Forward Friday: Celebrating an Incredible Milestone
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
APRIL 5, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 13
Dear Inspirational Leaders!
In this week’s edition of Forward Friday, we’re taking a moment to celebrate an incredible milestone that’s close to my heart. I’ve been honored with a spot in the Top 50 Global Leadership Speakers by Real Leaders® Magazine, standing among legends like Tony Robbins, Mel Robbins, Daymond John, and Simon Sinek. This recognition is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the journey we’ve embarked on together. If you would like to engage in the conversation please visit my LinkedIn and join us!
Here Are Three Key Insights from This Journey:
1. Ignite Your Passion and Pursue It: Discovering your true calling goes beyond the roles you’ve been assigned in life. My service as an Army Non-Commissioned Officer, soon to be Officer, and aspirations in the Olympic Games were significant, but the real turning point came after my injury. That’s when I found my true calling: to empower others to unlock their potential and share their gifts with the world. This burning desire became my compass, guiding me towards making a difference.
2. Embrace the Entrepreneur Within: The path from an idea to reality is paved with hard work and resilience. My entrepreneurial spirit was kindled early, from selling lemonade in Oak Park, IL, to venturing into businesses within the U.S. Army’s Community and Family Support Center and the United States Olympic Committee. Recognizing this spirit within me clarified why fitting into a conventional box was never my destiny. It’s a journey of self-discovery, realization, and embracing the hard work it takes to bring your visions to life.
3. Consistency Leads to Discovery: Staying true to your path and consistently delivering value will naturally attract your tribe. It’s surreal to see my name among the greatest influencers in the world. This recognition, five years in the making, is a reminder that perseverance is key. Inspired Communications is just beginning its journey, and I’m immensely thankful for the team and every single individual who’s been part of this adventure, especially my wife, Alice, for her unwavering support.
Two Connections for This Week
Alice Register is my rock and partner in every sense. Alice’s journey from supporting us through challenging times to realizing her dreams is nothing short of inspirational. Follow our travels and amazing experiences around the globe on Theluvhub.com and via Instagram @the_luvhub as we continue on this exciting adventure of life together.
Real Leaders® is a beacon for impact leadership and is committed to creating a better world by connecting visionary leaders. Their work is a continuous source of inspiration. Visit their website and follow them @real_leaders.
One Action Step for Next Week:
Reflect on your journey and identify one person or organization that has significantly contributed to your growth. Reach out to them with a message of gratitude. This act of acknowledgment not only strengthens your connections but also reminds us of the power of collective effort and support.
Reflect on your journey and identify one person or organization that has significantly contributed to your growth. Reach out to them with a message of gratitude. This act of acknowledgment not only strengthens your connections but also reminds us of the power of collective effort and support.
Bonus 🙌
Well, I mean, I have to thank some of the folks who made this recognition happen! Right?! This milestone is not just mine; it’s ours. It’s a reflection of our collective commitment to growth, transformation, and making a positive impact on the world. Let’s continue to push boundaries, inspire change, and lead with purpose.
I extend my deepest gratitude first and foremost to my clients, particularly the United States Army Accessions Command, whose Total Army Involvement in Recruiting program introduced me to the world of professional speaking.
I am equally thankful for the growth and opportunities afforded by the National Speakers Association and the invaluable partnerships with speaker bureaus that have amplified my voice across numerous stages.
Here are a few of the esteemed Speaker Bureaus that have been instrumental in my journey:
SpeakInc. | PK Speakers Bureau | GDA Speakers Bureau | Eagles Talent | Midwest Speakers Bureau | Washington Speakers Bureau | London Speakers Bureau | BigSpeak! | Premiere Speakers Bureau | Executive Speakers Bureau | Armstrong Speakers Bureau | Red Propeller Speakers Bureau | Speakers Unlimited | The U.S. Department of State Speaker Bureau
The Podcast
🎧 Check out the latest episode on “Performance Shift”. If you aren’t already, make sure you’re signed up to join the fun with me and Kat Koppett, organizational psychologist, improviser and theater owner, as we share our experiences, insights and tools for navigating change.
Amputate Fear
Break free from the shackles of fear that hold you back. Embrace courage and unleash your true potential.
Breathe Life
Let optimism and change propel you forward. Experience the transformative power of overcoming adversity and empowering others.
Hurdle Adversity
Turn obstacles into opportunities. Discover the resilience and determination within to conquer life’s challenges.
Vitam Spirare
Infuse each moment with purpose and passion. Embrace vitality and live life to the fullest.
Until next time, go forth and inspire your world. Keep moving forward.
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
Beyond the Boardroom: What Real Leadership Looks Like
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 7
Forward Friday is all about reflecting over the past week and leaping forward into the next, all the while honoring our present state. You can expect three lessons I learned over the past week, two amazing people to follow, and one action step for your consideration.
Beyond the Boardroom: What Real Leadership Looks Like
In April of 2023, Ryan faced a stark prognosis: brain cancer with just six weeks to live. Amid this life-altering news, he clung to a deeply personal goal—to return to the Simplot Track and Field Games, a competition that defined his high school athletic career. Now at 26, Ryan’s resilience shines as a beacon of hope and determination. This year, with his doctor’s approval, Ryan made his triumphant return to Simplot, a full-circle moment that speaks volumes about his journey.
During our encounter at the games, I had the privilege of delving deeper into Ryan’s story. I asked him about the sacrifices he had to make to redefine success in the shadow of such adversity, and about those who infused strength and support into his life. The conversation, captured in an attached video, is simple yet profound, echoing the universal truths about what truly matters in life.
This narrative is not just Ryan’s; it’s a reflection for all of us, particularly for leaders navigating the complexities of the corporate world. It’s a poignant reminder to reassess what we carry, the relationships we cherish, and the unyielding spirit required to pursue our passions against all odds. As we embark on this edition of Forward Friday, let Ryan’s story inspire us to examine our own lives, to trim the excess, and to breathe life into the environments and communities we are a part of. Watch the video
Three Resilient Leadership Insights From Ryan’s Story
1. Cut Through the Clutter: At the heart of Ryan’s story is the theme of cutting through the clutter—eliminating the excess of negative emotions and distractions that cloud our judgment and impede our progress. For us as executives, we often grapple with the complexities of leadership, from navigating strategic pitfalls to managing organizational dynamics. Ryan’s perspective invites us to reconsider our priorities, emphasizing the essence of focusing on what genuinely adds value to our lives and our companies. It’s a call to embrace simplicity, stripping away the superficial to reveal and nurture the core drivers of personal and professional fulfillment.
2. Build Support Relationship Systems: Ryan’s reflections on friendship and support systems shine a light on the fundamental importance of authentic relationships in the workplace. Beyond the veneer of professional success—measured in likes, follows, or even financial milestones—lies the real metric of leadership: the strength of the bonds formed with those we journey with. As C-suite executives, this underscores the critical role of fostering a culture of mutual support, where success is shared, and challenges are collectively navigated. It’s about building teams that are not just efficient but are resilient, connected by shared values and unwavering support for one another.
3. Pursuit Beyond Adversity: Ryan’s relentless pursuit of his passions, despite the adversities, is a powerful allegory for the resilience required in the world of business. Leadership is often a test of endurance, where the ability to persevere through setbacks defines success. Like Ryan, we as leaders are tasked with confronting challenges head-on, leveraging our “new normal mindset” to forge paths toward innovation and achievement. It’s a testament to the power of determination, the ability to see beyond immediate obstacles, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of one’s goals.
I knew Ryan as an athlete and coached with his coach. It was great to see him.
Two People to Follow
Dr. Avis Jones DeWeever is a force. Not a force to be reckoned with…just a force. Not a force of nature…just a force. She teaches Black women entrepreneurs in service industries how to develop high-ticket and ultrahigh- ticket offers, implement high profile media and marketing methods, and close sales like a BOSS. When the pandemic hit and I had to turn to outbound marketing, I stumbled upon this ‘force’. Within one month I was closing deals. But more importantly, I was helping a population that needed my message, and I needed them. She is the real deal and I get to call her one of my #FabFive. Dr. Avis’s website: dravismentoring.com
Ford Saeks is a force. Ha! Yes, I would say Ford is one of the smartest guys I know when it comes to marketing. I actually would love to see Ford and Dr. Avis locked in a room for an hour. I can’t imagine what would come out of that place. Ford is all about Business Growth Acceleration. He is a franchise keynote speaker and he is always ahead of the curve. Last year when this new thing called, “ChatGPT” was coming out, he told everyone in the mastermind to put everything on hold because this was the next disruption in the market. He is a wizard at helping B2B and B2C Brands. Ford’s website: profitrichresults.com
Upcoming in March 2024
10 Week Deep Dive into my Book 10 Power Stories to Impact Any Leader: Journal Your Way to Leadership Success.
Every Sunday at 6:00 – 6:20am MT, I will go through one chapter of the book with my highlighted observations. More information coming soon. If you want to be part of this deep dive purchase the book here.
