On this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik sits down with Dr. James Perdue, known globally as the Professor of Perseverance. At 19, one football hit dislocated three vertebrae in his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic and facing doctors who told his family he would be a burden and should be placed in a nursing home. Instead of collapsing, James built a new playbook for life.
He breaks down his simple but uncompromising ABC framework for overcoming adversity. Accept adversity, Begin battling, Conquer the challenge. This is a direct conversation about grief, denial, rehab fatigue, and the moment he stopped chasing a “cure” and chose a future built on education, purpose and service.
If you are navigating injury, disability, burnout or any life altering event, this episode gives you clear language, grounded mindset tools and a no excuses invitation to own your life narrative.
About The Guest :
Dr. James Perdue is a motivational speaker, best selling author, award winning educator, life coach and globally known as the Professor of Perseverance. After a catastrophic football injury left him a quadriplegic at 19, he spent years in hospitals, rehab centers and deep denial. Instead of accepting the role of “burden,” he built a life of impact through education, speaking and coaching. His core message. accept adversity, begin battling, conquer challenges. James now helps audiences worldwide move from victim mindset to active ownership of their future.
Key Takeaways:
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Adversity does not need your approval. it needs your acceptance. James is clear that accepting a life changing injury does not mean liking it. It means acknowledging reality so you can take responsibility and move.
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His ABC framework is deliberately simple. A. Accept adversity. B. Begin battling. C. Conquer the challenge. If you can remember the alphabet up to C, you can remember the system.
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Acceptance is a process, not a moment. James spent about five years in denial and depression, yet he kept trying therapies, rehabs and strength work during that time. Progress and grief can coexist.
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After 18 different rehabs, he stopped chasing walking as the only “win” and shifted to education and life design. College, a degree and a future he could actually live became the new definition of success.
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Family mindset matters. his family chose a positive, solution oriented lens, doing hours of home physical therapy together instead of internalizing the “nursing home” recommendation.
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Ownership is non negotiable. once you are up, dressed and in your chair or body for the day, James insists it is your responsibility to use tools, the internet, communities and education to build the best life available to you.
How Listeners Can Connect With Dr. James Perdue
Dr. James keeps it simple.
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Search “Professor of Perseverance” on Google.
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You will find him on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and his own podcast under that name.
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Listeners can explore his talks, books and coaching through those platforms and reach out for speaking and collaboration by using the Professor of Perseverance branding online.
About Healthy Mind By Avik™
Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM. Send me a message on PodMatch
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DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Heal
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