Back your boat down to shed drag and refocus

A sailboat can carry majestic canvases high atop the mast, but below it, a heavy keel keeps it upright. Over time, underwater kelp clings to that keel, slowing every tack and turn. Sailors don’t curse the wind; they back the boat down—turn into the breeze until it pushes them backward—stripping off the algae. Suddenly, the hull glides like new. Our lives behave the same way.

‘Kelp’ in everyday life are habits, meetings, commitments, and beliefs that once served but now drag us down. We keep them hidden beneath the surface because we’re busy sailing on. But if we pause and reverse course—intentionally stop everything—we can see what’s stuck and let it fall away. This annual ritual isn’t about regret; it’s about renewal.

Behavioral studies show that periodic “mental clean-sheets” improve focus, reduce stress, and bolster innovation. By shedding 20% of low-value activities each year, we reclaim time and energy for what truly matters. The next time you feel chronically tired or stuck, consider backing down the boat. You’ll discover how much easier fresh ambitions can sail.

Pick a meaningful annual date for a kelp-shedding session, list your recurring commitments, rate them for alignment with your ambitions, and cut the bottom 20%. By pausing and reversing course, you strip away drag and make room for the pursuits that propel you forward. Give it a try this year.