Pickelballaphobia (The Friday Ficks S5 E25)

Confession time: I have a phobia. And while it’s not technically in any diagnostic manual, I’m convinced it’s real.

It’s not arachnophobia (fear of spiders), agoraphobia (fear of crowds), or even xenophobia (fear of strangers).

Mine? I think it’s pickleballaphobia.

Seriously - I’ve never played the game. And I have no plans to start.

I’ve been a cyclist for years. Feather-light frames. Grueling ascents. Pulse pounding descents topping 40 mph on one-inch wide tires. That’s my happy place. That’s where I find my flow. As Luke Combs sings in Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma, “I pray for peace. But I need the thrill.”

Many of my friends - especially those in the over-50 crowd - have taken to the pickleball courts and picked up the paddles.

I get it. It’s accessible, social, and wildly popular. Courts are popping up everywhere. The barrier to entry is low, but the injury rate? Not so much. Strains. Sprains. Torn tendons. Emergency room visits. Nearly 91% of those injured are over 50.

No thanks.

Still, I’m not knocking the game. I’m just self-aware enough to know it’s not my game.

And that’s the point.

You don’t have to follow the crowd to prove your worth. Know your strengths. Own your preferences. Choose your risks.

Great leaders don’t blindly chase trends. They play their own game - one aligned with purpose, passion, and a healthy dose of thrill.

Whether it’s on the court, on the bike, or in the boardroom, leadership starts with knowing what fuels you - and what doesn’t.

So if pickleball’s your jam, paddle on. If not, find your hill to ride.

Own the day. Own the weekend.

Carl