Applied theories: Finding Tranny
Finding tranny (read: transition) is a word of art that comes from skateboarding, snowboarding and skiing. It refers to the act of getting air (amazing btw, should try it) and catching the downward slope of a bump or mound such that it feels like you barely left the ground.
Finding tranny is one of the higher order things you can do in sport, for the way it requires a certain mastery of speed, technique, timing and creativity with the environment. It’s not about the send, but the catch. And, it feels good. Like cracking the top of a creme brulé with a teaspoon, or popping bubblewrap, finding tranny rewards the enthusiast with an immense feeling of satisfaction, only better, because everyone who is around to see it is stoked too.
What if we could find tranny in our regular lives?
Finding tranny translates to seeing the same environment everyone else sees in a different way. It is about spotting the relationships between things and connecting the dots so they line up perfectly for you. It often means taking a bit of risk, especially when trying for the first time. But it’s not reckless, it’s calibrated. Often it is something that - if you time it right - lands perfectly, and even accelerates you into the next thing. See it different, imagine it possible, give it a go.
We should look to find tranny wherever we can. Having a sequenced carry-on setup and spotting the fast line at security check for a 1-2-3 flow at the airport is finding tranny. Lining up your arrival time with the train and then sliding straight into a bar with some old friends when you get into town is finding tranny. Being dressed for the video meeting, the afternoon dog walk, and that dinner you forgot about until an hour ago - in the same hoodie - is finding tranny. Timing that conversation with your boss to align with a recent project that worked out and some interest from another company is finding tranny.
Once you start seeing tranny you can’t help but see it everywhere you look.
Have fun.