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Crippled CEO Blog #181:

The colors and textures of language influence the painting of our perspectives. There’s a word in Scottish — “hurkle-durkle” — that means the act of lounging in bed long after it’s time to rise. It’s an amazing word for something we’ve all done before. But imagine if you had a single word for that in English. Would you feel less guilty about enjoying those extra moments of comfort?

Now, English has its own treasure: “serendipity,” the art of finding something good without looking for it. No direct translation in other languages, yet it’s a universal concept, isn’t it? That happy accident, like stumbling upon a hundred-dollar bill on a sidewalk stroll.

And there’s more to this linguistic loot of words that we don’t have direct translations for in English:

• Saudade (Portuguese): That deep, nostalgic longing for something or someone that you love and miss.

• Sobremesa (Spanish): Lingering at the table after a good meal, sharing stories and laughs.

• Waldeinsamkeit (German): The forest solitude, the feeling of being alone in the woods, at peace.

• Komorebi (Japanese): The dance of sunlight through the leaves, a reminder of nature’s quiet beauty.

• Fernweh (German): A crave for travel, an ache for distant places, a homesickness for the unknown.

Each word is a window into the soul of a culture, the values they hold dear, and the experiences they treasure.

So, what does this mean for us as entrepreneurs or just people trying to do better?

Language isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s the operating system of our mind. When we expand our linguistic database, we upgrade our brain’s software. We become capable of seeing and feeling the world in ways we didn’t before. It’s like adding new features to an app you thought you knew inside out.

Imagine if we applied “hurkle-durkle” to our business philosophy. Instead of rushing to act, we linger a little longer in thought, allowing ideas to brew. And what if “serendipity” became a business strategy? Rather than over-planning, we leave room for happy accidents.

As you weave these words into your language, watch your world expand. You’re not just learning vocabulary; you’re gaining new eyes for unseen colors, new ears for unheard melodies.

So, next time you find yourself enjoying a “hurkle-durkle” morning or a “sobremesa” evening, remember that these words are more than letters strung together; they are experiences, emotions, and philosophies wrapped up in syllables.

(Do you know who I love to hurkle-durkle with? Your mom. She’s always trying to hurkle my durkle. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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Crippled CEO Blog #180:

Recently, I was in the offices of Life Saver Pool Fence, doing my crippled CEO thing, when I started assisting one of our most amazing people — to protect his anonymity, we will refer to him as Michael Doscher — with an issue he was trying to resolve. At some point in the conversation, I told him, “It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.“

After the talk was over, I found myself reflecting back on that phrase. It’s a powerful idea, and one that I think is overlooked by so many people, because it really is counterintuitive.

How can something not be your fault, but still be your responsibility? 

Because we don’t always get to choose the cards were dealt, but we still do have to play them. It’s not my fault that I was born with cerebral palsy, but it is my responsibility to try to manage it as best as I can, to live the best life possible, to be as healthy as possible, and to try to accomplish whatever I can in spite of it.

It’s not our fault if we get a bad batch of mesh from our supplier, but it is our responsibility to replace any unsatisfactory products we ship out.

It’s not your fault if you had terrible parents, but it is your responsibility to figure out how to move forward without them. 

It’s not your fault if you have a thyroid condition that makes it hard to lose weight, but it is your responsibility to still do as much as you can. 

It’s not your fault if a bird poops on your car, but you still have to clean it off before it damages the paint. 

Lots of things aren’t our fault, but that doesn’t get us off of the hook for the responsibility. And that’s a good thing. Fault is about looking back, figuring out who’s to blame. Responsibility? That’s about looking forward, dealing with the mess – regardless of who caused it. 

When you take responsibility, it means you’re not a victim of circumstances, but a driver of outcomes. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. You’re in control of your fate even when handling the things outside of your control. 

Next time something goes wrong, and it’s not your fault, ask yourself, “Is it still my responsibility?” Embrace that responsibility, and you’ll be amazed at how much control you can have, not just at work, but in life.

