343 James E. Dixon: Finding 'Absolute Motivation' By Showing Your Scars
Oct 17, 2023
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Guest James E. Dixon, who overcame personal challenges, discusses embracing his prosthetic leg after hiding it for 45 years and how it inspired his mentorship for other amputees. He shares his experience at the gym with music as motivation and reflects on discovering purpose through loss. James also talks about his leadership role at General Motors and the therapeutic process of writing his book, which became an international bestseller.
The power of vulnerability and revealing one's hidden struggles can lead to personal growth and the opportunity to inspire and mentor others.
The significance of music and the gym in maintaining emotional well-being, redirecting energy, and finding gratitude and spiritual connection.
Deep dives
Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Challenges
James Dixon shares his experience of hiding his prosthetic leg for 45 years, the emotional impact it had on him, and the liberating moment when he decided to reveal it to his colleagues. He describes the support he received and the subsequent impact of his vulnerability, which led to mentoring and coaching other amputees. James also discusses how his grandmother's belief in him as Superman shaped his perspective and gave him the strength to overcome obstacles.
Using Music and the Gym for Emotional and Physical Restoration
James explains the significance of music and the gym in his life. He reveals that he listens to worship songs to show gratitude and connect spiritually before transitioning to more energetic music for his workout. He emphasizes the importance of the gym for redirecting energy and maintaining emotional well-being and how it serves as a space for him to empty himself both physically and emotionally.
Discovering Purpose Through Life's Challenges
James reflects on the timeline of his journey from being a team lead at General Motors to becoming a motivational speaker and author. He discusses how each experience, including facing rejection and overcoming personal struggles, contributed to shaping his purpose. James highlights the significance of embracing brokenness and imperfections to become a symbol of hope and inspiration for others.
The Power of Serving Others and Staying Grounded
James shares how serving others and making a difference in their lives keeps him grounded and focused on his mission. He describes his interactions with individuals facing difficult situations, such as veterans transitioning to civilian life and people in need. James emphasizes the privilege and honor of being able to provide support and impact others positively, while also recognizing the importance of staying humble and appreciating the opportunity to make the most of every moment.
For all the credit Superman gets, for being the Man of Steel, do you think he ever cries? When he’s Clark Kent, working at the paper, do you think Superman’s ever broken down in a bathroom stall?
When he’s flying folks out of a burning building, it’s easy to forget that his parents are dead, his home is dust and the only family he has wants him dead. All we see is the Man of Steel.
For 45 years, James Dixon only showed others what they wanted to see. What they didn’t see, was his prosthetic leg that he had kept hidden all that time. Until he decided to show them.
Today, James is out with a book about his experience, titled Absolute Motivation. From team lead at General Motors to firing up Fortune 500 crowds, James is in the business of building people up. That’s only after he learned to build himself up, too.
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