“Impossible” is a word we often use to limit ourselves, to define what we believe we can’t achieve. But as history has shown, the only true limitation is the one we impose on ourselves.
Consider the late Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, who defied the odds and became the first woman to swim the English Channel. In an era when women were often seen as incapable of such feats, her accomplishment was a groundbreaking testament to human potential. Ms. Trudy swam against the tide in every sense and faced adversity at every turn, from the freezing water and strong currents to the skepticism of those who doubted her ability. Yet, she remained unfazed and persevered through a grueling 21-mile swim for over 14 hours, successfully breaking history.
Her incredible feat is captured in the film “Young Woman and the Sea,“ which offers a compelling retelling of her inspiring story. See a clip below demonstrating how far beyond relentless she was to win what others insisted was “impossible” for her.
Like Ms. Trudy, we face our own “English Channels” in our daily work. Tight deadlines, complex tasks, and constant doubts and criticisms about how we deliver. Some people don’t believe in what we do, and others root for our failures. Despite these, it’s important to remember that every great achievement, every record-breaking feat starts with one person who believes he/she has what it takes to succeed. A person who never gives up and like Ms. Trudy, promises to themselves to get to the winning side at all costs. No going back.
True enough, nobody can hold us back. Like what was said in the clip, we decide what’s right for us. We act on our own terms. Only we can understand the significance of our goals. And that’s fine, we don’t have to ask for anybody’s approval to make them happen.
Let’s all draw inspiration from Ms. Trudy’s story and live with the same conviction that we can win. Her historic swim opened the door for countless others to follow in her footsteps. Today, the English Channel has been crossed hundreds of times. What was once considered impossible is now a common feat for the world.
One day, the goals being worked on now will become past achievements. What seems ambitious today will eventually become the norm. Progress will continue, and new challenges will arise. In the future, looking back will reveal how persistence and hard work turned dreams into reality. Everyone will appreciate the journey and the dedication that made it all possible.
As we continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together, may we all embrace Ms. Trudy’s spirit of possibility and remember that the first person to achieve something is always the one who dares to dream.
Let’s face our challenges head-on team, with courage, determination, and an unwavering belief in our abilities. Together, we can prove that nothing is truly impossible.