(Do you know who was responsible for waking up my neighbors last night? Your mom. She said it was my fault, but she was responsible. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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Crippled CEO Blog #179:

If you are a long time follower of this here blog, you might remember that Michael McGahee and I keep a running list of the silly corporate jargon we hear as we go about our jobs of saving lives. It is a goal of mine to keep my company from ever becoming the sort of place where this kind of lingo is common. I previously wrote a memo using all of the words from our list, but since then, that list has grown tremendously. So, I thought it was time to update that memo while sharing the newly updated list with you, as well. If you have any phrases like this that you know that we missed, please let me know in the comments. Given how long the list is, this memo is also going to be quite lengthy, so… buckle up.

Subject: A Revolutionary Memo to Catapult Our Intrepid Team to Astronomical Success

Dear Audacious Colleagues,

As we embark on a daring adventure through the treacherous jungle of opportunity, I trust that you are radiating positivity while armed with the sharpest wits to fend off any unforeseen challenges. Together, we will navigate the bewildering labyrinth of progress and take bold leaps toward astonishing achievements.

In the spirit of reinvention, let’s circle back (1) on our recent escapades, drill down (2) into the complex web of minutiae, and ensure our north star (3) remains in focus as we think outside the box (4). As we embrace each conundrum, it’s crucial that we maintain synergy (5) and alignment (6), ever ready to shift the paradigm (7) and pivot (8) like a whirling dervish when the situation demands it.

As we tackle our budgetary constraints, we may have to take a haircut (9) on some projects and sharpen our pencil (10) on others. To make sure we optimize our resources, we’ll work together to ensure our projects are cost-effective without sacrificing quality.

Harnessing the power of our eclectic squadron, we’ll birddog (11) opportunities, touch base (12) to close the loop (13), and never forget to ask ourselves, “What’s the one thing I can do to make your day better? (14)” We’ll flesh out (15) our master plans and ensure they’re brand-aligned (16), all while keeping a hard stop (17) on any ventures that stray from our path.

In our crusade for victory, we’ll put a pin (18) in any quandaries and jump on a call (19) to button things up (20), ensuring our ducks are in a row (21). Let’s unpack (22) any conundrums, embracing our true north (23) while taking conversations offline (24) when clandestine discussions are required. Stay positive (25), test negative (26), and let’s wrap our arms around (27) the challenges looming on the horizon.

In the pursuit of greatness, we must tackle the delta (28), bring value-adds (29) to the table (30), and punch up (31) our work. Whether out of pocket (32) or in the thick of it, always strive to lay the groundwork (33), walk and chew gum at the same time (34), and traverse the parking lot (35) of uncertainty.

As we deep dive (36) into our projects, let’s double-click (37) into critical zones, boil the ocean (38) to reveal the pearls of wisdom hidden beneath, and harvest the low-hanging fruit (39). Our mission to become a category leader (40) depends on our ability to run ideas up the flagpole (41), spin up (42) ingenious solutions, and keep a watchful eye on the radar (43) for emerging opportunities.

Remember, we’re all in this together, pulling on the threads (44) of bandwidth (45) to ensure mission-critical (46) tasks are executed with the accuracy of a laser-guided porcupine. Stay vigilant, stay aligned, and together we’ll soar to the pinnacle of corporate triumph.

But, as we voyage into uncharted territories, let’s take a moment to contemplate our audaciousness, for we have dared to set our intentions (47) to reach for the stars, even if we must table that (48) idea and revisit it later (49). And if we stumble, let’s simply dust ourselves off and ask for clarification (50), as we strive to balance our zees (51) and zors (52) in harmony.

With our Wet Signature (53) of approval, let us charge into the fray with the gusto of a caffeinated hummingbird. Like a brave cheerleader (54) in the face of adversity, we’ll QQ (55) through the fog of uncertainty and emerge as victorious champions. When faced with a challenge, we’ll tackle it head-on, and if required, we’ll trigger (56) a series of brilliant maneuvers to conquer any hurdle that lies in our path.

