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Dave Lukas, The Misfit Entrepreneur_Breakthrough Entrepreneurship
This week’s Misfit Entrepreneur is Nick Santonastasso. Nick is a medical miracle. Not only is he one of four people alive with the rare genetic condition, Hanhart Syndrome, but the inspirational keynote speaker is also an internationally known bodybuilder and fitness model – despite missing both his legs and one arm since birth. Nick has been featured everywhere from Forbes to the Today Show, FOX, TLC, BBC, Inside Edition, and MTV. He got his start on Vine making prankster videos and I have to say, they are hilarious, especially the zombie pranks. As owner of Raw Mettle Enterprises, Nick is a speaker, coach, consultant, and author of the new book Victim to Victor, How to Overcome the Victim Mentality to Live the Life You Love. The Rock said this about Nick, “think about this for a second, Nick was born with one arm and no legs. In his mind, there’s nothing he can’t do and he’s right. He’s right because he does everything he sets his mind to. Life deals us cards on a daily basis, but we always get to decide how we’re gonna play them. Thanks Nick for helping me frame my perspective on life just a little bit more.” Now, it’s time for Nick to help you frame yours a little bit more… www.BookNickSanto.com @NickSantonastasso on Social Nick was born with Hanhart syndrome, a super rare syndrome that either leaves a baby born with undeveloped limbs or organs. Nick was the 12th person ever born with this syndrome and 8 of the other passed away due to undeveloped organs. Nick was given a 30% chance to live but made it as his organs were 100% healthy. From there he was just a kid like any other until he got to middle school and high school where he began to be noticed as different. Middle and High school were his low points. He hated his body, he questioned why he was born the way he was. Nick sought out support and joined wrestling – but to do so, he had to voluntarily amputate 5 inches of his one limb to be able to move in the ways he needed to. He wrestled his junior and senior year which lead him into having fun doing skits on Vine. That lead him to body building and then into motivation and keynote speaking and even fitness modeling. With all that you’ve done, what is the most important thing you’ve learned that you feel others must know? Life is all perspective. Your mindset is your biggest superpower. The way you think, your mind, is the one thing that can allow you to do everything or hold you back from everything. How do people train themselves to control their mind and ways of thinking? Our mind is basically a computer and it is programmed through our environment. The key is to identify the bad habits – admit to them and then start instilling good habits. Then repetition is needed to make the change to the new habit stick and become normal. Working on yourself takes a while – it is a process can only be done through time. How do we maintain perspective? Sit and think about a moment in the past that you felt was negative. Pull out one good piece of information from that event – a lesson, a thought, etc. There is always something good… The habit part is to develop a mantra that every time something negative happens to us to ask, “What’s the good in this?” Find the good. Focusing on the negative doesn’t serve us. There is a way to gain in everything. Nelson Mandela, “You don’t lose. You learn, or you win.” At the 14 min mark, Nick talks about his book “From Victim to Victor” and we start a big discussion on the victim mentality. Nick favorite story from the book and lesson? The story of how no one wanted to sit next to him on a plane. The lesson is the meaning you attach to things. We dictate how we look at things, respond to them, and how much we let them affect us, etc. When faced with a tough circumstance, challenge, or negative situation – Ask yourself, “What’s it going to be? What meaning will I choose to give to this?” Thought on Leadership? Great leaders are people persons Everything you do has a lasting effect You have to connect with people and help them and guide them to all rowing the boat in the same direction People know when they are getting BS’d. Don’t BS people. If you don’t genuinely care for people – it is hard to be a leader. Tell us your thoughts on victimhood and those playing the role of the victim and what you think the answer is… Parents are having a difficult time raising kids in today’s world. We seem to be missing some core beliefs being instilled in our lives such as gratitude. The solution to Victim mentality is not only instilling a core set of beliefs but also confidence. When people feel better about themselves and gain confidence, they move out of victimhood. The way you build confidence is to set “micro-goals.” For example: You make the goal wake up 30 mins earlier so that you can workout for 30 mins, etc. and you do it. Very quickly after doing it, you will feel better, accomplished. When you do this, you build that relationship with yourself, so you know who you are, you create and know your self-integrity. You know when you commit to something, you will get it done. Confidence is having a relationship