Three Minute Leadership: Find a Way, Then Never Give Up
To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Speaking in her December 2013 TED video, Diana Nyad: Never, Ever Give Up, about her historic Cuba-to-Florida Swim, Nyad said that the mantra for her journey was “Find a way.” The doing of her great accomplishment is found in the skills, talents and knowledge she acquired to undertake her trip. It was in her being, however, that success was fulfilled with exultation and majesty. Her words to the crowd on arriving on the beach were: “Never, ever give up.”
Quipping that the end of her journey was joyous after 53 hours and the 100 miles in the open ocean, Nyad speaks of the excitement and thrill of the journey itself – five previous attempts, the preparations, the work of the team and turning 60 years old. It was every moment of the journey that filled her life with purpose, commitment and passion – she would “find a way”… and she did.
Nyad’s accomplishment and life are mirrors of the lives of great leaders – magnificent and extraordinary beingand doing fueled by unquenchable embers of purpose and passion. They have chosen to embrace life in its fullest richness and beauty in: finding gifts within themselves yet untouched and using them to achieve their next step in performance excellence; learning and changing their world by seeing the world through different eyes… their own and others; living heroically and selflessly from their values and principles as they give their all to those whom they serve – family and friends, their business and their community. Each morning they look in the mirror, and with a gentle smile, they say: “This will be my best day ever.”
Concluding her remarks Nyad speaks of the many plaudits that accompanied her accomplishment, and says: “I’m proud of it all, but the truth is, I’m walking around tall because I am that bold, fearless person, and I will be, every day, until it’s time for these days to be done.” Be that bold, fearless person… be more than you ever dreamed you could be… and more… so much more… every beautiful moment of your magnificent life. May 2014 be your best year ever. Find a way, then never give up!
Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!
- Three Minute Leadership: Be the Change You Wish to See in the World… Because You Can
- Sophia Joseph’s Remaining Group Mentoring Sessions of Fall Semester 2013 – Group 3, Sessions 2 & 3