Uncertain Terrain
Steve Maloney, Director of Training

Moving through the forest, each step became more difficult. We had just passed one of the more challenging parts of the climb, which included a knife-edge section where you needed to squeeze through the boulders. I watched my wife, Amy, make it through even though she has limited experience hiking. I was so proud of her for persevering through such a challenging stretch of the climb. This was the good news.

The bad news? Well, as we made it out of the knife-edge section and onto the next boulder area, we realized that we needed to go down into a valley and make our way up to the real summit of Catamount Mountain in the Adirondack Park. We had only made it to the false summit. This was especially discouraging for Amy. She had a decision to make—would she set her sights on the new horizon and take on the challenge, or would she be content with what she already achieved? I was prepared to support her either way, especially since this was not classified as an Adirondack 46er peak, otherwise we would need to press on and get credit.

To my relief, she wanted to continue! The next ascent would be more difficult, so it was critical that we set new milestones along the way to keep momentum and make progress to the real summit. It reminds me of my reading of Masters of Uncertainty by Rich Diviney, a Navy SEAL. The Navy SEAL program is one of the most challenging and difficult achievements and what separated the best from the rest is not strength or fitness – it’s mindset and being “masters of uncertainty.”

In the book, Diviney highlights the body’s need for dopamine to provide us with the rush to move forward amid adversity and uncertainty. The body cannot produce enough dopamine when goals are too daunting, and if your goal is too modest, the feeling of reward when you achieve it will be minimal. Rich has developed the concept of DPO, or the Duration, Pathway, and Outcome that will help when presented with uncertainty:

• Duration is the ticking clock and how long the episode will last.
• Pathway is the road map and your passage through it.
• Outcome is the finish line and what lies at the end of the road.

His concept of moving horizons is a process where you remain anchored in the present while actively shaping your own Duration, Pathway, and Outcome. He recommends asking, “What do I know and control right now?” Then, determine a DPO by selecting a goal within reach.

So, back to our challenging hike. In this example, it was critical for me to help my wife move her horizons. It seemed too daunting to continue towards the actual summit and it was critical to move the horizon closer to her. This would shorten the duration to achieve a goal; the pathway would be clearer; and the outcome would be achievable.

I reflect on my recent career journey and realize this type of thinking helped me along the way. I had to focus on what I could control – my mindset and behaviors. I needed to set horizons where I could generate success and work towards achieving meaningful goals. If your journey is uncertain, don’t be overwhelmed with the future and be ever mindful in the present. My favorite phrase these days is “learn a little, do a little.” You will reach the summit!