The Decision — Eight Hours a Day

I was fishing. Just a normal day, trying to enjoy some peace, doing something I loved. Out of nowhere, my speech started to slip. My words began to slur. I couldn’t reel in my rod. My body wouldn’t respond. Something was seriously wrong, and deep down, I knew it. Within the hour, I was in the hospital. They were asking me basic questions. Who’s the President? What year is it? I didn’t know. I broke down in tears. I knew that I should know those answers, but I didn’t know them. And that crushed me.

Then the full weight of it hit. The stroke had stolen function from the entire right side of my body. My hand wouldn’t close. I could barely walk straight because my right leg wouldn’t move like it used to. My speech was impaired. My memory was scrambled. My mind was fogged. The man I had always been felt like he had been torn apart, piece by piece, and dropped into a life that no longer worked. The doctors were professional and honest. They laid out a standard recovery plan. Three hours of rehab a week. Enough to say they tried. Enough to give me something. But I knew in that moment it wasn’t enough. Not for me. Not for the man I still believed I was.

So I made a decision.
I chose to rehab for eight hours a day. No shortcuts. No coasting. No handouts. Just full-on grit. Every single day, I woke up and went to war with my limitations. I started reading books out loud to retrain my voice and strengthen my speech. I squeezed stress balls until my forearms ached, just to get my fingers to twitch again. I sat at a table and built puzzles using only my right hand for one hour straight, forcing my brain to rebuild the broken connection to my body.

And then came the writing. Line after line, I forced my hand to remember how to write. Apple apple apple. Banana banana banana. Cat cat cat. Dog dog dog. For hours. Until one day, slowly and shakily, I signed my name again.

While others went home after therapy, I kept going. While some watched TV or waited for results to come, I grinded in silence. This wasn’t about getting back to the man I used to be. It was about becoming stronger than I had ever been. I wasn’t just rebuilding my body. I was reclaiming my identity. I was making a declaration every single day with my actions.
I will not quit. I will not accept this as the end of my story.

Now, I am 95 percent recovered.
Not because of luck. Not because the system saved me.
Because I made a decision most men would never even think about making.
I took full ownership of my recovery. I gave it everything.
That one decision to go beyond what was offered became the foundation for everything else I’ve built since.

That was the moment I learned something most men never understand.
You don’t rise by feelings. You rise by choices.
And that choice changed everything.

⛓️ Chain-Breaker Questions:

• Where in your life are you accepting the minimum when you know there’s more in you?
• What would shift if you stopped waiting to feel better and started choosing to fight back?
• What if you attacked your weaknesses with eight hours a day of intentional action?

Challenge:

Write down one area of your life that needs the most work. Then write down exactly what you’re doing to fix it.

If your plan doesn’t include action steps every single day…
If it doesn’t push you past comfort…
If it doesn’t confront your habits, your laziness, or your fear…
Then your plan won’t work. Period.

I know, because I lived it.

I had to fight for every step, every movement, every piece of ground I took back. I didn’t get results by hoping. I got them by grinding. Eight hours a day. No excuses. That kind of change doesn’t happen by accident. I was gifted with someone beside me for encouragement. She challenged me and held me accountable.

I will do that for you.

If you’re serious about rebuilding, contact me. John@AltaredLifeCoaching.com
If you’re serious about rebuilding, contact me. Text me 318-769-9695

I’ll help you build a real plan.
We’ll put it into action.
I’ll hold you accountable.
I will walk with you.

Thank you.

NO MORE NAILS.

MORE….

The Power of Personal Choice

In the face of adversity, our choices shape our path forward. This section explores how personal decisions can dramatically alter the course of recovery and growth.

Choosing Your Path to Recovery

When life throws us a curveball, we’re often presented with a standard set of options. But true transformation begins when we dare to chart our own course. Research shows that active participation in recovery significantly improves outcomes.

Standard protocols serve a purpose, but they’re not always enough for those aiming for exceptional recovery. Defying these norms requires courage and a willingness to push boundaries.

Consider the man who chose eight hours of daily rehabilitation instead of the recommended three hours per week. This decision wasn’t about rejecting medical advice, but about supplementing it with personal commitment.

By going above and beyond, you create opportunities for accelerated progress. It’s about asking yourself, “What more can I do?” and then having the grit to follow through.

Strategies for Overcoming Adversity

Overcoming adversity isn’t just about willpower; it’s about employing effective strategies. This section delves into practical approaches to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Eight Hours of Intentional Action

The concept of dedicating eight hours a day to recovery is more than just a time commitment—it’s a philosophy of intentional living. Studies indicate that intensive rehabilitation can significantly improve stroke recovery outcomes.

Start by breaking down your day into focused segments. For example:

1. Morning: Physical exercises and mobility work
2. Midday: Cognitive exercises and speech therapy
3. Afternoon: Fine motor skill practice
4. Evening: Relaxation and mental preparation for the next day

Consistency is key. Even on days when motivation wanes, showing up and putting in the work can make a world of difference.

Remember, progress isn’t always linear. Some days will be harder than others, but each hour invested is a step towards reclaiming your life.

Mindset Shifts for Resilience

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward. Building resilience after a stroke involves significant mindset shifts that can transform your recovery journey.

First, embrace the concept of neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to reorganize itself. This understanding can fuel hope and motivation during challenging times.

Next, reframe setbacks as opportunities for learning. Each obstacle overcome is a chance to grow stronger and more adaptable.

Finally, cultivate a growth mindset. Believe in your ability to improve and develop new skills, even in the face of significant challenges.

Embracing Personal Growth

Recovery is not just about returning to a previous state—it’s an opportunity for profound personal growth. This section explores how challenges can become catalysts for positive change.

Rebuilding Identity Through Challenges

A stroke or any major life challenge can shake the very foundations of our identity. However, this disruption also presents an opportunity for powerful self-discovery and reinvention.

Start by acknowledging that change is inevitable. Your experiences have shaped you, but they don’t define you. Use this time to explore new aspects of yourself and rediscover old passions.

Set new goals that align with your evolving sense of self. These might be related to your recovery, but could also encompass broader life aspirations.

Remember, rebuilding your identity is a journey. Be patient with yourself and celebrate each step forward, no matter how small it may seem.

Transforming Weakness into Strength

The journey of recovery often reveals strengths we never knew we had. Research suggests that post-traumatic growth can occur following stroke, leading to positive psychological changes.

Begin by identifying areas where you feel weak or challenged. These are your opportunities for growth. For instance, if speech is difficult, practicing consistently can not only improve your communication but also build perseverance.

Seek out new skills or hobbies that complement your recovery. This might mean learning to paint with your non-dominant hand or exploring meditation to enhance mental resilience.

Remember, every challenge overcome is a testament to your strength. By facing your weaknesses head-on, you’re not just recovering—you’re evolving into a more resilient, capable version of yourself.