Coasting with purpose: Strategic insights from skateboard lyrics

At the recent Coachella music festival, amidst a lineup of diverse performances, one particular song struck a chord with me—Lupe Fiasco’s “Kick, Push.” 

Known for its compelling narrative about a skateboarding couple, the song’s chorus, 

resonated deeply, reminding me of an often overlooked philosophy both in life and in business: the art of coasting.

Contrary to common belief, coasting is not about laziness; it’s about taking a moment to observe and reflect on where our efforts have taken us. This idea of “active coasting” suggests a thoughtful pause in our hectic schedules, allowing us to see if we’re still aligned with our goals and heading in the right direction. It’s not just about moving forward but ensuring that our motion is purposeful and directed. in a similar way, you want to ensure you aren’t racing in the wrong direction. There’s a quote by the author Stephen Covey that says, “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.”

This concept of slowing down to go fast is crucial, particularly in the corporate world. Just as a skateboarder needs to occasionally coast and take in their surroundings, organizations and professionals need to pause for visioning and strategic planning. These pauses are not signs of stagnation but are critical checkpoints that ensure we are not merely being busy, but productive.

Strategic pauses allow us to reassess our paths and strategies. They give us the clarity needed to make informed decisions that propel us forward more effectively. This is akin to a skateboarder who, after several kicks and pushes, coasts to see their next move, to ensure their next actions will take them where they want to go, smoothly and efficiently.

Pressure to continuously deliver can cloud judgment. Strategic pauses act like our business’s coasting phases. They are necessary for:

• Reflection: Just as a skateboarder might reflect on their form or the smoothness of their ride, we too can assess our current workflows and outcomes.
• Alignment: Are our efforts in sync with our overarching goals? Coasting helps us align our day-to-day actions with our long-term objectives.
• Rejuvenation: It offers a moment to catch our breath, re-energize, and prepare for the next series of endeavors.

Lupe Fiasco’s lyrics are a reminder of the dynamic balance between motion and pause. The idea that sometimes, the best way to accelerate our progress is by taking a moment to ensure that we’re on the right track, that our energies are being directed effectively, and that our strategies are not just in motion, but in the right motion.

As we continue to navigate through our professional landscapes, let’s remember to  “kick, kick, push, push, coast” as the song goes. Work hard as you “kick” and “push” and then use your “coast” moments not just to enjoy the view but to see clearly the path ahead. After all, the smartest way to move fast is to occasionally slow down, ensuring every push takes us exactly where we need to be.