WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?

Author: Kevin Saunders


Excruciating pain swept through me. It was the last thing
I remember before losing consciousness. When I woke, I was
face down in a hospital bed with massive internal and
external injuries. The explosion that had injured me left
10 co-workers dead. I was hurled 300 feet onto a concrete
parking lot where I was found bent over at the chest like
most people bend at the waist. My first reaction upon
regaining consciousness was overwhelming fear. I was
almost completely immobile and piercing pain shot through
my spine every other second.

Informed I was a paraplegic, I fell into a massive depression.
I had always been a person on the go and now I couldn't even
get out of bed by myself. I was stripped of my pride and
personal dignity, paralyzed from the chest down and left
alone to wallow in self-pity.

My name is Kevin Saunders and I rose from those depths
to become a world champion and world record holder.
I became the first person with a disability appointed
to the President's Council on Physical Fitness. I am an
inspirational, motivational speaker and conduct lectures
across America, bringing a message of hope with my "There's
Always a Way" presentations and the Never Give Up award
I present to companies and individuals that overcome
incredible odds.

But it took awhile to turn my attitude around. When I
first became paralyzed, I was told it was okay to be
depressed, to take it easy and let others take care
of me. Unfortunately, that's the attitude a lot of
people without a disability have every day. They blame
other people and circumstances for their problems.

Trapped in my new body, I quickly realized I would
have to make major adjustments. This was not the same
body that had allowed me to compete in varsity football,
track, soccer and rugby at the collegiate level.
Dependent on others for everything, I found I could
only get things done as fast as the people helping me.

And, in most cases, they didn't care. I was ready to
give up. I remember saying to myself, "The hell with it!
It's not worth it! I will probably never have a life that's
anything close to the one I had before the explosion, not
a life that would amount to anything anyway!"

But I had a dream. As a youngster, I dreamt of becoming
an Olympian. Deep inside me, that dream still lived and
a small voice told me not to give up on the dream. It
said to find a way to reach my goals. My first focus was
getting well. After months of agonizing hardships, I was
well enough to work out and take control of getting things
done myself. I had to relearn how to do everything. Each
simple task I conquered was a major accomplishment. I could
have easily given up on my dream, but I didn't. I learned,
it's not what happens to you, it's how you respond that
makes the difference between success and failure.

So what's your dream and how do you achieve it? Here are
just a few of the things I learned as I made my way toward
my dream.

First, decide what it is you want to accomplish then
set some goals. Get a pencil and paper with a table or
comfortable place you can sit at to write down whatever
comes to mind including mental and physical fitness goals.

While you are in that relaxed state with no distractions,
ask yourself what fitness goals you would set if you knew
there was no way you could fail. Write down all the things
that come to mind.

Once you have your list, find other people, books or
articles about or by people who are already doing,
looking or feeling like you want that ultimate vision
of yourself if you knew you couldn't fail to reach it.
Write your goals on a big piece of poster board or a
card and place it where you will see it multiple times
every day. This will help you keep consistent focus on
positive thoughts and images of your major goals.

During this process, be sure to consistently ask yourself
if each action you are taking is moving you closer to your
goals or further away. If the action is moving you away
from your goals, then it's time to find an alternative
action to take you closer to your goals.

Setting goals, writing them down and taking action to achieve
them are techniques that have given average people without
hope the opportunity to really make something of their lives.
This could be your chance, the chance of a lifetime. Don't
let anything hold you back. It really is up to you to take
that step of faith. You are ultimately in control of your destiny.

If you aren't sure how to get started, read and reread those
books and articles about the people who are achieving the
things you want to do. Or, you can hire a professional in
the field to help you. Even better, find a workout partner
and do this together. Having a support group will be critical
to your success, but remember that you are the most important
ingredient. When it comes to reaching your goals or getting
in shape, no matter who you are, where you are or what
situation you are in, the only person responsible for making
it happen is you. That's the bottom line. You do it by saying
to yourself, "This is my life, I have control over it and I
won't settle for less!"

As a past member of the President's Council on Physical
Fitness and Sports, my mission has been to serve as a
catalyst to promote, educate, encourage, inspire and
motivate the American people of all ages in the development
of physical fitness and sports participation and to realize
their benefits. I want people to know that being healthy,
eating right and having a positive mental attitude is paramount
for anyone wanting to affect a positive change in his or her
health and fitness level. After you read this article, try
taking the challenge and apply these principles to your life.

Remember, you are either living better or dying, there's
no in between. So, find a way. By focusing on the fitness
goals for your life, you don't have to be a professional
fitness champion to look like one. Read those books and
articles that fit your goals. Take action and put those
ideas and principals you learn to use. You'll be happy you
did. All the best, for a brand new you!



Kevin Saunders is an inspirational/motivational speaker
and author of There's Always A Way, (foreword by President
George Bush) available at www.kevinsaunders.com.

"Kevin Saunders responded to an almost overwhelming situation
changing himself and his life in the process. He had become
through the sheer force of his will the world's greatest
wheelchair athlete and an eloquent spokesperson for the
disabled. I hope you will find his story inspiring and uplifting."
-- President George Bush


After reading Kevin's story, you really do have to ask yourself
"What's My Excuse?" ...Bet you'll have one heck of a time
trying to find one that tops the one you just read! You have no
excuse... do you?

Doc Stuey