how to become antifragile

There are two paths when it comes to our personal development as firefighters: growth vs decay. But let’s be honest, how many of us actually stop to ask ourselves which path we’re on? Life distracts us. The grind gets in the way, and we become slaves to our own habits. We do what we do, think what we think, but rarely take a moment to question why.

So, let me ask you straight: Are you growing, or are you dying?

The fire service will test your mindset—no way around it. A fixed mindset? It’s gonna crack eventually. Maybe it’s a terrible supervisor, a brutal call, or an injury. When that breaking point comes, the reflex is damage control. How do I get back to where I was? But here’s the thing: I’ve yet to meet a first responder who truly bounces back to “normal.” There’s always a shift. A change.

For most, that change leads straight to bitterness. They get jaded. Short with patients. The spark dims, and they fall into the crusty trap of, “I’ve seen it all. Nothing surprises me.” Their optimism? Gone. They’re just going through the motions with a chip on their shoulders.

But what happens if you decide to start living and commit to a growth mindset? Change becomes part of the ride. You adapt. You don’t just react; you evolve with the circumstances. A growth mindset enhances your cognitive flexibility: the ability to reframe situations to serve you, instead of being held back by them. Heck, you may even figure out how to win in the worst of situations with that kind of attitude. That’s the holy grail of antifragility.

The hard truth is that most fire departments won’t do shit for your personal growth. That’s up to you. But there’s a silver lining—taking ownership of your development benefits you off duty, too. Just like your body needs exercise to stay strong, your mind craves new experiences and engagement to stay sharp. Without it, you’ll weaken and get fixed in your ways and perspectives.

There are endless ways to keep growing. Peak performance. Sports psychology. Mindset training. Side hustles. Hobbies. Or simply learning. It doesn’t need to be some fancy, formal program. You can find growth in books, YouTube discussions, travel, spiritual exploration, or picking up a new skill.

The payoff? You become more complex, more adaptable. You bend instead of breaking. You connect deeper with yourself and others. So, the next time you look in the mirror, ask yourself: Is my mind growing or dying?

You can feel the difference.

Get out there and start living.