Wings are just a detail | Lex Gillette | TEDxSanDiego

Achieving goals often requires taking risks, but all too often in life, we’re afraid to take that shot in the dark. Blind since the age of 8, Lex Gillette was determined not to let that fact keep him from achieving his goals. In this talk, Lex invites us to close our eyes, and envision our highest potential, to paint a picture of ourselves at our absolute best.

Lex reminds us that sight shows us what is - vision shows us what can be, and in his case, “what could be” became 4 Paralympic medals, 2 world championships, a world record in the long jump, and 17 national championships. As he soars through the air, Lex recalls a quote, “For those determined to fly, having no wings is just a little detail.”

Navigating through life without the use of eyesight has allowed Lex Gillette to ascend to new heights and push the limits of courage, faith and self determination. The inability to see was not the determining factor in whether Lex would succeed or not. It was having a vision, seeing something before it is in existence, and working tirelessly to bring it to life.

It is that very power that has propelled Lex Gillette into being the best totally blind long jumper in the world. The ability to see things before they exist is a power available to all of us. Lex believes that the dream of flight can become a reality limited only by the power of your imagination. When you have a vision of soaring to new heights...wings are just a detail.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx