Deep Diving into Success: Lessons from Freediving
1/7 update: I reached 28 m!
1/3 update: the first dive of the year 2024 and I reached 25 m! A big jump from my last PB
12/20 update: just reached 20 m today! (:
Breathing: it’s the first thing we do when we’re born and something we seldom think about. Yet, in the depths of the ocean, every breath — or lack thereof — becomes a profound lesson in life and professionalism. Today, as I reached a new personal record of 19 meters in a single breath, I was reminded of the incredible journey this sport has taken me on.
My freediving journey began in July with my AIDA2 certification. It’s been a transformative experience, combining the serenity of the underwater world with intense personal challenge. During my certification exam, reaching the required 12 meters seemed daunting. Struggling with equalization and an overwhelming urge to breathe, I was close to giving up. However, with encouragement and the mantra of “Relax, relax, relax” from my instructor, I achieved my goal, setting the stage for a journey that extends beyond the ocean.
Reflecting on this journey, the once-daunting depth of 12 meters now feels familiar and comfortable. This evolution in freediving mirrors the growth we can achieve in our professional and personal lives when we embrace challenges and commit to continuous learning and self-improvement.
These lessons, learned in the silent depths of the water, have become invaluable guides in my life above water. They have taught me about the power of resilience, the importance of maintaining calm under pressure, the beauty of focusing on the journey, and the significance of competing only with myself. Let me share these insights with you.
Be Comfortable with Discomfort
One of the most profound lessons freediving offers is learning to be comfortable with discomfort, which goes far beyond just pushing past personal best depths. It’s about redefining our relationship with something we’ve taken for granted all our lives: breathing.
Underwater, every second without a breath is a reminder of the innate discomfort humans feel when a basic necessity is withheld. It’s a powerful metaphor for stepping out of our comfort zones. In freediving, as we learn to delay the urge to breathe, we activate the mammalian’s diving reflex. This remarkable physiological response, present in all air-breathing vertebrates, optimizes respiration by distributing oxygen stores primarily to the heart and brain, allowing for extended submersion. It’s a testament to our body’s innate ability to adapt to challenging environments.
This lesson is incredibly pertinent to our professional lives. Often, we find ourselves in situations that are uncomfortable — whether it’s tackling a complex project, leading a team under pressure, or adapting to new corporate dynamics. Like the discomfort of not breathing underwater, these professional challenges can initially feel suffocating. However, just as we learn to trust our body’s diving reflex, we can learn to trust our professional instincts and capabilities.
The Power of Relaxation
Freediving is as much a mental game as it is a physical one if not more so. Underwater, relaxation is key to conserving oxygen and improving performance. This tranquility under pressure directly translates to handling stressful situations in the workplace. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines or navigating complex team dynamics, the ability to stay calm can lead to clearer decision-making and more effective problem-solving.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
In freediving, obsessing over depth can be counterproductive. Focusing on the experience — the process of diving — often leads to achieving new depths effortlessly. Throughout my training, I learned to shift my focus to the process — being in tune with my body, enjoying the serenity of the underwater world, and appreciating each dive for what it was. Similarly, in our careers, focusing on the quality of our work rather than fixating on the end result can lead to more meaningful and successful outcomes.
You Are Your Only Competition
Diving with people of varying abilities, from beginners to competitive athletes, I’ve learned the importance of self-competition. In freediving, like in life and career, the real competition is with yourself. Comparing yourself to others, especially those on different paths or at different stages, is not only unproductive but also discouraging. In our careers, this lesson is vital. Each person’s journey is unique, and progress should be measured against personal benchmarks, not against others’. This mindset encourages a healthy and sustainable path to personal and professional success.
As I inch closer to my goal of reaching 20 meters and swimming with the majestic humpback whales, manta rays, and whale sharks, I am constantly reminded of how these underwater experiences parallel our challenges on land. What’s your own unique challenge? Whatever it may be, take a deep breath, dive in, and see where this journey takes you…
