ+ visibility and participation in paddle sports. It draws over 150 people for a community paddle, beginner clinics, affinity group paddling, and one of the most joyful after-parties on the river. In this episode, Anna and Ann explore: The discomfort zone continuum — how Ann uses body cues to distinguish her comfort zone, panic zone, and the growth space in between The 51% rule — Ann's personal metric for deciding when a rapid is worth running, and why purpose matters more than peer pressure Ego and the river — when ego is a useful push, when it gets in the way, and how to tell the difference Building genuinely inclusive spaces — what it actually looks like to create a container where people can show up as themselves, not as who the sport expects them to be Ann's favorite river metaphor — she shares one in rapid fire that will make you see rivers and community completely differently Cleaning up your mistakes — the courage it takes to own an error in front of a group, and why that moment of accountability can build more trust than getting it right the first time If any of this is resonating — hit play. This one stays with you.