As we sip from the firehose (57) of opportunity, let’s ensure we’re not merely drinking the water, but quenching our thirst for greatness. We’ll lay claim to our triumphs by bubbling them up (58), not like a mundane pot of boiling pasta, but like the eruption of the corporate Vesuvius.

As we nail down (59) our objectives and savor the fruits of our labor, let’s not forget the importance of Tiny Friday (60), our beacon of hope in a tumultuous week. During these precious moments, we can recharge and regroup, ready to face another exhilarating day in the realm of office conquest.

As we navigate the fiscal minefield, let’s make sure our projects scale (61) and our investments are in line with our overarching strategy. Loop me in (62) on your progress and always remember that we, as a collective force, are unstoppable in our pursuit of excellence. May our endeavors be forever guided by the employee handbook, and may we reach the highest peaks of corporate success.

Yours in relentless pursuit of victory,
Karen McKarenson
Senior Vice President of Relationals

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Crippled CEO Blog #178:

I have heard people say that they would rather die than live like me — that if something ever happened and they couldn’t take care of themselves anymore, if they needed help using the bathroom, if they needed someone to wipe them, if they needed help showering — that they would either kill themselves or hope that someone would put them out of their misery.

People have even said this right in front of me, probably with no idea that they were actually talking about me. 

And I get it. Trust me. It’s not easy. And while I do believe my life is incredible SO strongly that the belief infects the minds of almost everyone who knows me (leading some able bodied people to actually be envious of me, which is really astonishing if you think about it), all that stuff does really, really suck. I’m not a fan and I would change it in a heartbeat. My life is truly amazing, and I do a pretty spectacular job most of the time of not letting that stuff get to me, but it’s not an easy task. The worst parts of having cerebral palsy and being disabled in the ways that I am are remarkably dark and terrible, and I don’t blame people for thinking they would choose death over my daily reality.

Maybe this includes you. Maybe you have thought or said aloud that death is preferable over being that level of disabled. If so, I don’t hold it against you. You might even be right.

But I was thinking this week that there is something even worse, that SO many people are enduring, that I wouldn’t trade for to cure my disability for. I would rather keep being crippled than suffer this existence. 

And what is that? Working at a job that you hate.

Having to get up each morning and force yourself to go to a place that you can’t stand, where you have to try to collaborate with people you don’t like, who might be awful human beings, doing tasks that you find dreadful,  under a boss who might be cruel, unreasonable, unstable, stupid, deceitful, or a million other atrocious qualities… that sounds unbearable. I would rather have cerebral palsy. I would rather need help going to the bathroom, wiping myself, and cutting up my food than do that every day, and yet this is exactly the situation so many people find themselves in.

Studies have shown that staying at a terrible workplace can give people PTSD-like symptoms similar to those experienced by soldiers in war and abuse victims. 

I’m not going to act like it is optional — that if your job is awful that you should just quit and find a new one. People keep going to jobs they hate because they need the income to support themselves and their family. But people stay at those jobs, without even seriously pursuing other options, for years because, like an abusive relationship, it starts to feel normal, change is scary, and they assume there’s no alternative.

If this is the situation you’re in, I think the first step is realizing how awful it is. It could be easy to think that it’s normal, that everyone hates their job. Who really likes going to work, right? But let me reiterate what I said earlier: that life is so terrible that I’d rather be severely disabled and disfigured than be stuck in a terrible job. It is worse than being handicapped. If you can think of it like that, then putting the proper priority on changing the situation might become easier. If I found out there was a cure for cerebral palsy that would make me able bodied, what do you think I would go through to get that? How much time, energy, dedication, and even risk would I  give to make that happen? The answer is: all of it. It would become the most important thing in the world. I would treat it like an emergency. Everything else would be put on hold.

Again, I’m not saying that you can just get up and leave the job you hate. But this is what I am saying: treat it like the emergency that it is. Become obsessed with changing the job. It’s not OK and it’s not normal. No one deserves to live like that and you don’t have to. Make that the top priority and do everything you possibly can to change the situation. You spend half of your waking hours at work. Don’t hate half of your life — it casts a shadow over the other half, too. It’s not worth it. There is no solution for my terrible thing, but there is for yours. There are better options out there. I promise. 

