You're Closer than You Think -- Lessons from Long Distance Swimmer Florence Chadwick

In 1952, a woman named Florence Chadwick decided to attempt to swim the 26 miles between the California coastline and Catalina Island.

During her swim to Catalina she traveled with a team who kept an out for sharks and were ready to assist in the event of cramps, injury, or fatigue. About 15 hours into her swim a thick fog began to set in, which clouded not only her vision but sense of confidence. Chadwick's mother happened to be in one of the boats at the time and listened as her daughter told her she didn't believe she could make it. She went on for another hour before deciding to quit. As she sat in the teetering boat she discovered if she'd just swam another mile she would have reached the island.

Many people quit a dream right on the brink of its realization. It's often when the most challenges set in that we're actually getting closer. If we learn to not let a little fog discourage our confidence and fortitude we'll find that it fades creating that clarity to move forward. 

But what's important to remember is the fog never permanently stays away. It comes and goes just as doubts do. The key is to recognize the value of forging along anyway -- to bring your own weather when it comes to pursuing meaningful endeavors. Keeping your poise is an essential skill and will enable you to navigate through moments of uncertainty. 

Two months after Chadwick's failed attempt she tried the swim once more. Again, a thick fog set in. But this time she had a mental image of the shoreline in her mind as she pushed herself along. Not only did she succeed the second time, but she ended up making the same swim two other times.

Chadwick was also the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions, doing so in record times.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

As hokey at it sounds, it's important to honor the journey. But what does that even mean?

My interpretation is that it's about having the patience to sit with uncertainty and be curious about what you fear rather than stifled by it. Both seem to be integral parts of becoming a better artist, and more importantly, individual. 

Success is often the ability to look back on an event and just note that you survived. But we can also work to frame our experiences in a meaningful and helpful way:

ATTENTION	INTERPRETATION	MEMORY
Focus on what you have to be grateful for. It's much harder to acknowledge what you don't have when the emphasis is on what you do.	Tough experiences and feelings can be a  reason for inspiration, opportunity, and growth.  Frame your setbacks advantageously.	Remember past events more favorably.  Allow yourself to selectively remember certain events:  people who do so are happier overall.

Protect Your Spirit at All Costs

As you progress through your career you will likely come to a crossroads. You may suddenly struggle to find the meaning of your work, or redefine your relationship to it, and discover even your values and what you want have changed. None of theses are bad things by the way. In fact, it's often a sign of growth.

But in the midst of transition can come a sense of a weariness, even apathy. Uncertainty can influence us in funny ways.

But whatever road you decide to take or career you may pivot away from, make sure you protect your spirit at all costs. Approach any new endeavor with the same eagerness and conviction you once had when first starting out. Remember the first time you stepped on stage, shot a film, or dotted the final "i" of your screenplay.

There's no telling exactly where this fervor will lead but chances are it will be good a place.