On Twitter, the other day, I re-tweeted a memorable quote: “Smooth waters do not a skillful sailor make.” This quote, an African proverb, has hung with me ever since.

This quote reminds me of the time, in my early 20s, when I lived on a sail boat in the South Pacific. I was new to sailing – never have done it before -and one evening I was put in charge to “man” the boat during our crossing from Fiji to Vanuatu (an island off the coast of Australia). When I was sailing, there was a terrible storm and I was struggling to keep the boat on course. I was so scared – I didn’t know what I was doing. But soon I got into the flow, with the help of others on board, and began sailing like a champion.

So, if you are experiencing challenges or turbulent waters in your business or personal life, see it as a blessing. These challenges are just preparing you to be more skillful and resilient sailor in life.