Overcoming Odds: Mike DeStefano

July 8,2009

On that very day, one of my friends, Mike DeStefano was “reborn” He was given a second chance to play in this game called “Life”

Mike, who was in a tragic automobile accident on the afternoon of July 8,2009, escaped that accident lucky to be alive, however leaving him with traumatic brain injuries and a long journey to recovery. Since that day, Mike has changed the way myself and many others look at life. Make the most out of everyday, because you truly never know when it will take a drastic change. Do what you love, make people smile, don’t hold back, and strive for greatness!  He has helped supply me with the endless motivation to make the most out of life.

Mike’s accident on July 8th, 2009 was followed by over two months of intensive care at Loyola Hospital where he remained in a coma for most of his stay. He is now undergoing extensive therapy and working toward recovery. The amount of people who Mike has inspired along his journey is amazing. He views this as an opportunity, not a problem. An opportunity to prove everyone, including Doctors that he will walk again and get his normal life back. An opportunity to motivate others, an opportunity to help others with TBI. Even though he is faced with an uphill climb every day, he views it as an opportunity to get better each and every day.

A problem is an opportunity in disguise.

An opportunity to shine, overcome, and persevere.

Drive, Determination, and Dedication:

The 3D’s. Do you have them?

Mike does. He wakes up everyday thankful for the opportunity to get better everyday. He knows it’s not going to be easy, he knows it’s going to take time, and he knows that the odds are against him.  But do you see him crawling in a corner and avoiding this challenge.

NO.

He wakes up everyday and looks this challenge dead square in the eye and tells himself HE WILL. He’s got that belief and faith that with the right mindset, no challenge is too difficult. He has that mental toughness to help push himself beyond his limits each and everyday.

So the next time you are faced with a difficult task, a difficult decision, or whatever it may be, look your “problem” in the eye and tell yourself you will overcome! View your problem as an opportunity to get better. I have this quote tatted on my body and every time things get difficult I think of it….”I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders.” Don’t ask for easier problems, ask yourself to be STRONG enough to overcome any problem that is given to you. Become stronger every day, continue making  improvements, and strive for greatness. Anything is possible, and Mike is a living example that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

For more on Mike’s story, check out:

michaeladestefanofoundation.org

Be Great, Stay Hungry, Work Hard, and HUSTLE

Weekly Motivation: No Excuses

If your passionate and love what you do, you WILL find a way to get it done.  When it comes down to it, You are the only person who can stop yourself. You are the only one who stands in your way.

How far can you go? How great can you be?

Take a minute and check out this Nike commercial.

Next time you think of an excuse on why you shouldn’t do something that deep down you know you should, think of this video.

No Limits, No Excuses.

 Get It Done

.HUSTLE.

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• Making Excuses (striveforstrengthblog.wordpress.com)
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