Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Says the ‘Surfer Mindset’ Is the ‘Right’ Approach in Business and in Life. Here’s Why.

Must read

Drowning in a Sea of “Shoulds”: How the Modern Woman Can Find Her Footing and Thrive with Cherillyn

The modern woman is drowning. Not in the literal sense, but in a sea of "shoulds." She should be a high-powered executive, climbing the...

Janna Johnson On Parenting With Or Without Chains

Author of Unf*ck Your Mind shares how to be the perfect mother in a life of chaos and instability. By Sarshar Hosseinnia “Every single generation should...

Jackie Edmundson, CEO Of Stealth Venture Labs, On Why Leaders Should Be Challenging Everything

From challenging clients to internal staff, the most efficient method for leadership is to question everything – which can only be applied effectively by...

Diana Trudic: Shattering Ceilings and Shaping Futures with Astrology

In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, Diana Trudic has claimed two prestigious accolades in 2024, solidifying her place as one of the...

Most successful entrepreneurs say that knowing which opportunities to take (and when) is key when it comes to growing a business.

For Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, this process is a lot like surfing, he says, watching and waiting for the right wave to come in and knowing when to let one pass you by — and having the drive to get back up after a big wipeout.

During a recent keynote address at his alma mater, the University of Virginia, Ohanian said the “surfer mindset” is a good way to look at business — and life. Because once in a while, you’ll hit the right wave perfectly.

“Some waves come by, and you rip them perfect, and you’re just chilling,” Ohanian explained. “And you got your GoPro out. You got a good selfie, and you feel good about yourself.”

Related: You’ll Never Achieve Work-Life Balance — and You Shouldn’t, Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian Says

But you might have to wait hours before you get another one just like it — and that’s what business is like.

“That mindset is the right mindset for a life well-lived. If you spent all your time on that board, just being anxious about the wave you just missed, you’re gonna miss the next one,” he said. “If you spend it just daydreaming and trying to relive that one amazing wave you just had, you might miss the next one.”

The moral of Ohanian’s metaphor: Keep looking forward and don’t revel in mistakes (or big wins), but keep focusing on what lies ahead, knowing the next wave is on its way.

Related: Alexis Ohanian: Many CEOs Who Are Dads Regret This One Thing

“There are times in your life where you will need to focus on the career, the work,” he told Entrepreneur earlier this summer. “There are times in your life when you need to focus on life. It’s on a spectrum that’s ever-flowing back and forth.”

Ohanian’s net worth is an estimated $150 million.

More articles

Latest article

Drowning in a Sea of “Shoulds”: How the Modern Woman Can Find Her Footing and Thrive with Cherillyn

The modern woman is drowning. Not in the literal sense, but in a sea of "shoulds." She should be a high-powered executive, climbing the...

Janna Johnson On Parenting With Or Without Chains

Author of Unf*ck Your Mind shares how to be the perfect mother in a life of chaos and instability. By Sarshar Hosseinnia “Every single generation should...

Jackie Edmundson, CEO Of Stealth Venture Labs, On Why Leaders Should Be Challenging Everything

From challenging clients to internal staff, the most efficient method for leadership is to question everything – which can only be applied effectively by...

Diana Trudic: Shattering Ceilings and Shaping Futures with Astrology

In a remarkable display of talent and perseverance, Diana Trudic has claimed two prestigious accolades in 2024, solidifying her place as one of the...

Michella Filipowitz: Leading the Way for Special Needs Support

From sneaking out of her home at 15 to pursue a modeling career in Paris, to becoming a leading advocate for children with disabilities,...