Mark here. Here’s what we have in store for this week…
WHAT I’M WRITING ABOUT
Lock Arms to Keep from Drowning
In BUDS and SEALFIT, there’s a brutal evolution called “surf torture,” where the instructors march the class into the cold, 60-degree surf. With our backs turned to the waves, we link arms and sit down. Then, the ocean does its work—pounding us with cold, relentless waves. The discomfort, fear, and panic can be overwhelming for many, and it’s easy to feel like you might drown. But as long as you keep your arms linked with your teammates on either side, you’ll stay above the waves, no matter how hard they crash. This is a teaching method for working with and trusting others.
This evolution is a powerful metaphor for life. The most difficult challenges, the ones that make us feel like we’re drowning, are easier to navigate when we have a team that’s got our back.
Great teams provide more than just physical support—they offer psychological strength, encouragement, and words of wisdom that help us keep going when we feel like giving up. Alone, it’s easy to lose control and quit, but when we are together, we become unstoppable.
Action Step: This week, reach out to someone who might be struggling, or if you are having a hard time, reach out and connect with someone you know has your back. Offer and ask for support and link arms to face challenges together. Whether it’s an arduous task or a personal struggle, facing it with your team will make all the difference.
NEW EPISODE – THE MARK DIVINE SHOW
The Art of Asking Questions
Episode #503 – Topaz Adizes
Topaz Adizes is an Emmy award-winning writer, director, and experienced design architect. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary. He is the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. Topaz studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. He speaks four languages and lives in Mexico with his wife and two children.
Podcast Highlights:
In this episode, we go deep into the power of asking the right questions. Discover how well-constructed, non-binary questions—those without an agenda—can strengthen connections and foster genuine empathy. We also explore Topaz’s unique journey, transitioning from filmmaking to examining the emotional complexities of our tech-driven world. Tune in to understand how creating honest, open spaces for dialogue can lead to personal growth, healing, and stronger relationships in our personal and professional lives.
When we hear vulnerability, we often think of the person who’s sharing, but there’s also the vulnerability of the person who’s listening.
-Topaz Adize
PRACTICE OR HABIT TO TRY
Learn a New Language: This week, I challenge you to develop a new habit—learning a new language. Is there a second language you’ve been wanting to master? Now is the time to get started. Dedicate just 15-30 minutes daily to practice, whether through apps, flashcards, or media in the language you’re learning. Immersing yourself, like watching a show in that language, will help reinforce your vocabulary and improve retention.
Learning a new language isn’t just about communication—it has powerful cognitive benefits. It boosts memory, enhances problem-solving, and improves multitasking. Practicing consistently will also sharpen your brain’s plasticity, making picking up other new skills easier. Let’s make this a week of growth!
P.S. If you enjoyed this email, reply here and let me know what you thought. I’d love to hear from you.
MOMENTOUS
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QUALIA
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Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, leadership expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander. He is also the founder and CEO of Unbeatable and SEALFIT.
