Category: Blog

Hi Friend, Today marks a profound anniversary for me – 14 years since a spinal cord injury completely changed the course of my life. It’s a day that reminds me of the incredible power of a single moment to redirect our paths and unveil strengths we never knew we had.   In the wake of that life-altering event, I discovered my calling. Just a few years later, in 2012, I found myself on stage, delivering a speech at a fundraising event. Those 15 minutes turned out to be transformative, not just for me, but for those listening. The organizers’ words still echo in my mind: “Take your talk seriously… maybe one day this could be your career.”   Little did they know how right they would be.   As I spoke that day, I realized something profound: my role wasn’t to change lives directly, but to stir up the potential already present in others. My journey from injury to the stage became a testament to the resilience we all possess – often hidden until circumstances call it forth.   Today, on this meaningful anniversary, I’m thrilled to share my latest speaker reel with you. It encapsulates my core message: that change, even when it comes uninvited, can become our greatest ally in uncovering our true potential. 🎥 [Discover How to Grow Stronger Through Change – Watch Now!] I promise it’s worth your time. If you know anyone who could benefit from this perspective on change – perhaps a leader facing challenges or an event organizer seeking fresh content – I’d be incredibly grateful if you could forward this their way. Thank you for being a part of my journey these past 14 years. From that pivotal day to now, it’s been quite a path, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned along the way.   Best regards, Chris P.S. Curious about how this message could impact your team or event? Let’s chat – I’m always excited to explore new opportunities to share this transformative perspective! Watch Now

Hi Friend,


I’m thrilled to announce that my new video course, A No Excuse Life: How to Own Your Choices and Unlock Your Potential,” is now available! 🎉 Plus, I’m giving my followers a limited time 20% discount! 

With the help of my speech/writing coach, Barbara, we labored and poured lots of love & hard-earned lessons into this transformative course. I’ll share the insights and strategies that have helped me overcome my lowest moments and create a life of purpose and joy, even when things didn’t go as planned. From confronting adversity to reframing negative thoughts, you’ll gain practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

Here are a few learning outcomes:

* Confront Adversity: Get to the root of the excuses
* Own Your Choices: Come to terms with personal responsibility
* Reframe Your Thoughts: Shift focus from the negative to the positive
* Be Proactive: Ascertain what can be accomplished today
* Maintain Momentum: Delve into strategies for maintaining consistency
* Prioritize Your Tasks: Understand the significance of urgency
* Self-Acceptance: Foster inner peace, confidence, and resilience

Whether you’re facing a life-altering event or everyday struggles, these lessons will empower you to rise stronger and create the life you truly desire. 💪

For a limited time, you can use the discount code “noexcuse20” at checkout to get 20% off the course price. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential.

🔗 CLICK HERE

If you’re ready to take control of your life and embrace a no-excuse mindset, I invite you to join me on this transformative journey. Together, we’ll create the lives we’ve always wanted, no matter what challenges come our way.

To your success,
 

Chris

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Hi Friend,
 

We live in a world of definitives and labels, where outcomes and emotions are often seen as “either/or.” However, the truth is that life is more of a “both and” experience.

 

When I suffered a spinal cord injury, I lost so much— independence, physical ability, health, and aspirations. Yet, amidst the loss and hurt, I gained new perspectives, gratitude, the ability to amplify messages of hope and resilience, and a deeper understanding of what makes a truly rich life. Despite my losses, there has been so much gained. It’s complicated and doesn’t neatly fit into one group.

 

It’s easy to feel pressured to view life with an all-or-nothing mentality, as if you can’t be brave and scared at the same time. Growing up, I believed in this mentality so much that I resisted allowing myself to feel sad or negative because I thought it would define me as a person. Plus, I feared that if I allowed myself to go there, I would be stuck there! I fought hard to suppress those feelings, but in reality, experiencing a range of emotions is what makes us human.

 

We can feel hopeful about the future while feeling fearful of the uncertainty. We can feel sad about a relationship ending, yet excited for new opportunities. We can be disappointed in a mistake, but grateful for the lesson learned. Opposing emotions can and do coexist, and it’s taking me some time to be okay with that. As a result, I’m no longer waging an internal war against whatever feeling doesn’t fit the narrative I want. Instead, I’m learning to embrace the complexity of my emotions and find peace in the “both and” experience.

 

Allow opposing emotions to coexist within yourself. It’s okay to not be where you want to be and still feel content, to strive for more while having self-acceptance. The more I’ve allowed myself to make space for uncomfortable emotions, the more peace I’ve felt and the more I’ve experienced the feelings I desire. Allowing myself to move through them in a healthy way has been liberating.

 

Give yourself permission to feel the full spectrum of emotions, even when they seem contradictory. Fight the notion that two polar opposite emotions or outcomes can’t coexist. Embrace the “both and” of life. 
 

