I read this quote recently, which was part of the inspiration for this post.
"We've greatly exaggerated the risk of sinking, without celebrating the value of swimming." Seth Godin - The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?
As you know if you've read some of my previous posts, I work in the Information Security arena and have a pretty good understanding of risk. Sometimes I wonder if I have too good of an understanding of risk, almost to a fault where I am so aware of it that I become risk averse. This is not an uncommon trait of people working in this field. We often over emphasize the risks instead of celebrating the fact that we are swimming, or allowing the potential for making progress rather than impeding it.
When I think of this subject and swimming, I can't help but think of Diana Nyad who was in the news recently. She is the other part of the inspiration for writing and recording this post. She is an amazing 64 year old woman who swam 110 miles from Cuba to Key West in the open ocean in spite of the risk of sharks, jelly fish stings and a myriad of other serious risks. She had no significant protection while performing this dangerous task. She swam for over 53 hours! I don't think I could do much of anything, let alone swimming for that long! If you are unfamiliar with Diana and her swim click here. It is a truly inspiring story of courage and it really embodies this principle.
I talk in the recording about my fears of the ocean, and especially with movies like Jaws and shows like the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. I don't know about you, but when I am anywhere deep in the ocean I start hearing the Jaws theme music!
I can't imagine swimming 110 miles from Cuba to Key West!
Most risks we face today dwarf in comparison to the real risk of sinking that Diana Nyad faced when she ventured out to beat this goal she set for herself.
There are risks in my own life that I will exaggerate. If I write this, or put this recording online will people judge me? Will I be able to live up to what I am saying? Despite those voices, I put my words and ideas out here in the sea of voices in this Internet pool, I'm stepping out and getting my feet wet. How will this work out? That is still yet to be seen, but I believe it will be good! I would encourage you to do the same, step out and step up.
When Diana Nyad got to the shores of Key West and attained the goal she set for herself, she was tired, worn out. Despite her exhaustion, which none of us will likely ever understand. She must of had great joy in the accomplishment of completing her goal.
In the Icarus Deception, there is a theme of the concept How High will you Fly. Icarus's father told him not to fly too close to the sun and so the conventional view was one that said not to fly too high, stay in compliance, live within the box of your life, etc.
On the other viewpoint, Icarus actually had the risk of flying too low if he wasn't careful. We exaggerate how high and close to the sun we are out of fear. We may feel safer when we are lower, but the risk can actually be greater to crash and be seriously injured, or worst.
I was talking to a friend at work about fitness and we were encouraging one another and talking about fitness challenges that seem pretty significant and out of reach, such as a triathalon, iron man or a marathon. These things seem way out of my realm of possibility, however I see an example of a woman like Diana Nyad and I am inspired of the possibilities.
She wasn't competing with anyone, she wasn't in a race, but she was competing against her self and what conventional wisdom says is possible. She also obviously has a passion and a joy for swimming.
To her, the risk of sinking couldn't measure up to the joy of swimming.
Today, whatever your "risk of sinking" is, whether it is creating a post, or content like I am doing today, whether it's asking for a promotion, or starting your own business, the challenge of writing that book that has been on your heart for years. I would encourage you to be careful not to exaggerate the risk and focus rather on the celebration of the value of "swimming".
You have to do what's best for yourself and that often involves getting out of your comfort zone and taking risks. Better yet, you should strive to take big audacious risks.
I would say that if you do that, you will be amazed what can happen.
I am learning that our lives have so much opportunity to inspire others and make a real difference and long-lasting impact in the world.
The question remains....."How High Will You Fly?"
Risk of Sinking vs Value of Swimming Audio Recording
