"Death" of a Blue Jay

When life knocks you down, will you panic—or pull from your toolkit of tactics like the Blue Jay?

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Show Notes:
In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee unpacks an unforgettable moment on the golf course: two Blue Jays playing dead, then flying away stronger. What looked like defeat was actually a tactic—reminding us that survival and success require preparation, not panic.

Baylor shares why we must build our own “contingency plans” in life and business, how to stay calm when adversity strikes, and why pausing in pressure moments gives us the clarity to respond effectively. Like the Blue Jay, your strength lies in your ability to prepare, adapt, and bounce back.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why you sink to the level of your preparation—not rise to the occasion

• The importance of having contingency plans for your career, goals, and relationships

• How to mentally rehearse responses to adversity before the storm hits

• Why pausing in the face of curveballs gives you power over panic

• The ultimate lesson from Blue Jays: always bounce back and keep flying

Featured Quote:
"Never let adversity catch you flat-footed—have a plan, pause, and then fly forward."