Nick Vujicic

“Am I defined by what other people tell me? Am I defined by my previous failures and what I can or cannot do?” – Nick Vujicic

How does one determine their own self-worth? What steps must one take to get to the roots of their identity and discover their purpose in life? 

I don’t know if there is a simple answer to that question, the age-old philosophical thought — why am I here?

Everyone is guilty of being a little too hard on themselves, I know I can be. Whether it’s in your work, your relationships, or any other aspect of your life, we all have thought at one point in time, I’m not enough. 

Maybe you look around your workplace and feel that you aren’t as talented as your colleagues. Or maybe you see your partner and think why would you ever want to be with someone like me? These self-limiting beliefs are destructive and harmful to your emotional well-being and your life. 

Growing up, kids used to call me the “dumb kid,” and I let them hold me back for years. It’s critical to remember that other people do not define your worth — only you can do that. It’s simply astounding what we are capable of if we simply believe we are enough. Self-doubt is one of the worst things that can keep you from reaching your full potential. 

Today’s guest is no stranger to self-doubt. Even without any limbs, he believes in himself completely and doesn’t let anything slow him down.

Who is Nick Vujicic?

Without any medical explanation or warning, Nick Vujicic was born in Melbourne, Australia without arms and legs. According to Nick, the victory over his struggles, as well as his strength and passion for life today, can be credited to his faith in God. However, he also attributes the support of his family, friends, and the many people he has encountered along the journey that have inspired him to carry on as well.

Since his first speaking engagement at age 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions, sometimes in stadiums filled to capacity. Nick established the Life Without Limbs ministry in 2005, and he is currently serving as President and CEO. In 2012, Nick married the love of his life and now they have four beautiful children. 

Nick has written several bestselling books, such as Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life and Be the Hands and Feet: Living Out God’s Love for All His Children. Nick is truly an inspiration, and I was so honored to have him on The School of Greatness today.

If you are tired of drowning in self-doubt and are ready to unchain your fears, then join me on Episode 931 with the incredible Nick Vujicic.

Your Attitude Has an Effect

Nick had his situation laid out for him at a very young age, and his parents didn’t sugar-coat the truth for him. Nick says having parents that pushed him to do things on his own was crucial to his development into the man he is today.

“No one knew what [I] could do unless [I] was ready to try something, but embrace failure as his classroom, and that was the attitude. My parents said, ‘Nick, you need to become a millionaire to survive. You are going to need caregivers. Mom and Dad can’t help you. You need to start a business in accounting and financial planning — get employees. They’re going to be your hands and feet.’ I was six years old when they told me that, so that was the understanding. I’m never gonna be a professional football player. I needed to find my full potential.” – Nick Vujicic

Nick goes on to explain how his parents gave him chores to do at a young age. Are you wondering how he did this without any arms or legs? Nick didn’t let this hold him back. He taught himself to vacuum his parents’ house with just his shoulder and chin and received $2 a week as payment. He says this taught him the value of what he had, what he earned, and how to set goals for himself. 

I love how Nick paints this picture. How can we expect to appreciate all the things we have if we are handed everything we want? Parents play a huge role in almost every aspect of their children’s development, but our work ethic almost always stems from how much we appreciate the things we have. Nick was prepared for whatever the world might throw at him at a young age and hasn’t stopped moving forward since. The key, he says, is to treat yourself with positivity and kindness.

“I know I couldn’t play that sports activity, but I was watching and waiting for [the people who] were the first person to be eliminated outta that game. I would come over there by their side and look ’em in the eye and say ‘How are you doing?’ We have a spirit, we have a soul, we have a mind. Those are the three biggest elements of really who we are as a being. I did [learn to] look myself in the mirror and say, ‘Nick, your eyes are pretty good looking and no one can ever tell you different.’” – Nick Vujicic

No one can be the best at everything. We all have our strengths and it is up to us to discover what those strengths are. How are you going to know what you’re good at if you never put yourself out there? Take ownership of the qualities you possess! We cannot change the hand we have been dealt, so be thankful for what you have and use it to make the world a better place.