You Are More Capable Than You Think: Embrace Your Strengths Now

“You’re not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have.”   Oscar Pistorius

South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius was known as “Blade Runner” or “The Fastest Man on no legs”.
Oscar lost his legs at the age of 11 months. Just like any able kid he attended school where he played rugby, water polo and tennis. He was introduced to running in 2004, at the age of 18, while undergoing rehabilitation due to a rugby injury. In the same year he won the 200 meters in a world record time at the 2004 Paralympics .

That in any persons book should rate as one of the most inspirational stories of all times..but not for Oscar.

He had bigger dreams – dreams to participate at the Olympics on an able level.

Oscar though had a very clear vision of what was needed, he had a goal.
As the goal was clear and defined he strategized on all the things that needed to happen for him to reach his goal.

Step by step he took action to make his dream a reality.

It took 3 years for him to take part in his first international competition for able-bodied athletes.
It seemed as though the world was not ready for Oscar’s dreams because in the same year the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) amended the rules which disqualified him from participating.
Again, most people would give up at that point but then again Oscar is not most people.
He took his case to court and won.

Within 4 years of becoming a professional athlete in 2008 he won gold at the Paralympics in the 100m, 200m and 400m. 
This of course was just one the strategies and steps towards his much bigger goal – qualifying for the London 2012 Olympics.

Then in July 2011 he ran his first race in Olympic qualifying time.
An absolute dream come true.
Or was it actually a man with a plan with lots of determination and skill?

Oscar made South Africa proud by competing to qualify for the 400m finals in London.
Although he did not win, his story is still amazing triumph to what the human spirit is capable.

Unfortunately Oscar’s story so far has not ended in the ideal dream on a personal level.
That being the case, what can you still learn from this man that has challenged himself beyond normal circumstances?

What can you take from Oscar’s life and story to your own?

Anything at whatever cost?
Setting goals and following through despite the obstacles or challenges?
Proving to yourself and others that you are able?
Combination of?

Whichever lesson you take from it, you will know that whatever challenges, obstacles or opportunities you have and or may still face – you are well able to achieve and overcome to step into the future and success that you deserve.

How?
Through birth or circumstance, some of you are given certain gifts, but it’s what you do with those gifts that really counts in the end.

Ability is what you’re capable of doing.
Who sets the limit on what you are capable of?
That’s right – ONLY YOU!
And if you can set a limit, you surely can raise the limit to unimaginable heights right?

Oscar’s journey started with reality, then a big dream, then surrounding himself with the best team and support possible to enable him to get where he needed to be.
He was motivated and he had a winning attitude.

So the question is whether or not you will take the actions necessary to deliver on your potential?
To do so, you will need to focus in on all that is needed to achieve your success.
Goals, strategies and action, action, action!
If you feel that it too challenging – get a professional coach to accompany you on your journey or get a team mate.
But whatever you do – take that first step.

Oscar is proof that you can take that first step into your destiny even if you don’t have a foot to stand on….

Be true to your abilities and inspire those around you.

Edited, as published in leading business journal ASA July 2012.