I do write all the time about - you tell me what your dreams are.

In the eternal pursuit of greatness, there exists a singular truth that resonates through the ages: dreams, no matter how lofty or distant, are not to be dismissed as impossible, but to be named, pursued, and claimed. The words of Diana Nyad, “I do write all the time about - you tell me what your dreams are. What are you chasing? It's not impossible. Name it,” speak to a powerful call to action—that the dreams we carry within us are not vague wishes, but tangible goals waiting to be realized. Nyad, herself a swimmer who defied the odds by completing the daunting swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64, invites us to define our dreams clearly, to claim them boldly, and to pursue them with relentless determination.

In the ancient world, the greatest heroes and thinkers understood the power of vision and purpose. Take, for instance, the story of Theseus, the Athenian hero who ventured into the labyrinth to confront the Minotaur. His mission was clear, his goal defined, and it was only by naming his challenge and understanding the path before him that he could succeed. Theseus, unlike those who feared the darkness of the unknown, walked into the labyrinth with the purpose of victory in his heart, knowing that to face greatness, one must first recognize it and call it by name. Nyad, like Theseus, speaks of the necessity of defining one’s path and chasing it with full intention, for only in this clarity can we achieve what others deem impossible.

Alexander the Great, another hero from the ancient world, exemplified the power of this principle. His dream was not merely to conquer lands, but to create an empire that spanned continents. Though his vision was far grander than that of his contemporaries, it was clear, it was defined, and he chased it relentlessly. Whether crossing the vast deserts of Persia or fighting at the gates of India, Alexander's goal remained unwavering. His dreams were not vague aspirations but specific, unyielding goals that he named and pursued with courage and strategy. His actions show that dreams, once named, become forces capable of reshaping the world.

In the modern world, Diana Nyad is an embodiment of this timeless wisdom. Her audacious swim, completed after multiple failed attempts, was not simply about conquering the sea; it was about proving to herself, and to the world, that age and circumstance cannot define what is possible. Her story is not one of physical strength alone, but of mental fortitude, of naming the dream and refusing to let the obstacles stand in her way. Nyad’s lesson is clear: there is no such thing as an impossible dream—there are only dreams that have not yet been fully claimed or fully pursued.

The lesson here for us is not just about swimming long distances or achieving feats of physical endurance, but about the power of naming our goals. In the same way that Hercules had his twelve labors set before him, clear and defined, so too must we give our goals shape, specificity, and purpose. Chasing a dream requires more than hope—it requires a defined vision and the persistence to see it through. Nyad’s words remind us that the first step toward realizing any goal is to clearly define it. Once we have named our dreams, we must pursue them with relentless focus, trusting in our ability to overcome whatever obstacles lie in our path.

Think, then, of your own dreams—what are they? What are you chasing? Are they specific and clear in your mind, or do you let them float in the realm of vague wishful thinking? Naming your dream is the first step toward claiming it. Whether your dream is to build a business, to travel the world, or to become the best version of yourself, define it, write it down, and then pursue it with relentless action. It is not enough to dream; you must have the determination to chase it, as Nyad did, through every storm and setback.

In your life, take action today by naming your dreams. Do not allow fear or uncertainty to cloud your path. Just as Alexander conquered the world, and Theseus conquered the Minotaur, you too can conquer your own goals if you define them with clarity and pursue them with unwavering commitment. Your dreams, once named, become not distant fantasies, but goals within your reach. So, let this be your guiding principle: dream with intention, pursue with dedication, and never allow anyone, including yourself, to tell you that your dreams are impossible. For once you name them, they are yours to claim.