In a world that celebrates achievement, we're taught early on to define success by clear-cut goals: win the race, get the promotion, reach the summit. But what happens when the finish line moves, or when we change along the way?
I've spent a significant part of my life chasing big goals, often in unpredictable environments. As an open water swimmer, the sea is my playing field, and also my greatest teacher. You can prepare meticulously for a swim across a strait or channel, only to find yourself swimming against currents you never trained for. Do you quit? Or do you adapt your strategy, change course, and find meaning in the effort, not just the outcome?
The Power of Purpose-Driven Goals
Setting a bold goal is still crucial. It gives us direction, motivation, and structure. But too often, people become so fixated on the destination that they miss the transformation taking place along the way. Your journey, the challenges you face, the mindset shifts, the resilience you build, can be more valuable than the achievement itself.
One of my most harrowing swims was an attempt to cross False Bay in 2005. Despite months of dedicated training and strong support behind the 34km all-in mission, I lost consciousness from hypothermia and had to be pulled from the water before reaching the finish. It was devastating to come so far and fall short. But the experience taught me invaluable lessons about limits, preparation, and inner strength, lessons that gave me the perspective and drive to return a year later, in 2006, and complete the crossing successfully.
Another vivid example is my English Channel swim. My goal was a sub-nine-hour crossing, which would have set a new African record at the time. I was 100% on track, swimming strong, holding pace, and mentally focused. Then, in the final stretch, the tide turned. Over the course of three gruelling hours, I moved one kilometre backwards. I had to fight with every ounce of strength and will just to start making progress again. I eventually reached the French shore after 12 hours and 3 minutes, over three hours later than planned.
I was devastated. I felt like I had failed. But in time, I realised that this swim gave me more than any record ever could. It taught me how to fight for progress even when everything is pulling you the other way. It taught me to keep going when the outcome no longer matches the original goal. And these lessons still serve me nearly 20 years later.
Redefining Success
Whether you're a corporate leader, an entrepreneur, or simply someone chasing a personal goal, remember that the goalpost can move, and that's okay. Life doesn't always give you control, but it does give you opportunities to respond with purpose and creativity.
Success, in its most lasting form, is not about reaching a static point.
Rather, it's about becoming someone different through the process. The goal itself can transform as you do.
Let the Journey Shape You
The most resilient people and organisations I work with are not the ones who always hit their original targets. They're the ones who know when to pivot, when to listen, and when to trust that growth sometimes means changing the plan.
So set the goal. Train hard. Build the plan. But hold it lightly enough to allow room for something greater, something you might never have imagined when you first set out.
After all, the real finish line is not a place. It's the person you become.
Bring Carina to your stage.