Ep. 117: Overcome and Motivate with Sidney Smith
Cutting The Distance
Deep Dive
What motivated Sidney Smith to become a motivational speaker?
Sidney Smith became a motivational speaker after losing both legs due to complications from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. He was inspired to share his story after speaking to a group of Cub Scouts, which led to more speaking opportunities at schools and events. He views his challenges as a way to help others and demonstrate resilience.
How did Sidney Smith overcome the emotional challenges of losing his legs?
Sidney faced significant emotional struggles after his amputation, including thoughts of suicide. He found motivation in his young daughter, who was learning to walk at the same time he was adapting to prosthetics. He also relied on faith, believing that God had a plan for him, which helped him combat fear and anger.
What physical challenges did Sidney face while learning to walk with prosthetics?
Learning to walk with prosthetics was physically demanding for Sidney. He experienced pain due to changes in the shape of his limb and socket, and had to adjust to using socks to manage volume changes caused by sweat and inflammation. Stability issues, especially in his knees and hips, required focused training to improve his walking ability.
What was Sidney Smith's experience like during his Ironman competition?
Sidney described the Ironman as the hardest thing he has ever done, with the training being even more challenging than the race itself. He trained over 20 hours a week, balancing swimming, biking, and running, even while dealing with an infection six months prior to the race. The grueling preparation made the accomplishment deeply rewarding.
What dietary changes did Sidney make for his bodybuilding competition?
For his bodybuilding competition, Sidney followed a strict diet, reducing his calorie intake from 3,500 to 2,000 calories. He focused on high-protein foods like elk and fish, cut out carbs, sugar, and processed foods, and used a carb rotation system. The diet was the most challenging aspect of his preparation, but it helped him achieve significant physical transformation.
What is Sidney Smith's next big physical challenge?
Sidney is planning to swim the English Channel, a marathon swim from France to England. As a precursor, he is preparing to swim to Alcatraz Island and back, which requires qualifying due to strong currents. He is also considering turning the Alcatraz swim into a charity event.
What is Sidney Smith's message about gratitude?
Sidney emphasizes the power of gratitude, encouraging people to focus on what they are grateful for each day. He believes gratitude helps shift focus away from negativity and fosters a positive mindset. He practices gratitude daily, finding it transformative in his own life, especially in overcoming challenges.
- Sidney's life changed after a leg amputation due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
- He initially hated public speaking but found his passion for motivational speaking after sharing his experience.
- His story has become an inspiration to many
Shownotes Transcript