Episode 17 - The Power of Choice with Robert Paylor

Contenders Wanted

Show Notes

Can you imagine being at the top of your game and then suddenly losing everything? To go from being one of the best to fighting for your very life? Well our guest today is Robert Paylor and he has lived this reality.

In one moment, Robert was in the best day of his life, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, his life changed forever. Robert suffered a spinal cord injury in the first minutes of the game and found himself face down in the turf unable to move anything below his neck. His doctor told him he would never walk or move his hands for the rest of his life. Through an unbreakable vision and relentless determination, Robert is defying the odds. He has graduated from UC Berkeley, is winning the fight to walk again, and is sharing his method of how he overcomes quadriplegia. Every person faces challenges; Robert’s are just visible. The skills Robert uses to overcome paralysis can be used by all to optimally perform. His message is one that inspires others to access their full potential and conquer their challenges no matter how daunting they may seem. Robert’s story is incredible and shows just how much you can accomplish when you refuse to give up and when you choose to control your attitude, no matter what’s going on around you. On the show today we discuss:

• Who is Robert and what does he do (5:53)
• How Robert became paralyzed (6:47)
• The thoughts going through his mind right in the moment (12:02)
• The hope Robert found in controlling his mindset (16:07)
• False hope vs. false hopelessness (19:51)
• The rehabilitation process and the barriers he hit (22:45)
• The power of vision to help Robert overcome his barriers (26:50)
• The power of perspective in Robert's life (32:39)
• The power of gratitude (37:06)
• Forgiving those who hurt him (44:20)
• What does the future hold for Robert Paylor (48:05)
• What does it mean to him to be a Contender (51:31)

Resources:
How to learn more about Robert:

• Robert's Website: RobertPaylor.com
• Robert's Social Media Profiles:
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Additional Books, Individuals, or Items Discuss in the show:

• Dan Mulhorn - Berkley Professor
• UC Berkeley (Cal)
• Cal Rugby
• Jack Clark - Cal Rugby Coach
• Kim Cameron

Contact Me:
As always, feel free to reach out to me by emailing me at [e-mail] for suggestions of ways to improve the show, to let me know how the show is helping you, or to even suggest a future guest.