Your friend,

Chris

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Hi Friend,
 

One of the most famous Bible verses reads, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23 NIV

 

Whether you are religious or not, there’s something powerful about an “Even though, I will” declaration. The psalmist doesn’t deny the reality of the ‘darkest valley’— the challenges, the pain, the uncertainty. But even in the midst of these struggles, they choose to overcome their fear and find strength in God’s presence and protection.

 

We need to find our own “Even Though, I Will” mindset. It’s a powerful way to approach life’s challenges with resilience and courage. It’s a two-part perspective that honestly acknowledges the realities of our struggles while also declaring our commitment to keep moving forward. I can relate to this with my own story. Even though I lost all movement from the neck down, I will not let it ruin my life.

 

The ‘even though’ part is about facing our challenges head-on, validating our experiences and emotions. The ‘I will’ part is where the real power lies. It’s the declaration of our determination, our choice to keep going even in the face of adversity. It’s saying:

– Even though I’m facing this challenge, I will keep taking steps forward.

– Even though I’m feeling afraid, I will lean into courage and faith.

– Even though I don’t have all the answers, I will trust the journey and keep learning and growing.

– Even though _____, I will _____.

The ‘I will’ is a statement of agency and empowerment. It reminds us that even in our toughest moments, we have the power to choose our response.

 

This mindset doesn’t make our challenges disappear, but it gives us a powerful framework for moving through them with grace, strength, and resilience. So, the next time you face an ‘even though’ moment, add that powerful ‘I will’ to your perspective. Declare your commitment to keep moving forward, to lean into courage and faith, to trust the journey even when it’s hard. Remember, you have the strength and resilience to face any challenge that comes your way.

 

Your friend,

Chris

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Hi Friend,
 

For years after my injury, I obsessively pursued regaining my physical strength, confusing it with my self-worth. It wasn’t until my wedding day that I began being enlightened to this false belief. 

 

Even if I had tripped and fallen in front of People magazine, documentary film crew, or guests it wouldn’t have mattered. In fact, let me let you in on a secret… My pants almost fell down! My belt was too loose. Emily, my bride, hilariously yelled, “Oh no, his pants are coming down!” She saved the day by hiking them back up and tightening my belt before scarring our guests. That’s the beauty of video editing—you get to choose the perfect moments to share. 😊

 

We laughed about it because life’s too short to take seriously. By then, I understood what truly mattered—surrounding yourself with loved ones and accepting yourself as you are, perfectly imperfect. It’s not about flawlessness but embracing the unexpected, finding humor in mishaps, and cherishing those who stand by you.

 

Our wedding day reminded me that true strength lies in vulnerability, authenticity, and finding joy in imperfect moments. Life’s a beautifully unpredictable journey. It’s up to us to make the most of every moment, one hiked-up pair of pants at a time.

 

Next time you face a mishap or feel self-conscious about your imperfections, remember my wedding day pants incident. Embrace the humor, let go of the need for perfection, and lean on the love of those around you. True strength lies in your ability to be vulnerable and authentic.

 

Your friend,

Chris

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Hi Friend,   Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that you just can’t seem to shake? It plays on repeat, over and over again, and the worst part is when it’s a song you don’t even like or are embarrassed to admit is in your head. I’ll be lying in bed, and a song like “All the Single Ladies” is playing in my head—It’s like a mental torture loop.   But just like a song, we also have thoughts and voices that get stuck in our heads. Some are encouraging, lifting us up even when things get tough. Unfortunately, the catchiest ones are negative, telling us we’re not good enough, don’t even try.   This internal dialogue that happens in our heads is heavily influenced by our upbringing and environment—what we watch, listen to, and interact with. The good news is we can change our environment and thoughts.   I’ve learned that to overcome adversity, it’s crucial to be mindful of the voices in our minds. They impact how we respond to challenges.    When I was working through the challenges of my spinal cord injury, I had my own motivational playlist—the voices of my family, friends, and community. Their support and encouragement kept me going, just like a carefully curated playlist can energize a runner. Seeking out voices that uplift and empower you is key. They can come from a friend, a podcast, a book, the people you follow on social media, music or a loved one. Surround yourself with positivity to help drown out the negative self-talk.   Yet it’s not entirely enough to hear encouraging voices; engrave them into your soul. Take proactive steps to internalize positivity. Write them down, share them with a friend, or reflect regularly. Use these affirmations to tune out the negativity.   When negative voices try to infiltrate, hit the skip button. Replace them with strength, resilience, and self-belief. That’s not to say you ignore any sort of feedback or criticism; it’s just making sure it’s not the loudest voice in your head. By curating your internal soundtrack, you become the master of your thoughts and emotions.   Your friend, Chris Click here to share with a friend if you found this valuable 😊