that is so good with yourself that it doesn’t matter what the outside world thinks of you or does to you. The biggest limiting beliefs come in the from of not having confidence in yourself. If you are in a slump, do one thing, big or little, that you know will make you into a better person and you will begin to build momentum. Nicks biggest realization: You have one life. The chances you are alive are so small. Get moving and make everything you can out of that life. “Regardless of whatever hand that life has dealt us, it is our duty to play that hand to the best of our ability.” At the 38 min mark, Nick talks about how to annihilate excuses…the flips the stables on me. Best pieces of advice on entrepreneurship? Things are always going to go wrong. If you are going to blame someone for the bad, you have to recognize and acknowledge them for the good as well. Do your best to work with people that honor and share your core values and have alignment. Best Quote: “Regardless of whatever hand that life has dealt us, it is our duty to play that hand to the best of our ability.” Nick's Misfit 3: Live in a state of gratitude and implement it into your life. Starting your day off with gratitude is starting your day off on the right foot – and I don’t have a right foot, so if I can do it, you can do it too! Perspective is the meaning you attach to things. Ask, “What good is there in this?” You have to be your biggest cheerleader. Change your language and change your life. Use only empowering words for yourself.
Nick Santonastasso is a medical miracle and a truly wonderful human. He is one of four people alive with the rare genetic condition, Hanhart Syndrome, and has overcome incredible odds to not only survive but thrive. Nick has gone on to become an inspirational keynote speaker, an internationally known bodybuilder, and a fitness model – despite missing both his legs and one arm since birth. In today's episode of the Daily Helping, this high-energy youth shares his amazing story, showing people that anyone can thrive if they have the determination and willpower to go after what they want. He has made cameos on TV shows like “The Walking Dead” and has become a social media sensation, gaining more than 1 million followers on “Vine” in less than a year. Now, Nick is sharing his experience with people all over the world as a keynote speaker at schools, universities, nonprofits as well as Fortune 500 companies. He is using his challenges to inspire others to push beyond their suffering and live a life that has NO LIMITS. Nick has already helped to inspire such giants as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk. Nick's book, Victim to Victor: How to Overcome the Victim Mentality To Live The Life You Love includes twelve personal stories from Nick's journey, each followed with actionable strategies to consider and apply to your life. “Your authentic self is the sexiest, most beautiful thing you can be.” Nick's thoughts on the power of reframing: In your life, are you going to be the victim in each situation, or will you be the victor? It's up to you to decide how each event affects you and how you react. Consider that things are happening for you, not to you. The Biggest Helping: Today's Most Important Takeaway People need to do more things that they love. They need to do more things that make them feel good, and they need to realize: success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure. You can have all the money in the world, but if you aren't doing something that fulfills you and makes you feel good, there will always be an emptiness there. Life is all about perspective, and the more perspective you can gain, the more easy and simple your life is. The things that we complain about on a day to day basis - in the grand scheme of life, they aren't problems or challenges. -- Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life. Resources: www.BookNickSanto.com Read Nick's book, Victim to Victor: How to Overcome the Victim Mentality To Live The Life You Love Nick Santonastasso on Twitter: @nicksanto534 Nick Santonastasso on YouTube Nick Santonastasso on Instagram: @nicksantonastasso Nick Santonastasso on Facebook The Daily Helping is produced by Podcast Masters
Well it’s Thanksgiving week here in the US, and I can’t think of a better guest for the show than the one we have today… I’m not going to tell you why. You’ll find out within the first few minutes, but let’s just say that if Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, this interview is right on point. Nick Santonastasso is 22 years old, and this kid inspires the hell out of me. Whatever challenges you’re going through in life, are instantly going to be put into context today, and you’re going to walk away from this interview with an incredible amount of gratitude for everything you have, and what you’re truly capable of. Attitude and how you choose to view the world and your life, is everything, and Nick is just an incredible living example of that. Resources: BookNickSanto.com Follow Nick on Instagram | Facebook Victim to Victor: How to Overcome the Victim Mentality to Live the Life You Love The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure Be Obsessed or Be Average Music: Music by: Lemon Fight Song: Stronger Licensed under a Creative Commons License
