How to Blow Past Setbacks (Like Oceanographic Cartographer Marie Tharp)
Marie Tharp, July 2001. (Credit: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and the estate of Marie Tharp)
How hard was it to map the ocean floor? The variables, vastness, the sheer amount of information. Now imagine that a woman, Marie Tharp, did it in the 1960s and 1970s. She was met with barriers in and out of her profession strong enough to scramble even the best radar. Still, she persisted.
Born in 1920, Marie Tharp entered a world where women's contributions to science were completely undervalued and overlooked. Despite these societal constraints, Tharp pursued her passion for science, earning degrees in mathematics and geology. Those academic achievements, however, were just the beginning of a challenging journey in a male-dominated field.
Tharp's collaboration with Bruce Heezen at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory was pivotal in mapping the ocean floor. Yet, as a woman in the 1940s and 1950s, she faced significant professional setbacks. One of the most notable was being barred from conducting research on ships—a common restriction at the time based on the superstition that women on ships brought bad luck.
Tharp's first strategy in overcoming this setback was forging a strong professional partnership with Heezen. While Heezen collected data aboard research vessels, Tharp analyzed and interpreted this data from land. This collaboration was instrumental in creating the first comprehensive map of the ocean floor.
Tharp's inability to collect data firsthand did not deter her. Through meticulous analysis, she identified the presence of a continuous rift valley along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This challenged the flat-earth theory of oceanography and suggested the presence of plate tectonics.
Of course, her findings were initially met with skepticism, particularly from her own partner, Heezen, who dismissed the rift valley as "girl talk." Tharp, however, remained steadfast in her convictions. She continued her analysis, and further substantiated her findings with additional data. Her persistence paid off when that research and submarine technology confirmed the existence of the rift valley. This lead to a paradigm shift in geological science.
Tharp’s work now stands as a cornerstone of oceanographic science. Her journey through setbacks to discovery underscores the power of perseverance, the importance of challenging prevailing norms, and the unyielding pursuit of truth.
Who wouldn’t want to be like Marie Tharp?
Adopt Marie Tharp's Strategies and Thrive
1. Acceptance: Embracing Reality with Open Arms
The first step in overcoming a setback is acceptance. It involves acknowledging the situation without judgment or self-blame. This doesn't mean giving up but rather facing the reality of the situation head-on, which is crucial for moving forward.
2. Reflect and Learn: Find the Silver Lining
Every setback carries a lesson. Taking time to reflect on what happened and why it happened can uncover insights about ourselves and our approaches. This reflection is not about dwelling on the past but about understanding and learning, turning experiences into valuable lessons for the future.
3. Seek Support
Humans are inherently social beings, and support from others can be a powerful catalyst for recovery. Whether it's friends, family, or professional help, leaning on others for support and guidance can provide new perspectives, encouragement, and the emotional strength to continue.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Small Steps Lead to Big Leaps
After a setback, it's important to set realistic, achievable goals. Start small and gradually build up to more ambitious objectives. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, to maintain motivation and momentum.
5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, is essential for overcoming setbacks. It encourages resilience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never shy away from trying new approaches.
6. Stay Flexible and Pivot
Flexibility and adaptability are key in navigating setbacks. Sometimes, the original plan or goal may no longer be feasible, necessitating a pivot. Being open to change and willing to adjust your course can lead to new opportunities and paths that may not have been considered before.
7. Practice Self-Care: Rebuilding from a Place of Strength
Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial during times of setback. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking time to relax. A strong foundation of self-care equips you with the resilience to face challenges head-on.
8. Stay Persistent
Persistence is perhaps the most critical element in overcoming setbacks. The road to recovery and advancement is often long and fraught with challenges. Staying committed to your goals and continuing to push forward, even when progress seems slow, is what ultimately leads to success.