One Action Step: Leap Forward
Reach Out to Key Stakeholders: Make a list of key customers, partners, and team members. Plan to reach out to them over the next week with personalized communications, expressing gratitude for their support and seeking feedback on how you can serve them better. I am making a list of everyone who hired me from my 1099’s. And, I am creating an opportunity to say thank you, again. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! What you wanted to hear the most was leadership challenges and solutions and the power of resilience in our personal and professional lives.
Stay connected, I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest adventures and insights. Just follow the links at the bottom of this newsletter.
My most requested speech topic is, “Amputate to Amplify: How to Transform Adversity Into Advantage.” See my New video MindSET to MindSIGHT. Do you have an event that you would like me to speak at, or do you have a referral you can suggest? Please send us a note.
Go forth and inspire your world,
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
Forward Friday: Reflecting Back, Leaping Forward
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
FEBRUARY 16, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 6
Another day of learning awakes us all. As we navigate the challenging seas of leadership, our compass must always point toward growth, innovation, and resilience. This week, I share insights that are not just observations but the very pillars upon which we can build empires resilient to the ebb and flow of business dynamics.
Three Leadership Insights: Reflecting Back
- Innovation and Creativity — The lifeblood of any thriving organization is its capacity to innovate and create. In a world where change is the only constant, fostering a culture that encourages thinking outside the box is essential. Innovation isn’t just about new products; it’s about redefining your approach to problem-solving and being adaptable in the face of adversity.
- Customer Experience and Engagement — The cornerstone of sustained growth lies in how well we understand and engage with our customers. Excellence in customer experience is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s about creating meaningful interactions at every touchpoint, ensuring that every engagement adds value, and strengthens the relationship.
- Data Analytics and Insights — In the age of information, data is your most valuable asset. Leveraging analytics provides a clearer understanding of market trends, customer behaviors, and operational efficiency. It empowers decision-making, ensuring that strategy is informed by evidence rather than conjecture.
Two People to Follow
John with Diana Kander
Diana Kander and I have shared the speaking platform at least once. She is one of those speakers who, yes, you just stay in the room because she is just that good. A beacon of curiosity, Diana teaches us the power of questions. Her work, including Go Big or Go Home, The Curiosity Muscle, and All In Startup, illustrates the profound impact of seeking better answers and solutions. From Diana, we learn that growth is fueled by curiosity, pushing us to explore beyond the horizon. Visit her website: dianakander.com
John with Bonnie St. John
Bonnie St. John was the first person who gifted to me how to serve clients in this business as a professional speaker. She is a Rhode Scholar and the first Black American of African descent to win a medal in downhill skiing…and…on one leg! She remains a confidant of mine. Bonnie’s resilience teaches us the value of recovery and persistence. Her literature, such as Micro-Resilience, How Great Women Lead, and Live Your Joy, shares insights into overcoming setbacks and enhancing personal and professional growth. Bonnie exemplifies that true champions are those who rise swiftly after a fall. Visit her website: bonniestjohn.com
Vote Your Preference!
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Vote for one — click the link you want below to record your vote.
One Action Step: Leap Forward
Work Your Plan: This week’s insight is a reminder of the power of persistence. Even when progress seems slow, trust in your strategy and keep pushing forward. The growth path is often a marathon, not a sprint. Your commitment to your plan will navigate you through stagnant waters into the realms of success.
Stay connected, I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest adventures and insights. Just follow the links at the bottom of this newsletter.
Do you have an event that you would like me to speak at, or do you have a referral you can suggest? Please send us a note.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you next Friday!
Go forth and inspire your world,
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
Leadership Insights: A Valentine’s Edition
Your Weekly Dose of Inspirational Growth
FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | Volume I, Issue 5
Hello Transformative Leaders!
Love is in the air. This Week’s Leadership Insights: A Valentine’s Edition.
Help Shape Our Future Content!
