Yo no perdí la vista, gané la ceguera | Enhamed Enhamed | TEDxMirasierra

Summary

The speaker, a former Paralympic athlete turned coach, shares his journey of personal growth and overcoming obstacles. Despite losing his sight at age 8, he pursued swimming and achieved success at the Paralympics. He emphasizes the importance of commitment, setting written goals, and gratitude, which he considers the key to his achievements. The speaker also highlights the significance of embracing change and challenges, using his blindness as a catalyst for growth. He encourages the audience to focus on the process and enjoy the journey, not just the end goal. His experiences, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and completing an Ironman, illustrate the power of perseverance and the impact of a positive mindset. The speaker's story is an inspiring testament to the potential within each individual to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Takeaways

• 🎓 **Life's Certainties**: The speaker emphasizes that while many things in life are uncertain, birth, death, time, and change are certain. The only one of these we can control is change.
• 🏃 **Commitment Over Motivation**: The importance of commitment is stressed over motivation, as motivation can fluctuate, whereas commitment is a consistent drive to achieve goals.
• 👥 **Helping Others Improve**: The speaker's purpose in life is to help others improve, whether as a coach or by working with teams and groups to enhance their performance.
• 👶 **Adapting to Change**: The story of losing sight at a young age illustrates the necessity and ability to adapt to life-altering changes.
• 🏅 **Hard Work and Discipline**: Success is not just about talent; it requires hard work and discipline, as well as a commitment to consistent training and improvement.
• 🌟 **Setting and Reviewing Goals**: Having clear, written goals is essential for providing direction and motivation. It's also important to set both long-term and short-term goals.
• 🧗 **Overcoming Obstacles**: Obstacles are not there to hinder us but to test our resolve and commitment to our objectives.
• 🎭 **Changing Your Environment**: If your current environment is not conducive to your growth or the life you want to live, it may be necessary to change it.
• 🐕 **The Power of Support**: The speaker highlights the importance of having a support system, such as a trainer or a guide dog, that believes in you and assists you in achieving your goals.
• 🚴 **Pushing Through Challenges**: During difficult times, breaking down goals into smaller, achievable milestones can help maintain progress and motivation.
• 🏆 **Enjoying the Journey**: The true value lies in the journey and the experiences gained, not just in reaching the destination or achieving the end goal.
• 🙏 **Gratitude**: Expressing gratitude towards those who have helped and supported the journey is a key aspect of personal growth and achievement.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's current work?

The speaker's main focus is on working with others as a coach, specifically helping teams and groups of people to improve and grow.

What does the speaker consider as the four certain things in life?

The speaker believes that the four certain things in life are birth, death, time, and change.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of setting goals?

The speaker emphasizes setting goals because it provides a clear direction and purpose, which helps to maintain motivation and a sense of progress towards achieving those goals.

How did the speaker's blindness at the age of 8 impact their life and perspective?

The speaker's blindness led to significant changes in their life, including the way others treated them and the activities they could engage in. However, it also instilled a strong sense of determination and the ability to adapt to change.

What role does hunger play in the speaker's philosophy?

In the speaker's philosophy, 'hunger' represents the drive and desire to constantly improve and achieve more. It is a key motivator that pushes the speaker to move forward and overcome obstacles.

Why did the speaker decide to move to San Francisco?

The speaker moved to San Francisco to live in a circumstance that was out of their control, believing that the constant change and challenges would help them grow and achieve their long-term goals.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'commitment' is more important than 'motivation'?

The speaker believes that commitment is more important because it is about following through with actions regardless of the circumstances or how one feels, whereas motivation can be fleeting and dependent on external factors.

What was a significant lesson the speaker learned during the Kilimanjaro climb?

The significant lesson was the importance of trust and total commitment. The speaker had to rely completely on their guides due to their visual impairment, which taught them the value of relying on others and the importance of perseverance.

Why did the speaker decide to retire from swimming after the 2012 Paralympics?

The speaker decided to retire from swimming because the passion was no longer there. They no longer woke up eager to train and instead looked forward to the weekends, signaling a need for a change in activity.

How does the speaker view their blindness?

The speaker views their blindness as a gift and a blessing. It has become a reason for them to seek growth and advancement in life every day, and it has shaped their ability to see people for who they are rather than what they have.

What advice does the speaker give about enjoying life?

The speaker advises to enjoy life now, while on the journey, rather than waiting for a specific milestone or event. They emphasize the importance of being present and fully experiencing each moment.

What was the speaker's purpose in participating in the Ironman competition?

The speaker's purpose was to test their physical limits and to inspire others by demonstrating that it is possible to have a different kind of life and path. They wanted to show that despite challenges, one can still achieve great things.