The most amazing and frustrating dive

A few days ago, I had one of the most breathtaking snorkelling and diving experiences of my life — and at the exact same time, one of the most frustrating.

In this video, I want to talk about the little things — the seemingly insignificant things — that, if we do them now, can have a huge long-term impact.

Picture this: I’m in an absolutely stunning part of the world, a place known for its untouched reefs and crystal-clear water. Behind me you’d see a small island surrounded by turquoise sea, and just below the surface — coral that looks almost unreal. Bright, healthy, full of colour.

I’d just arrived to meet two close friends, Paul and Eliane, who’ve been travelling through the region. We dropped our bags, walked straight to the water, and jumped in.

And honestly… I’ve snorkelled in many places around the world, and nothing — absolutely nothing — compares to this. In three days, we swam with manta rays, reef sharks, dugongs, and more fish species than I could count. Everywhere I looked, the reef was alive.

But then something happened.

I lifted my head above the water — and floating all around me were plastic bottles.

Even here. Even in one of the most remote, pristine places I’ve ever seen.

It hit hard.

When I work with leaders and teams, one of the core principles I teach is High Impact, Long Term. The idea is simple: What small action can you take today that will compound into something meaningful over time?

Not the big, dramatic gestures we imagine changing the world. Just the tiny, consistent things that add up.

And when it comes to our planet, those small choices matter more than ever.

In Australia, there’s an organisation called Take 3. : https://www.take3.org/. Their message is beautifully simple: Every time you go somewhere, take three pieces of rubbish with you.

Just three.

Not a bag. Not a bin full. Just three.

Every morning, I’m lucky enough to walk along the beach — so now I take three pieces of rubbish with me each time. It takes seconds. It’s almost nothing.

But imagine if everyone did it.

The same goes for using a reusable bag, saying no to plastic bottles, recycling, or making a habit of the small things. They don’t feel important in the moment. But long term? They are the difference between preservation and destruction. Between a thriving planet and a failing one.

We’re waiting now for the boat to head out to another dive site — and I can’t wait to get back in the water. But the contrast between the beauty under the surface and the pollution above it is something I won’t forget anytime soon.

So my question to you is this: Will you take three? Will you choose one small step that creates a long-term impact?

This is your Work Smarter, Live Better tip for the week — and one I’m genuinely passionate about.

Hope you have a lovely day.

A bientôt,

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