For our fourth episode of our Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential, there is no greater example of harnessing adversity than No Barriers co-founder, Hugh Herr. In his early 20s, Hugh had both of his legs amputated after a tragic mountain climbing accident. An avid rock-climber, he was determined to return to the sport. Hugh created new iterations of prosthetic limbs for legs and feet he could use to climb even better than before. Watch some of his videos in the resources below to see his technology in action. Inspired by his own self-improvement through tech he set out to change the world for others. Now, Hugh heads the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab, where his team is creating bionic limbs that emulate the function of natural limbs; providing greater mobility and new hope to those with physical disabilities.

He is the author and co-author of more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and patents, chronicling the science and technology behind his many innovations. These publications span the scientific fields of biomechanics and biological motion control, as well as the technological innovations of human rehabilitation and augmentation technologies. As published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation in 2014, Herr’s team advanced the first autonomous exoskeleton to reduce the metabolic cost of human walking, a goal that has eluded scientists for over a century.

Takeaways from Hugh:

Tip 1: Pause to Process this Moment in Time

Recognize the current situation you live in. Embrace what you are feeling and take a moment to understand what others in your life are going through in light of this pandemic.

Examine how you should invest your energy and time now and in the future. If this means not working (if you are able) then take a break. Now is the time to reset.

Tip 2 - Perform Acts of Good Will & Strengthen Human Connection

During these uncertain times, look beyond yourself and your fears. Find ways to help others and demonstrate kindness. For example: reach out to senior citizens, sew masks for first responders, or donate goods or funds to your local food bank.

Right now there is a lack of human connections which can cause a lack of empathy. By performing small acts of kindness, you are reminding others of the goodness and love in the world.

Tip 3 - Rethink Failure

When testing new ideas in his lab, Hugh emphasizes that failure is common. Reframing those failures as explorations that help bring them closer to their goal. Each new failed experiment is not a waste of time but rather provides new knowledge and information to bring them one step closer to their vision and desired outcome.

What perceived “failure” in your own life can you reassess with this mindset? For example, maybe a job loss due to the pandemic, make you reevaluate your future career aspirations.

Tip 4 - “Believe Without Seeing”

In order to achieve a goal that others might see as impossible, you must have faith in yourself, your vision, and be emotionally committed. Hugh’s work has often been considered groundbreaking and unthinkable before he demonstrated it was possible. When faced with a difficult or daunting goal ignore the naysayers, and have faith in yourself.

What audacious goals can you set for yourself? After you’ve had time to process and reflect, what are some takeaways you’ve learned about yourself over these last few weeks? Perhaps the current situation makes you realize the importance of family or finding a new career path. Use this time to put a plan in place for refocusing your attention on what matters most to you in the upcoming year.

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Resources:

NoBarriersPodcast.com for a downloadable Tip Sheet

Check out Hugh’s Vineyard: Mermaid Hill

Hugh Herr's story has been told in a National Geographic film, “Ascent: The Story of Hugh Herr”

Hugh Herr's page at MIT

TED talk 2014

No Barriers Leading Beyond Barriers video: Pioneer

10: How We Got Here