We’re always looking to provide the most valuable and insightful content for our community. As we plan our upcoming editions, we’d love to hear what topics you’re most interested in. Your suggestions will directly influence our focus, ensuring we cover what matters most to you.
What topics would you like to see in future newsletters?
Vote for one — click the link you want below to record your vote.
- Leadership challenges and solutions
- Personal growth and overcoming adversity
- The power of resilience in personal and professional life
Three Insights to Lead with Love:
1.) Empower with Empathy:
Like sharing Valentine’s cards, leadership is about expressing appreciation and empowering others. Emphasize the importance of genuine care for your team’s success and well-being.
2.) Transform Envy into Encouragement:
Use the spirit of Valentine’s Day to transform envy within your team into mutual encouragement. Celebrate each other’s successes as if they were your own, fostering a culture of support and positivity.
3.) Actionable Generosity:
Zig Ziglar’s wisdom teaches us that helping others achieve their goals is the pathway to achieving our own. Implement daily acts of kindness and support, making generosity a cornerstone of your leadership.
Two People to Follow:
Jason O. Harris talks about “No Fail Trust” and empowers leaders and teams through a culture of commitment, accountability, and trust. He has been featured on the History Channel and PBS. Since 2018, he has been on a mission to inspire and nurture authentic leadership, one person, one team, and one organization at a time through the power of trust. Check him out at www.jasonoharris.com.
I have spoken about Sylvie di Giusto before. She is the one who moves ordinary to extraordinary. A powerhouse in Emotional Intelligence, Sylvie practices what she preaches a and give her audiences the power of choice to determine their greatest outcomes in leadership, sales, and customer service. Follow her at sylviedigiusto.com.
One Amazing Idea to Implement
Valentine’s Day Leadership Challenge: Launch a “14 Days of Kindness” initiative within your organization. Encourage team members to perform one act of kindness for a colleague each day until Valentine’s Day. This could range from writing a note of appreciation to offering help with a challenging task. Celebrate these acts of kindness in a shared space, whether it’s a physical bulletin board or a digital platform, to inspire and spread positivity throughout your organization.
Stay connected, I’d love to hear from you. Connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest adventures and insights. Just follow the links at the bottom of this newsletter.
Do you have an event that you would like me to speak at, or do you have a referral you can suggest? Please send us a note.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you next Friday!
Go forth and inspire your world,
— JR
Important Links:
Do you have a story to share or a person to highlight please share with me at newsletter@johnregister.com.
Have an event coming up? Let’s talk, send me an email at letschat@johnregister.com or call me at 719-357-6833.
Download my one-page Speaker Sheet | see me on stage.
Adversity to Advantage Newsletter: Amputate to Amplify: Inspire – Impact – Transcend
You Have Value
Important Jumps
You have the courage to commit to your vision and your dreams, but we all have things we need to clear, and areas we must hurdle in front of us. This is where my passion lies in getting people to make those courageously important jumps in their lives.
You have value! Your vision has value and what you desire to do and the outcome that you are pushing yourself towards has great value. Sometimes we are looking, chasing, or following the dreams of someone else or following societal dreams. I believe what is inside of us during our difficulty in our time of testing is what comes out of us when we are in the test.
Do we have the courage to seek our truth even if it means we do not belong to get to our new normal mindset?
“Mindset is the oxygen needed to survive our changing environment.” -JR
#johnregister #silvermedalist #amputatefear #hurdleadversity
Photographer: Danielle Trina Photography
Stay connected, engage, and up to date with John and Inspired Communications International on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
Courageous Acts
Only you can make the jumps in your life.
You have made courageous acts throughout your life. You may not have noticed some of these courageous acts as they have been in the micro space. You cannot argue against the practical application of lived experience because it is yours. I encourage you to keep doing the work and recognize the wins along the way.
It comes to the point when our truth outweighs our fear and we commit to a courageous life… and we will commit to courageous acts. When we do not do this… I feel there are two main reasons. Maybe we have friends or societal groups that believe for us what we can and cannot do which is based on what they believe they can or cannot do if they were in our situation. Because we value these people in our circles and we want to belong we sometimes stay in that group or mindset even if we feel we should go in a different direction. We also have our society and what it has advocated to us and how we must show up. If we go against society – we may feel we will be ostracized.