Let me know if I can help. 

(Do you know who loved her jobs last night? Your mom. And she didn’t even get paid… much. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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Crippled CEO Blog #177:

Y’all know that I’m into chess. I play literally every single day. It is one of my primary hobbies. I take lessons every Sunday from an International Master.

I had a thought the other day that chess is different than a lot of games and sports in a way that’s not immediately obvious. 

In an MMA fight or a football game, what happened before matters. A fighter may end the match on top of his opponent, punching him in the face, but if he was dominated for the four previous rounds, he is still going to lose the fight. 

When you’re looking at a chess game, chess people call the current arrangement of all the pieces the position. At any time, if you pause a chess game and look at it, you are looking at a chess position.

If someone makes a move, that’s an entirely new chess position. 

You are supposed to evaluate the game and decide on the best move based only on the current position. What happened before doesn’t matter. If you just moved your knight, and the best move is to put it right back, then that’s what you should do.

That’s difficult to do. If you’ve made six consecutive moves with your bishop, it is tough to make one more, or to undo what you just did, even if it’s the best move.

Our lives are exactly the same way. We should be deciding what to do next based on our current position, ignoring the baggage from our past. Maybe, after searching, it turns out that the best job for you right now is the one that you quit from a few weeks ago, and you should see if they will take you back. But how hard is that? The idea of going back there seems ridiculous because you just left, even if it’s the best decision.

But what if we looked at life more like chess? What if we evaluated each moment based on the position we’re in right now, without regard for what came before? What if we let go of our mistakes and regrets, and focused only on the opportunities and possibilities that exist in the present moment? 

This could be incredibly liberating. You can let go of the past and focus on the present, which is the only moment that truly matters. Freed from the weight of past mistakes and failures, you can open yourself up to new possibilities for growth and change.

But as I said before, in life and in chsss, this is very challenging. Our brains are hardwired to desire a consistent narrative, and ignoring that narrative is difficult. But just like in chess, the key is to focus on the position you’re in right now, and make the best move you can with the pieces you have. 

So, when deciding which direction to go, maybe think of that ancient board game. Remember that life can be a valuated as a static position, and the only thing that matters is the move you make right now. Let go of the past, and do what’s best for you in the present. You may be surprised at the possibilities that open up when you do.

(Do you know who enjoyed her position last night? Your mom. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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Crippled CEO Blog #176:

It down on me the other day that life has a lot in common with video games. 

And not the obvious tropes like leveling up or being able to restart and try again — though those are accurate, as well. 

Lots of games these days are large, open world affairs. 

It’s not always clear which way you should be going. 

But you know you’re in the right direction with you start encountering new obstacles that you’ve never seen before — new challenges that initially seem impossible, but you eventually overcome. This is true in real life, as well. If you aren’t running into new problems, obstacles, and challenges, then you’re not progressing. Challenges are a symptom of moving forward.

Not only will you encounter new obstacles when you’re headed the right way in a game, you will also be attacked by newer, harder enemies. The combat might look different in real life, but the truth is that building success inevitably creates people who don’t like you, who want to see your downfall. Today is Easter, so let’s look at Jesus. He was literally perfect, and people REALLY hated him. Even if you try really hard to do right by everybody, you are still going to piss people off, maybe just because of how well you’re doing. The farther you progress, the more enemies you’ll get, in games and in life.

In a game, the main story quests are mandatory, and that’s where the bulk of the game is. However, it is often the side quests where you find the most interesting moments, the best gear, and opportunities to level up more than you would have otherwise. Life is the same way. The main stuff — our career, family, etc. — is important and necessary, but it’s the side quests — the optional hobbies, adventures, and projects — that bring depth and richness to your life. It’s also in the side quests where you gain experience that gives you an advantage over everybody else. Don’t just stay on the golden pass. Make sure you’re getting in some side quests, too.

I could keep going with these metaphors, but I think that’s a good stopping place for now. Maybe I’ll make a part 2 one day.

Life can be a pretty fun game if you just keep playing. 

