A Lesson on Business from The Ocean

The ocean is complicated.  It is a stunningly beautiful, yet violent place.  One minute it can be your friend, the next it can turn on you and bring harm.  Under the surface is just as unforgiving.  The circle of life that goes around every day is merciless, yet beautiful.  Survival is the mission of the day for all creatures.  

And it is for these reasons, and many others, that the ocean deserves great respect.  I have spent a lot of time both above and under the ocean diving throughout the world.  It is a passion for my wife and I - one of the biggest that we share together.  

I have seen so many amazing things from night diving with Manta Rays off the coast of the Big Island to the massive walls of the great barrier reef, bioluminescence of the Caribbean, almost every type of creature and APEX predator, and even have been chased, seemingly hunted by a massive Tiger shark.  

And for all that I have seen, I haven't even scratched the surface of all there is to know and see in our oceans.  And that is why I continue to have the deepest respect for them, even if I'm just catching some rays on a beach - because I know how powerful, beautiful, merciless, and unforgiving they can be.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned through all my time around the water is simply this : 

When you think you are in control or are too confident, the ocean will remind you that you aren't.

Whether that happens through a crushing wave just when you think you have mastered navigating the surf or as so many divers that have gotten too cocky/confident have found, an underwater accident,  mother ocean will always win and is in control.  You are just a guest in her world.  

In some ways the business world is similar.  It is powerful, beautiful, merciless, and unforgiving all the same.  It requires respect and just when you think you have it mastered, it kicks you in the ass and shows you that you have a lot to learn.  Like the ocean, it provides amazing experiences and life changing opportunities, but if not respected will turn on you and put you in your place.  And there is always something new you can learn.  

But, just as the rewards are amazing for those that stay humble and respect the ocean, it is the same for the world of business.  Keep learning, stay humble, and use your knowledge to go to new places!