#081 - Acceptance, Adversity, and the Art of Changing Course with Chris Ruden

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, motivational keynote speaker, and author of The Art of Changing Course. From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non-disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to embrace his disability, the importance of representation, and how fitness became a coping mechanism. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the power of language and identity in personal growth and the importance of seeing individuals beyond their disabilities. In this conversation, Chris and Brendan explore the importance of focusing on end benefits in fitness and personal growth, the significance of storytelling in motivational speaking, and the need for genuine inclusion and accessibility in various sectors, particularly fitness.

To learn more about Chris and his mission, visit these links!

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisruden/

Website- https://chrisruden.com/

Takeaways

• Everyone manages change, whether they want to or not.
• Hiding my disability for 17 years shaped my identity.
• Representation matters in acceptance and growth.
• Fitness became a way to cope with my challenges.
• Innovative training techniques can empower individuals with disabilities.
• Understanding change is crucial for personal development.
• Language shapes our identity and self-perception.
• We must separate our past habits from our current identities.
• It's important to treat people as individuals, not conditions.
• Radical honesty is essential for personal growth.
• Finding fulfillment in work is crucial for happiness.
• Inclusion should be a continuous practice, not a one-time event.
• Burnout often stems from forgetting the importance of our work.
• Identifying when to pivot requires self-honesty.
• Everyone has the potential to influence and inspire others.

Keywords

disability, motivation, fitness, powerlifting, bodybuilding, change management, representation, mental health, personal growth, inclusion, fitness, inclusion, accessibility, personal growth, motivation, speaking, coaching, disability, empowerment, business