This is where our greatest life work will take place. To stand in our truth. Only you can make the jumps in your life.
“Go forth and inspire your world!” -JR
#mindset #experience #newnormalmindset #inspire
Photographer: Danielle Trina Photography
Join John LIVE most Thursdays at 7am Mountain Time on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
Echo Moments: Forging a New Normal
Many of us are seeing who we are without the noise.
We have shifted. We have etched new paths for our success through creating space for grace, mindset shifts, and allowing our reckoning moments to lead our transformation to a new normal. We have embraced the process of what we are going through. My hope is our old mindsets have changed so much that we realize our lives are worth much more than our previous state. But are we slowing down enough to see the shifts we have made to recognize and celebrate the leaps we have taken?
Maybe today you are in a place of stagnancy. Please hear me that you are valuable. Things will settle and it might look different, but I encourage you to be patient and give yourself grace.
From my point of injury to the point of winning the Paralympic silver medal was 7 years. We must embrace the new normal process and the process that we are moving forward. There is light at the end of the tunnel. This is the hope we have.
I just returned from the National Speakers Association 2022 Influence Conference hosted by the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN, and I was flooded with the synergy of how powerful our echo moments can be that return to us during, within, and after we make major shifts to the new normal.
Echo Moments
If my life story can help another individual overcome what they are going through in life I would call them ripples. But much more now I measure the echoes that come back. Echo moments. These moments we have in our lives we might not pay attention to. We send something out and it continues to spread, and it will come back if we are listening, and we are then able to gauge if we are on the right path or need to course correct. As we see the shifts, we can also see the echo moments.
Forge a new normal. Stay the course. Make the jump yours!
“Go forth and inspire your world!” — JR
#mindset #newnormal #silvermedal #inspireyourworld
Photographer (top): Danielle Thurman-Trina
Join John LIVE most Thursdays at 7am Mountain Time on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
Life’s False Starts Prove Great for New Beginnings!
Penn Relays 1987 – This is me with two legs!.
Yes we won!
I ran the lead off leg for the Arkansas Razorbacks 4x400m relay. I can say from experience that the race is one of the most grueling in track and field. The last 100m is the most painful of the race no matter what shape an athlete is in. Because I knew the pain was coming I used to literally cry before starting for the Hogs!
For those who don’t know how painful this race can be, I suggest going to your local track and, after a proper warm-up, attempting to run one lap, without stopping, at a full sprint. You may want to get a doctor’s note if you’re a
ctually considering sprinting the race — especially if you are out of shape. Believe me, you will cry too! But, please try not to pass out on me — I need you to read my next blog.
The best runners in the 400m dedicate themselves to a rigorous training regime so they are able to run several rounds of races before the finals in large competitions and one of the most crucial points of the race is the start. In general terms the shorter the distance the more important the start becomes. It is critical for the athlete to have the best start possible in order to be competitive. The longer the race the start is not as crucial because the runner can make up more time during the race.
In the 400m, the start is a critical part of the race, although it is less important than in the 100m because it is a longer race and the athlete can make up more time during the race due to the greater distance.
Now on to my story. Christine Ohuruogu, a 400m sprinter from Great Britain, false started in the 400m. This is almost never heard of. She instantly was removed from her lane as per the rules and was unable to contest for the medal in the 400m dash at the world championship race in 2011.
American 1-lap Queen Sanya Richards-Ross stated, “It’s so rare that you hear the second gun in the 400m – I thought it was a malfunction,” she told the BBC. “In the call room we were like, aw man. I’m disappointed for her.”
Consider that Ohuruogu had worked all year to get into form and into the world championships. All of the grueling workouts, all of the months of training, all of the injuries overcome, that led up to this one race were rendered useless because of one false start, in one race.
- She was devastated.
- Her teammates were devastated.
- Her coaches were devastated.
- Her competitors were even sympathetic to her plight, and became more aware of the consequences of a false start.
- The media – “cheeky”
It is so easy to be critical and put ourselves in the shoes of others and say “I would never do that.” But really, how many of us have made a mistake, a straight up boneheaded mistake in life? I know I have. The difference is our mistakes aren’t broadcast to the world for others to judge, as Christine Ohuruogu’s was.
Wouldn’t it be great if we all took the mindset to pick people up when they make mistakes? Recognize the error – yes, but don’t let someone live in that one mistake, forever. Think about it?