(Do you know who was playing some crazy games last night? Your mom. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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Crippled CEO Blog #176:

Hello, my dear readers. It’s Eric Lupton, the Crippled CEO, here again. I wanted to take a moment to address something that I’ve been keeping from you all. In my previous blog post, “How I Convinced My Inner Impostor That I’m Actually a Crippled CEO,” I didn’t actually write that post. It was generated by a language model called ChatGPT.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “What?! Eric didn’t write that post? How could he betray us like this?!” But hear me out. When I first read the article, I was blown away by how well it captured my voice and my message. I couldn’t believe that a machine could write something so clever and witty.

Of course, I didn’t want to deceive you all by claiming that I had written it myself. But I also didn’t want to discount the incredible work that ChatGPT had done. So, I decided to post it anyway and see if any of you would notice.

And you know what? None of you did! (Or at least, none of you said anything about it.) But that’s not the point. The point is that this technology is getting better and better every day. Who knows what the implications could be for the future of writing and storytelling?

As someone who has always loved the written word, I have mixed feelings about the idea of machines taking over the job of writing. But I also can’t deny the incredible potential that this technology holds. It could open up new avenues for creativity and communication that we can’t even imagine yet.

So, what do you think, dear readers? Are you excited about the future of language models and AI-generated writing? Or are you more skeptical? Either way, I hope you enjoyed the article, even if it wasn’t written by me. And as always, stay crippled, my friends.

—

Also, everything above those two hyphens was also written by Chat GPT. It even came up with that awesome tagline that I wish I had been using: stay crippled, my friends. It’s so ridiculous. Nothing is ever going to be the same again.

(I totally faked the last two blog articles. Do you know who wasn’t faking it last night? Your mom. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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As a self-proclaimed “Crippled CEO,” I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles in the business world. But the biggest challenge I’ve faced is convincing myself that I’m actually qualified to be a CEO, despite my physical limitations.

At first, I was plagued by doubts and insecurities. I’d wonder, “What if they find out I can’t reach the top shelf without a step stool?” Or, “What if my employees realize I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time?”

But then, I realized that my disability actually gave me an advantage in certain situations. For example, I can park in the handicapped spot right next to the entrance, while my able-bodied colleagues have to trek across the parking lot. And if anyone tries to argue with me, I can just say, “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Can you speak up a bit?” (Note: I don’t actually do this. Please don’t be that person.)

With my newfound confidence, I started to embrace my role as a “Crippled CEO.” I even started wearing a cape to work, which I think really drives home the message.

So if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt, remember that your limitations can actually be a strength. And if all else fails, just wear a cape to work. Trust me, it works wonders for your confidence.

Stay crippled, my friends.

Crippled CEO Blog #175:

As a self-proclaimed “Crippled CEO,” I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles in the business world. But the biggest challenge I’ve faced is convincing myself that I’m actually qualified to be a CEO, despite my physical limitations.

At first, I was plagued by doubts and insecurities. I’d wonder, “What if they find out I can’t reach the top shelf without a step stool?” Or, “What if my employees realize I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time?”

But then, I realized that my disability actually gave me an advantage in certain situations. For example, I can park in the handicapped spot right next to the entrance, while my able-bodied colleagues have to trek across the parking lot. And if anyone tries to argue with me, I can just say, “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Can you speak up a bit?” (Note: I don’t actually do this. Please don’t be that person.)

With my newfound confidence, I started to embrace my role as a “Crippled CEO.” I even started wearing a cape to work, which I think really drives home the message.

So if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt, remember that your limitations can actually be a strength. And if all else fails, just wear a cape to work. Trust me, it works wonders for your confidence.

Stay crippled, my friends.

(Do you know who wasn’t experiencing any imposter syndrome last night? Your mom. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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Crippled CEO Blog #174:

Yesterday was my dad‘s birthday — the seventh one that has passed since he passed away. 