This episode is going to challenge you, inspire you, and blow your mind all at the same time. Welcome Nick Santonastasso, a young man living a MASSIVE life of impact. Born with no legs and only one arm, Nick came into this world at a major disadvantage, but refused to allow it to define him. Instead, he figured out how to become independent, went on to wrestle in high school (as a varsity wrestler against able-bodied kids), and is now a competitive bodybuilder and insanely inspiring global keynote motivational speaker. In this episode, Joel, Dan and Nick go deep into a number of topics, including: -The strategies Nick used to overcome the odds and live a life of massive impact, despite his physical limitations -The importance of gratitude and perspective, especially in life’s most challenging times -The critical ability to adapt when it comes to overcoming obstacles -Nick’s God-given “gift” of disability, and how he turned it into his biggest strength -Dealing with depression and anxiety, and how to effectively pull ourselves out of the low points of life -Repositioning failure to greatness, through the power of the mind And so much more! You are not going to want to miss a minute of this incredible episode. Even more, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast to ensure you get notified as new episodes release each week! To learn more about Nick and to connect with him directly, check him out on Instagram (@nicksantonastasso), visit his website www.BookNickSanto.com, or pick up a copy of his book “Victim to Victor” on Amazon.
In This Episode We Talk about: What Hanhart Syndrome is and how it’s impacted Nick’s life Why energy is contagious Why Nick made the decision to amputate his right arm Turning outside noise into fuel Why Nick’s parents are his heroes Why everything is a muscle Why Nick doesn’t feel like he’s doing “enough” sometimes Why Nick wants to give people experiences and take care of people when they need help Nick’s new book, Victim to Victor The importance of storytelling in learning Resources: IG: @nicksantonastasso BookNickSanto.com Victim to Victor by Nick Santonastasso http://a.co/d/iDiPDRz Chris will send a copy of Victim to Victor to the first 20 people who DM him @chriswharder on IG requesting the book. Show Notes I first heard today’s guest, Nick Santonastasso, speak at the recent THRIVE event I attended and I am so grateful I did. Not only is his story remarkable, but just the way he delivered his inspirational message on stage sent goosebumps straight up my arms. Born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that left him without legs, an underdeveloped right arm and a left arm with only one finger, Nick’s parents were told early on all the things he would likely never be able to do. His parents threw that list away and Nick has been shattering those glass ceilings ever since. As a fitness model, inspirational speaker and now author of the book, Victim to Victor, Nick is instilling his can-do-anything attitude and energy with the world. This was such an awesome conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear the wisdom that comes out of this 22-year-old’s mouth. Check out how you can get a free copy of Nick’s book in Resources! Question Highlights: What is one of your superpowers? What is one of your favorite books? What is one thing you’re challenged by right now? Who is someone who’s changed your life? What can you tell us about Hanhart Syndrome? Do you remember the age you realized that you were born differently? What was it like growing up “different?” When was the first time that you shifted from having down-and-out feelings to being the inspiration you are today? What role did your parents play in who you are today? What is your one biggest piece of advice for parents today? What would “doing enough” look like? What do you believe the purpose of earning a significant amount of money and being successful is? What is the message of your book, Victim to Victor, and what makes it so special? Quotes "What are you willing to do to pivot?” “You need to focus 110% effort on whatever you’re doing or you’re going to sell yourself short.” “If you believe in yourself to do great things, why would you sell yourself short?” “It’s not selfish to level up.” Nick Santonastasso is a medical miracle. Not only is he one of four people alive with the rare genetic condition, Hanhart Syndrome, the inspirational keynote speaker is an internationally known bodybuilder and fitness model – despite missing both his legs and one arm since birth. The high-energy youth shares his amazing story, showing people that anyone can thrive if they have the determination and willpower to go after what they want. When Nick was born, the doctors handed his parents a long list of things that he would never be able to do. Nick’s parents politely thanked them and threw the list out. They raised Nick the same way they had raised his three able-bodied older siblings and instilled in him never to let the world tell him what he could or couldn’t do. Follow me on social media @ChrisWHarder on Instagram and check out www.ForTheLoveOfMoney.com