How to Turn a Setback into an Opportunity

15 years ago, Marc Herremans became paralyzed from chest to toe: “I was told that I would never become a world champion.

I would have to do what I hate the most, for the rest of my life: sit still. I lost 80% of my body, but I am now 100% happy.”

Getting a good card is a gift.

During the BAM Congress, I was moved by Marc Herremans’s presentation. I think it was the most emotional moment of the entire day.

He told us that in life, you get dealt a certain hand of cards. Getting some bad cards is inevitable, but whenever you get a good card, that’s a gift. We should start realizing that.

First thing he asked the audience: “Could you all please stand up and sit back down? This is something I will never be able to do again.”

But you must focus on the positive: you can turn every setback into an opportunity.

“Start small, dream big and every day do something that gets you closer to your dream”

Back when he was still able-bodied, Herremans happened across a TV show on National Geographic about the Iron Man triathlon of Hawaii.

He instantly decided that this was the sport he wanted to become the best at. Marc started training like an animal and participating in triathlons – and not without success.

He became the Belgian champion twice and came 8th in the world championships. He then achieved 6th place in the triathlon of Hawaii, the official world championship of the Iron Man. But he wanted to become World Champion.

However, things took a turn for the worse in 2002, when Marc was attending a training camp in Lanzarote to prepare Iron Man world championships.

On the 8th day, he suffered a bad fall during a descent. The following three days, Marc was hospitalized in 3 different countries and 3 different doctors gave him the same diagnosis: paraplegia, paralysis from the chest down.

Black Card.

For the former paracommando, joiner, volunteer firefighter, and professional triathlete, life seemed to have no purpose anymore.

Without the use of his legs, he wouldn’t be able to do any of the things he used to love anymore. Or so he thought.

“Humans are goal-oriented, so we tend to focus on what we don’t have and often don’t recognize the luxuries we already enjoy.”

After finally coming home from the hospital, Marc was resting in his bed, when his nephew stormed into the room, gave him the biggest hug and cheered: “Uncle Marc I’m so glad you’re back!”

At that moment, Marc realized that he was lucky to be alive. And instead of as a loss, he was going to treat the fact that he was still alive as a second chance.

Looking back, his depressing thoughts only lasted for one day after the operation.

So, Marc had a look at his bucket list which he had made before the accident: winning the Iron Man of Hawaii, competing for the Crocodile Trophy, and becoming a father.

He decided now was the time to start fulfilling the wishes on that list, with help from his friends and family.

Still in the Game

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin

Marc began coaching athletes in cycling, triathlons, mountain-biking, motor cross, BMX, etc. After a few years, Marc was nominated with 10 others for the coach of the year award in Belgium.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Audrey Hepburn To Walk Again Foundation

In 2012, together with his partner and brother in law, he founded the 185 Coaching Centre, a centre where people are guided to achieve their personal sporting goals.

One year later, the most precious item on his bucket list became reality with the birth of his daughter Anne-Lou.

Just 12 years after Marc became paralyzed, he had fulfilled all the goals on his bucket list.

Presently, Marc is one of the most requested international motivational speakers in the world, team leader of a professional cyclocross team, the leading man behind To Walk Again, an event planner, team manager of an omnium team, athlete trainer, and CEO of the 185 Coaching Centre.

Thanks to the help and support of friends and family, Marc made the impossible happen. This can be an inspiration for your company as well as for yourself. Remember that every setback in life is a chance to fight back and not a reason to give up.

What are you waiting for…? Try to write down your own bucket list and start fulfilling your dreams.