I’m a cave diver. No, I’m not claustrophobic. Yes, my parents know. No, I’m not scared. Now that we’ve covered the main questions I get, let’s talk about how cave diving impacts my work. Most people assume I cave dive because I’m fueled by adrenaline, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I love nature, I find the water calming, and underwater caves are beautifully still. My journey to become a cave diver was filled with rigorous training from some of the best instructors in the world. The intensity of that training is an important hurdle to ensure you are safe and well-prepared for adversity.

“Stop, stabilize, and reference the line.” Doug repeated these words over and over during one of my training classes. Doug prepared me to navigate difficult situations underwater but his words also helped me navigate difficult situations in life. Cave training prepares you for adversity because it has to, but it’s nearly impossible to separate those lessons learned underwater from other challenges you encounter in life. Learning to be calm in moments of chaos extends beyond a single experience. Doug’s words had a profound impact on me and I use them every day, not just when I’m diving. Stop, stabilize, and reference the line means to think. Consider what you are doing and refer back to your guideline. Metaphorically, that means different things to different people but it means ground yourself in your truth – whatever that is for you. 

I was recently asked about my propensity for risk given my underwater hobby. Spoiler alert, it’s surprisingly low. I’m a planner. I like to look before I leap. In my work, a misstep can have profound implications financially or reputationally for an organization or individual. I’m sharp, calculated, and thoughtful. It’s important to be able to look ahead, anticipate needs, and prepare for next steps. When I move forward, I do so wholeheartedly because I am confident in my preparation.

To pull oneself into an underwater cave takes work. The cave is trying to push you out as thousands of gallons of water flow through the underwater aquifer. The force of the water’s flow can be overwhelming, if you let it be. It takes training, practice, and patience to become comfortable with the force of nature flowing all around you but as you grow, you get used to it. You stop fighting the flow of the water. You learn to become streamlined and to glide through as water rushes past. As the water flows over you, you see clearly ahead. You move from one place to the next, strategically. You still feel the water, but you respond differently. 

The ability to navigate adversity is a skill. You can learn it and sharpen it with practice. Being adaptable and embracing change are key components to take the sting out of adversity. Demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to change lessens the impact of adversity. The water still flows over you but you learn how to move with it, rather than fight it. Another way to think of it is adopting a growth mindset. 

Last month, I talked about the impact Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success had on me. If you haven’t explored her work, I’d encourage you to start with an assessment of your own mindset. Try this one and learn how your results influence your behaviors. Think about your results in the context of your own life. How might you expand your professional toolkit to embrace change, challenge your own thinking, and become a stronger colleague and leader? 

Fortunately, life is full of opportunities to practice managing adversity. Every day we are presented with opportunities that allow us to demonstrate our commitment to growth. We don’t get them all right and that’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day and you will undoubtedly be faced with a new challenge that allows you to try again. It’s the willingness to try that truly demonstrates a growth mindset. When all else fails and you don’t know what your next move should be, stop, stabilize, and reference the line.