Diana Nyad recently made history by being the first person to swim from Cuba to the United States.
While completing this 110 mile swim was an historic and amazing accomplishment, what makes it more remarkable is that Nyad is 64 and this was her fifth attempt. She began this pursuit in 1978.
Her swim demonstrates five key dimensions of resilience and vitality that are essential for any leader.
- Vision Be clear on what you want and why it is important
- Hope “Never give up,” was her mantra. Nyad encourages us to follow our dreams throughout life. “You’re never too old to chase your dreams,” she said.
- Team “It looks like a solitary sport, but it is a team,” Nyad shared. She had a skilled team with doctors and experts in various areas such as navigation and jelly fish.
As we pursue our goals or face setbacks, the stronger our support team, the more likely we are to achieve our desired results or get up again. It is rare to accomplish something in a vacuum.
- Self-Care Friends said she had internal energy and physical and mental strength. Taking care of mind, spirit and body provides the fuel to face our dreams and fears.
- Self-Talk Our internal conversation impacts our perspective and ability to act and accomplish. When we have a supportive dialogue running through our heads it makes all the difference.
Nyad’s two messages as she swam: “Find a way,” and “Push Cuba back and push Florida towards you.”
Whether you swim in a pool, the ocean or your own sea of life, we can all take a swimming lesson from Diana Nyad.