- How many of these moments can you change in a day?
- How many people can you help back up?
- What would you do seeing someone at a low point? Would you help them up, like Christine’s coaches and teammates, or would you kick them while they are down like the media at the 2011 Track and Field World Championship?
We all know when we have made a mistake and people aren’t telling us anything new when they talk about our mistakes. They are only restating the obvious without offering any constructive advice. I think a lesson on how to deal with a negative situation and turn it in to a positive is in order.
In his book, One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard has a section entitled “The One Minute Reprimand.” The reprimand begins with something good the employee, or in this case the athlete has done, before allowing the employee or athlete to articulate their feelings about what went wrong. It is then followed by several things a person can do to correct their mistake and a statement about how they are valued as person despite their mistake. This method of mistake correction is a great tool to have in your arsenal and will help the person reprimanded perform better in the future.
So, back to Ms. Ohuruogu. Even though she was disqualified from the open 400, 1 year later she learned from the error (maybe used it as inspiration) and blasted to a silver medal in the London Olympic Games!
The London papers were ecstatic, less cheeky, Ms. Ohuruogu performed brilliantly through the rounds and then won the silver medal! Despite the 2011 setback she hurdled her adversity and demonstrated the true spirit of an adversity overcomer.
When faced with adversity, you can decide whether to settle into your setbacks, or to roar forward and make the best of bad situation.
I believe low points in life allow for the highest potential and from mistakes we can surge back to triumph over adversity and then we can share our lessons with others to inspire them to greatness!
Go forth and inspire your world!
John
Veterans, From PTSD to Post-Traumatic Growth
Many soldiers returning home experience PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder. It may take months or even years to overcome the damage that trauma causes to the psyche, yet time and again, surprisingly, we see service members push through
John Register, Gulf War Army Veteran and Paralympic Silver Medalist Living in Post Traumatic Growth.
rough hardship and move on to a more productive life than before they experienced trauma. Despite having what society might call a “disability,” these people have soldiered through life and have moved into Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) — loosely defined as a set of positive changes which result from surviving a traumatic experience.
As a founder of the United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Sport Program, I repeatedly experienced veterans using sports to overcome PTSD and transition into their “new normal.” I routinely heard exclamations of “I am doing more with one leg than I ever did with two!” or “I sense more without eyesight than I ever did sighted!”
The time I spent with service members in this program taught me 5 key ideas that help a person transition into their PTG.
- Discovery: Discovery of new opportunities, such as sports.
- Connection: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma and creating a strong bond with them.
- Resilience: Understanding that there is no “rebound,” but instead taking a proactive step toward achieving your goals, even if that means trusting someone else to help with the process.
- Appreciation: Appreciating that life is still yours to live, and being thankful for your life.
- Commitment: Commit to a process, a system, a belief that tomorrow is better than today.
This Veterans Day, we remember the great men and women who have served and still serve in our armed forces. We also recognize those who struggle with PTSD and want to ensure that programs are in place to facilitate their transition into Post Traumatic Growth.
For a free download of my infographic on PTG click HERE.
John Register
Queen of the 1-Lap (400m)
Sanya Richards Ross – Hear Ye Her!
Sanya Richards Ross has run more sub 50’s in the 400m than any other woman on the planet. Her career has been breath taking. She has staked her claim on the World stage by winning the 400m in 2012 London Games.
The Jamaican American, 5’8 powerhouse, and University of Texas Alum has racked up quite an impressive Team USA track resume which includes:
- 2004 Olympic Games, 4x400m gold medalist
- 2008 Olympic Games, 4x400m gold medalist, 400m bronze medalist
- 2012 Olympic Games, Gold in 400-Meter, Gold in 4×400 Relay
In 2009 she was named IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year and was nominated for the prestigious Laureus Award, in the same category.
In February 2015 she will have been married for 5 years to NFL outstanding corner-back Aaron Ross who won a Superbowl with the NY Giants during the 2008 season.
Sanya is one of the BP TeamUSA athletes and I was fortunate to catch up with her (she is very hard to catch up with, she’s pretty fast) and ask her what was the turning point from just playing track to realizing she could dominate in this sport as well as who was in her life to inspired her.
Find out more about this stellar young lady on her website at SanyaRichardsRoss.com and catch her 2014 Diamond League 400 win in Brussels earlier this year.