Welcome back to the Contacts Coaching Podcast. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Robert Paylor, an inspirational speaker and author. In this episode, Robert shares his incredible journey of overcoming a traumatic spinal cord injury during a national championship rugby game in 2017. He discusses his initial prognosis, the monumental challenges he faced, and the relentless effort that has brought him to where he is today. Robert also talks about the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, the invaluable support of his family, friends, and the rugby community, and his new book, 'Paralyzed to Powerful,' set to release on May 6th. Don't miss this poignant and uplifting story of resilience and hope.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:50 Early Life and Athletic Background
02:29 Transition to Rugby and High School Achievements
04:04 College Rugby and the Life-Changing Injury
09:26 Hospitalization and Initial Recovery
11:30 Rehabilitation Journey and Return to Berkeley
14:42 Support System and Overcoming Challenges
17:31 Mindset and Positivity in Recovery
21:38 Maintaining Perspective and Empathy
24:36 Mental Diet and Surrounding Yourself with Positivity
26:53 Navigating Information Overload
27:05 Balancing Big Goals with Reality
28:05 The Daily Grind of Recovery
32:07 Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
38:41 The Power of Relationships in Sports
42:47 The Unique Community of Rugby
45:45 Finding Purpose Through Adversity
49:17 Advice for Athletes and Coaches
52:38 Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts
Website: https://www.robertpaylor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob.paylor/
X: https://x.com/RobertPaylor5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertpaylor5
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/robert-paylor
