Born and raised in California, Robert Paylor attended prestigious UC Berkeley, where he enjoyed success on the rugby field under 29-time National Championship coach, Jack Clark. But living the dream can change just like that.
On May 6, 2017, while playing for a National Championship, Paylor was severely injured. Just five yards from scoring, an opposing player yanked his neck and his body went numb below the collarbone.
At just 20 years old, he left the field on a stretcher and was told he’d never walk again. Paylor, however, sought recovery, and developed a phrase with a priest that changed his life: Compared to what?
Paylor gives the examples: I’m tired… but compared to what? I’m having a tough day… but compared to what? Instead of making the problem at hand into a giant, looming issue, the three-word phrase reduces its power. “Those ‘why me’ questions don’t even come up,” Paylor said. “Because you’re thinking about the positives you have in your life. You’re thinking about all the things that millions of people in this world right now would give anything to have.”
It’s this way of thinking that helped Paylor stand up from his wheelchair on his own.
In this episode, you will learn:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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