Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and coaching over 100 high-performing individuals—CEOs, elite athletes, doctors, vets, lawyers, and my greatest idols: mums (especially mums of three!). Despite their diverse backgrounds and achievements, they all share one defining trait: they have faced significant adversity.

Adversity, in some form, touches all of us, but what sets this extraordinary group of people apart—the 1 percenters, the high achievers—is their ability to not only bounce back but to thrive. These individuals use setbacks as a springboard to propel themselves forward. They face challenges head-on and take them in their stride. In fact, for many, if life doesn’t present an immediate challenge, they create their own.

Think of the doctor who runs a grueling 500km race in the Arctic, the CEO who completes seven marathons across seven continents, or my wife, who decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Spanish simply because she wanted to master the language. These individuals don’t just live life—they attack it with relentless vigor.

Behind each of these high achievers lies a story of resilience. Some have endured childhood trauma, such as a parent walking out, or the profound impact of loss. Others have faced physical challenges, such as chronic illnesses or life-long ailments. These experiences, rather than defeating them, became the fire that fueled their drive to achieve greatness.

I can’t say whether I belong among these high achievers—that’s for others to decide. But I know what fuels me: the constant memory of living with chronic migraines from the age of four. At their peak, they kept me confined to bed for one to two weeks every month. Yet, even then, I refused to let pity consume me. When others expressed sympathy, my response was simple: “They’re not killing me; they’re just making me stronger.”

Those migraines shaped me in profound ways. They instilled in me a fierce determination not to waste a moment. It’s why I rise as soon as I wake up—I refuse to spend a second longer in bed than necessary. That drive, born out of adversity, continues to fuel me to this day.

What Fuels You?

I believe each of us has faced some form of adversity, whether large or small. The difference lies in how we respond. If you haven’t already, I challenge you to channel your setbacks into opportunities for growth. Let them fuel your ambitions and inspire you to take life by the reins.

Coaching can play a pivotal role in this transformation. I know this firsthand from my own journey in 2019. A coach’s guidance can help you uncover the lessons hidden within adversity and use them to reach new heights.

If you’d like to explore how coaching can ignite your potential, I’d be happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute chat. Let’s turn your challenges into your greatest strength.

Have a phenomenal day, Laurence