7 Quick Tips from Someone Born with Adversity

If you ever get a chance to see Ronan Tynan speak or sing, I’d highly recommend it. His life story and attitude is remarkable. Born with physically deformed legs, he had success early in life competing as a jockey before deciding to have his legs amputated below the knee. Instead of just rehabbing, he took up competitive athletics and went on to win gold medals at the Paralympics. He also went to medical school to train as a doctor!

Once he had opened his own clinic, he entered a talent show on television in his native Ireland. Audiences were bowled away with his outstanding ability and he won the grand prize. So he decided to pursue a career in opera and went onto become one of the Irish Tenors. Now he speaks (and sings) all over the world on overcoming obstacles and persisting in the pursuit of your dreams. Here are a few of the takeaways I got from a recent presentation I saw of his while in Florida where we were both speaking at the same conference.

1. Embrace the support of others.

I’ve never seen a speaker spend so much time expressing his gratitude for the amount of support he got from his parents (or anyone else). It’s a powerful reminder to us all about the impact we can have. From an early age he remembers his father being a constant source of love and encouragement: “Roney: you’re great” he would hear repeatedly – so he grew up believing it. His mother had drive and inner strength and was passionate about him achieving success despite his handicap.

“Remember those who saw your talents, encouraged you and waited patiently for you to succeed.”

Even after they have passed away, you never need lose the spirit of those who backed you and loved you.

Conversely, do not be slow to give and accept encouragement. And don’t forget the people you met along the way.

2. Focus on what you have, not on what you want.

Not everyone would agree with the idea of not thinking hard about what you want and how you’re going to get it, but his point was to be grateful for what you have such that you become someone who is at peace with themselves and a magnet for others to want to be around you – not someone who is constantly dissatisfied and unhappy with the present.

Build on your strengths not your weaknesses. We may not have equal abilities but you know when you’re doing your best.

3. The biggest risk is not taking risks

His life is a testament to wanting to get the most out of every situation and to proving his parents right that he could make so much out of his life.

4. Know your mission.

His father told him: “if by your actions, you help someone else be successful, you will have achieved fulfillment on earth.”

5. Show drive and belief

He identified three keys to getting what you want such that even after a setback you can blaze a new trail:

a) The will to win
b) The will to prepare to win
c) Believe it with your heart and soul

6. Embrace change

You can’t remain the way you are if you want to grow. “If you accept yourself first, change can be made.” Then you can ask yourself to do unreasonable things. Don’t waste energy wondering ‘what if’ about the past.

There is so much out there to do and see in life, always feel that moving on can be exciting.

7. Success is a team effort, like a family. 

One of the most meaningful experiences of his life was singing God Bless America to the troops in Afghanistan on Christmas Day. It helped him see a bigger picture to life, to the nature of service and having a cause greater than you.

You cannot do it all on your own: “life is not a solo flight” so seek out those who support you and thank them for it! Encourage others and be encouraged by them.

Please forward this on to someone important who might appreciate the reminders.