Real-life resilience - Bethany Hamilton

“I lost about 60% of my blood and it was just a miracle I survived and made it to the hospital, I’m still here today, just stoked to be alive and doing what I’m doing.”

In 2003, Bethany Hamilton was a promising 13-year-old surfer living in Hawaii and loving life. She had the world at her feet - she’d already won several surfing competitions, and was on the way to making it as a pro surfer.

But, on Halloween that year, her life completely changed. That morning she was out for a surf with friends, and a 14-foot tiger shark attacked her and severed her left arm just below the shoulder. She lost her arm, and about 60% of her blood. Luckily she survived, but was suddenly facing a future that seemed impossibly different from the one she had been dreaming about.

How difficult would it be for a 13-year old to suddenly face a devastating experience like this? Most people would have been crushed by a setback like this, but not Bethany.

Because, as they say, it’s not about the setback; it’s about the comeback.

Just 3 weeks later (!!), Bethany returned to the water with her board. She got up on her third wave. Incredible!

Even though surfing relies heavily on balance, paddling strength, and the ability to navigate the force of the ocean, she found a way to get back in the water and get back up on the board. She had to relearn how to surf, adapt her techniques, and even modify her equipment slightly, but she did it. And it wasn’t just the physical challenges she needed to overcome either. There was, of course, the mental hurdle of returning to the same waters where she was attacked. That was no easy feat in itself.

Still, she found a way and, less than a year after her injury, she won her first national title! She was determined to prove that, despite the unimaginable setback, she could not only match it with the best, but also be the best.

Resilience is not just about overcoming the past, but instead it’s about continually thriving in the present. Bethany quickly accepted her new circumstances and chose to focus on what she could do rather than dwelling on what she had lost. Her story doesn’t end when she got back into the water; it actually began a new chapter in her life. She turned that life-altering moment into something greater. After the attack, she became a motivational speaker, wrote a book, and built a foundation that supports shark attack survivors, amputees, and others facing life-altering challenges.

Thinking about this in a professional setting.

We all know that the creative business world regularly demands a high tolerance for rejection, uncertainty, and setbacks. Whether it’s a project that fails, poor leadership that frustrates us, or new technology, things often don’t go exactly to plan.

Resilience is about how we tackle those challenges. Here are a few ideas.

Embrace change: If Bethany can learn to adapt to new surfing techniques with only one arm, surely we can adapt to the shifting needs of our industry. When we embrace changes in technology, trends, and client expectations, this new world of flexibility helps us stay relevant and thrive. One way to practice this is to constantly try to try new things. Take a different route to work one day, or listen to a random podcast with an open mind. These small activities open up new directions for our thinking and allow us to see new perspectives. That mindset shift allows us to be more open when challenging change comes along.

Tap into that passion: Resilience often comes from remembering why we started in the first place. When we remember why we started in this career, it can be a guiding force during tough times. Think about “a cookie jar”. It’s a place we can store all of the work that we have done in the past that was a success. And when we need them, we can use those stored moments as a reminder that we can do anything. If we open up a folder on our computer to keep a record of the great work we have done, or the excellent feedback we have received, it helps us remember how to get back on track and do that level of work again. In other words, we don’t let one setback crush our spirits.

Resilience is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. Whether we’re professional surfers, business leaders, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges, Bethany’s story demonstrates that adversity can be a catalyst for growth, new pathways, and purpose.

With the right tools and mindset everyone can build their own resilience and turn setbacks into opportunities for success.

I teach organizations and individuals the tools that help build resilience so that we can do our best work, regardless of whatever challenges are thrown our way. My sessions help teams with mindset, burnout, communication gaps, and more. Let’s chat about how your team can get to a whole new level.

Until next time friends, stay resilient!

Carre @ Resilient Marketing Minds