Life Saver Pool Fence is the company that he founded with my mom, Ruth. And it is the business that I took over running at 21 years old in 2003. These days, I don’t know why a person as smart and prudent as he was would let a 21 year old run the company that was his family’s sole income, but he did. And as crazy as that sounds to me now, coming up on my 41st birthday, given how much we have grown over the last two decades, maybe he’s even smarter than I’m giving him credit for. 

As much faith as he had in me, as much as he apparently believed in me, I think he would be surprised by what we are doing today, the undertaking that we started in the middle of 2022 and finally rolling out now, eight months later. Him and I had spoken about it from time to time, but it was always discussed in the way you talk about a dream. It was too hard, too expensive, and too complex. It was an endeavor difficult for seasonal veterans that we knew nothing about. There was too much to unravel and too much to learn — especially because, like everything in business, it might not work. In fact, it might backfire entirely.

This fantasy was franchising. 

Life Saver already has a network of dealers in 29 states across the country. And while we do a lot for our dealers, the amount of support and assistance a dealer requires is nothing compared to a franchisee. The process of setting up a new dealer pales in comparison to setting up a new franchise. And the work required to set up the franchise entity and program itself — legal, administrative, operations, marketing, training — has been herculean. 

And throughout the process, we have had naysayers telling us it’s a bad idea. The actual experts we have talked to all agree that we are doing the right thing, but that doesn’t stop negative opinions from adding weight to the doubts you are already carrying. 

But we launched it. That, in itself, was a thing my dad thought was impossible. And by all accounts, it seems like it’s going to be great. 

I can’t think of a better way to honor my dad on his birthday than to make his impossible dreams come true.

I don’t think a lot of people get to do that. I couldn’t be more grateful. 

(Do you know who saw her dreams come true last night? Your mom. And her dreams would be somebody else’s nightmare.

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Crippled CEO Blog #173:

I am a high school dropout.

I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair. 

My dad was a drug addict. 

I’m also the CEO of a global company with 8-figure annual revenues. I have lived an amazing life filled with incredible friends, gorgeous girlfriends, and spectacular experiences. 

If you don’t look like the standard picture of success, it’s easy to think that the type of success and happiness you dream of isn’t meant for you. It’s easy to tell yourself that that life is reserved for those other people, who weren’t dealt the hand of problems and disadvantages that you’ve been dealt.

Trust me. I get it. I’m a high school dropout in a wheelchair. That’s an easy thing to do blame the problems in my life on. In fact, it’s so easy, that not only would other people agree with me, they would also help me come to that obvious conclusion. “I mean, of course you’re not going to do that. Not to be rude, but with your situation… that’s not your fault.”

These preconceptions about who we are and who people can be are hardwired. They are difficult to overcome. If I didn’t give you any other context, and I asked you to describe the life and career of a dropout in a wheelchair, would you imagine that life looked like mine? I wouldn’t. And there’s no way to become successful if we can’t first imagine it. There’s no way you’re ever going to be a doctor if you’re convinced you would never make it through med school. You’re never going to marry that girl if you think talking to her ends in disaster.

Severely disabled, uneducated, heroin addict dad, and living a thriving, prosperous life. Are the cards you’ve been dealt that bad? Maybe they are. Maybe they are even worse. But just like I’ve done it, someone out there who is in your situation has done it, as well. And if they can do it, so can you.

The path to success and happiness doesn’t look the same for everybody. In fact, for most, it doesn’t look like what you think at all. 

Being a disabled drop out isn’t the identity that I think of when I think of myself. It’s true, so it could be, but it’s not. We are the stories that we tell ourselves and the identities we assign to ourselves.

You can’t stop being a loser and hopeless if you keep thinking you’re a loser and hopeless. The change in your head comes first, not the other way around. 

It’s simple, but it’s not easy. But if this cripple can do it, you certainly can, too. 

(Do you know who really believed she could do it last night? Your mom. And she was right. Your mom also gets a text from me every Sunday with a link to the latest blog post. Send a text to 561-726-1567 with the word CRIP as the message to get a link to the blog as soon as it’s up.

Did you know that I have a YouTube channel now? I do! I am putting up two videos every single week. Go search for Crippled CEO and you’ll find me. I would appreciate it if you subscribed.)

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