Continuing from the previous two articles on Navigating from Inner Struggles Part 1 and Part 2, the last part deals with letting go of the past and stepping up for the future.

Seafaring is a profession of constant movement, physically crossing vast distances, adjusting to ever-changing conditions, and adapting to the unpredictable nature of life on board. Yet, one of the biggest challenges for seafarers is managing their internal world as well.

Many seafarers unknowingly carry emotional burdens such as past failures, regrets, and unresolved conflicts that impact both their mental well-being and job performance.

Brianna Wiest’s The Mountain Is You emphasises that personal transformation begins when we recognise our self-sabotaging behaviours, release the past, and build a future with clarity and purpose.

When a ship is overloaded, it cannot sail efficiently. Similarly, when you carry emotional baggage, it slows you down. Whether it’s regret over a past mistake, disappointment in a missed promotion, or guilt from being away from loved ones, these unprocessed emotions accumulate, leading to stress, burnout, and self-doubt.

Steps to Let Go:

1. Acknowledge Without Judgment

  • Instead of suppressing painful emotions, acknowledge and take time to reflect—denial does more harm than help. Journaling about what’s bothering you can help make sense of unresolved feelings and further, it should help to strategise your healing journey. Deep-rooted hurt and pain often requires professional guidance.
  • Accept that mistakes and setbacks are part of life and growth. No one is perfect not even the most experienced seafarer.

2. Focus on Building, Not Fixing

  • Many seafarers try to “fix” the past, rewriting situations in their minds or blaming themselves endlessly. But real change happens when you focus on building a better future, not fixing the past. In short focus on what you can control.
  • Each day on board is a chance to start fresh. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, concentrate on how to improve moving forward.

3. Shift Perspective: The Loss May Have Cleared Your Path

  • A missed job opportunity or a tough experience at sea may feel like a failure, but in hindsight, it may have cleared the way for something better. Dealing with the tough experience on your own can sometimes also be a sign of ‘not asking for help and guidance’. Seeking help from the right resource is never a sign of weakness.
  • Ask yourself: What did this experience teach me? How can I use this lesson to grow instead of staying stuck? Talk it out with reliable resources having subject matter expertise.

Once seafarers learn to release emotional burdens, the next step is creating a purposeful and fulfilling future.

Steps to Shape a Better Future:

1. Visualise Your Best Future Self

  • Imagine yourself five years from now stronger, more confident, excelling in your career and personal life. Know the gaps and shortcoming and consciously work on it.
  • Every decision today should align with that future version of yourself.

2. Reverse-Engineer Your Goals

  • If your goal is to become a Chief Engineer or Captain, break it down: What skills do you need? What courses should you take? Who can mentor you?
  • Don’t just set distant goals, identify small, daily actions that will move you closer.

3. Commit to Continuous Learning

  • The most successful seafarers never stop learning. Whether it is safety protocols, leadership skills, or mental well-being techniques, growth should be constant.
  • Make use of free time on board by reading, taking online courses, or improving technical and soft skills.

Seafarers face unique challenges that test not only their professional skills but also their mental and emotional strength. The Mountain Is You reminds us that transformation begins with letting go of past burdens, focusing on building a purposeful future and developing inner resilience.

If you or a fellow seafarer are facing challenges while onboard, please feel free to reach out to the in-house counsellors, Ms. Harshali Kotekar (hr2@executiveship.com) and Ms. Glenda D’Silva (welfare2@samundra.com).