We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ray Bennett II. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ray below.
Ray, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
I have learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for improvement and to view setbacks as temporary hurdles rather than permanent failures. This mindset allows me to remain focused, resilient, and motivated, no matter what circumstances I face. By taking responsibility for my actions and choices, I empower myself to create a life that aligns with my values and aspirations.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My story began when I was medically discharged from the United States Marine Corps. My plan was to make the Marine Corps my career, but an injury ended that goal. I returned to civilian life without higher education, technical certifications, or workforce experience. Facing physical and mental challenges, my outlook on the future was uncertain.
At 19 years old, I became a father, which added pressure to find suitable employment to support my family. Over time, I found work and developed skills in a new field. My second son was born a few years later, and I gained momentum in a job with potential for career advancement.
After 12 years, I was laid off and had to restart my search for a long-term career. I spent about 10 years moving through various jobs, each lasting 2 to 3 years, until I found a role that fit well with my skills and interests.
To cope with daily life challenges, I took up scuba diving as a hobby with a fellow Marine Corps friend, Javier. This activity helped alleviate symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. Recognizing its benefits, we established a veterans non-profit organization called Diving Devil Dogs in 2016, offering scuba diving and overlanding adventures to other veterans.
This organization played a crucial role in helping me through a difficult period when I lost my wife of 17 years. The support from the organization and the veterans we assisted provided me with hope for the future.
Driven by a desire to understand mental health better and help others, I pursued further education. I graduated from Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, followed by a Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in Prevention from Grand Canyon University (GCU).
Currently, I am attending Liberty University as a Ph.D. candidate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Throughout the years, I have experienced many unexpected changes. Following my wife’s passing, I anticipated being alone permanently, but met Elaina unexpectedly. We married in 2023, and Elaina gave birth to our beautiful little miracle, Luna Ray Bennett, who was born close to 4 months premature. She spent 105 days in the NICU and is now home and healthy, adding to my family of nine children and one grandchild.
Ten years ago, I would not have anticipated my current status in education, career, and family. Despite the challenges faced along the way, I am content with my present situation and value the journey that led me here.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities, skills or knowledge that were most impactful on y journey would be: Grit, honesty, and willingness to learn.
To have grit means to have the determination and perseverance to keep working towards a goal, even when you face obstacles, setbacks, or discouragement. This quality has been evident throughout my life journey.
Throughout my journey, another pivotal quality that has guided me is honesty. Honesty is the quality of being truthful, sincere, and straightforward. It involves being honest with yourself and others and acting in a way that is free of deceit. This principle has not only been a cornerstone in my personal life but also in my professional endeavors. Being transparent about my struggles and aspirations allowed me to form genuine connections and build trust with those around me, whether it was my fellow veterans, colleagues, or family members. Embracing honesty enabled me to face challenges head-on, make informed decisions, and remain resilient in the face of adversity. It is a quality that complements grit, ensuring that my perseverance is grounded in integrity and authenticity.
Another crucial attribute that has significantly influenced my journey is the willingness to learn. This desire to gain knowledge and skills has driven both my personal and professional growth. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning allowed me to adapt to new challenges, improve my performance, and seize opportunities for advancement. It was this attitude that propelled me from an uncertain future to achieving higher education and establishing a meaningful career. The willingness to learn is a fundamental attitude for success, empowering individuals to evolve, innovate, and thrive amidst life’s uncertainties.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Over time, I have come to appreciate the importance of being well-rounded and discerning about when to utilize my strengths. This strategy has allowed me to navigate complex situations with greater ease. Through various experiences, I have recognized my resilience and confidence, qualities that, while advantageous, can sometimes be perceived negatively by others. In response, I have intentionally softened my approach and made a concerted effort to understand those around me better. This shift has enabled me to build stronger connections, appreciate diverse strengths, and adapt to different communication styles. By fostering these relationships, I am better equipped to collaborate effectively and create a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dddus.org
- Instagram: divingdevildogs
- Facebook: Diving Devil Dogs of Arizona
- Linkedin: Ray Bennett II
- Youtube: Diving Devil Dogs
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