Face Your Biggest Fears and Bounce Back with Pro Surfer Mark Mathews

Big Waves

Mark Mathews, a professional big wave surfer, shares his experiences facing the colossal waves that define his career. He describes the dual nature of fear, both physical and egoic, and how it manifests similarly in the body. Mathews explains that while the physical fear of injury is daunting, the fear of failure and embarrassment can be equally paralyzing 1.

I tried because I made this career out of two things, speaking and surfing, that I'm both terrified of.

--- Mark Mathews

Despite the dangers, the camaraderie among surfers is strong, as they rely on each other for safety during these high-risk endeavors 2.

   

Public Speaking

Overcoming fear extends beyond surfing for Mark, as he also tackles the anxiety of public speaking. He recounts the intense anxiety he faced when starting out and how consistent practice over the years has made him more comfortable 3. Lewis Howes shares his own journey of overcoming the fear of speaking, emphasizing the importance of persistence and preparation.

I was sick and tired of feeling like this fear.

--- Lewis Howes

Both agree that finding personal techniques, like meditation or engaging in hobbies, can help manage anxiety and build confidence 4.

   

Fear Management

Mark emphasizes the importance of preparation and motivation in managing fear. He believes that understanding one's goals and learning from experts are crucial steps in overcoming fear 5. Even extraordinary individuals like Wim Hof experience nervousness in unfamiliar situations, highlighting that fear is universal.

I don't believe anyone's fearless.

--- Mark Mathews

Mark suggests comparing oneself to past achievements rather than others, fostering a growth mindset that encourages continuous improvement 6.