Hi Friend,   Monday night, sports fans everywhere witnessed Caitlin Clark’s remarkable performance on the basketball court – 41 points, 12 assists. Leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to another Final Four appearance. It was nothing short of legendary. But beyond her exceptional skill, what truly sets Caitlin and other high achievers apart?   It’s their relentless drive to self-motivate.   In the face of doubt, pressure, and skepticism, they don’t back down. Instead, they embrace what I like to call the “chip on your shoulder” mentality. They actively seek out reasons to feel underestimated and overlooked, using these perceptions as fuel to propel themselves to new heights of success.   Even when they’ve already reached the top of their game, they refuse to rest on their laurels. They’re constantly pushing themselves to be better, to achieve more.   But here’s the beauty of it – we can all adopt this mindset. We can all find our own “chip on the shoulder” – not to diminish our worth, but to ignite our motivation and drive.   So, I challenge you: What’s your chip? What’s that thing that pushes you to strive for greatness, even when the odds are stacked against you? Embrace it. Let it fuel your passion, your determination, and your relentless pursuit of excellence.   Together, let’s unlock our potential and reach new heights.   Here’s to embracing the “chip on your shoulder” mentality and achieving greatness.   Your friend, Chris Click here to share with a friend if you found this valuable 😊

Hi Friend,

I celebrate 32 years of life today. Time feels like it’s flying by. I swear it was just yesterday when I turned 21. I’ve learned countless lessons along the way, and I want to share 32 that have truly impacted me. I compiled them into categories for you. I hope at least one will resonate with you.

 

Personal Growth:

1. God’s greatest rewards go to those who play the long game.

2. Unlock your personal power by being fully present in the moment.

3. Embrace absolute responsibility; it’s the key to unshakable resilience.

4. Character, not muscle, reveals true strength.

5. Excuses are dead weight; shed them to soar.

6. Live each day like it’s your last because one day, it will be.

7. Reflection and restoration are investments, not indulgences.

8. If you don’t like where you are, move. You’re not a tree.

9. Failure after trying trumps the regret of never trying at all.

 

Relationships:

10. The richness of your relationships determines the richness of your life.

11. Asking for help isn’t shameful; it’s an act of courage.

12. You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.

13. True greatness lies in making others feel great.

14. People will remember how you made them feel, not what you said.

15. Time spent with loved ones is never wasted.

 

Spirituality and Mindset:

16. Focus on what’s right, and you’ll never be blinded by what’s wrong.

17. In tough times, ask yourself, “What can I do today?”

18. When purpose seems elusive, ask, “Who’s counting on me?”

19. Speak your dreams out loud; manifesting is real.

20. God’s opinion of you is the ultimate truth.

21. Accept what you can’t control to master what you can.

22. Meekness is a quiet strength, not a weakness.

 

Communication and Influence:

23. Your life is as rich as the lives you enrich.

24. Your attention and appreciation are the most precious gifts you can give.

25. Words are powerful; they can shatter or shape worlds.

26. Apologize quickly, forgive swiftly, learn deeply, and forget completely.

27. Before pointing fingers, take a look in the mirror.

28. Reading daily is a habit of champions.

 

Health and Well-being:

29. Recharge nightly to conquer daily. Get some sleep!

30. Feelings are meant to be expressed, not suppressed.

31. No external fix can heal an internal wound.

32. Your body is your temple, not a trash can. Fuel it with nutrition and keep moving. 

 

I’d love to hear from you! What life lessons resonated with you? What have you learned in your journey so far? Let’s inspire each other to keep growing and learning.

Your friend,

Chris

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With purpose and perseverance, you can achieve more than you know.​

Hey Friend! I’m writing to share some highlights from an incredibly busy yet meaningful week. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people across the country. Though my travels have left little time for rest, the ability to share my message of hope and triumph over adversity provides fuel to my soul.   I was honored to deliver a keynote speech on leadership and vision at a conference in Georgia. I then quickly flew to Iowa, where despite some travel hiccups, we raised over $140,000 at the Chris Norton Foundation’s annual fundraiser, setting a new record! Those funds will help change lives through our specialized camps and special equipment grants.   I’ve also had the chance to inspire groups large and small this week – from an enthusiastic team of leaders to the UAB Women’s Basketball team, where I spoke about harnessing the power of being present in the face of setbacks. Among my favorite memories was listening to leaders from all backgrounds talk about times they overcame challenges that enabled them to grow. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.   When the week wraps I’ll have traveled over 5,000 miles, taken nine flights and delivered seven talks across seven states in seven days! It’s not sustainable, but it’s been a gratifying week. The best part is always meeting people afterwards who say my story provided them hope. When someone tells me “I needed that,” all the time spent away from home feels worthwhile.   I want to thank all of you for your interest and support. Please remember that you have reservoirs of untapped strength within you. With purpose and perseverance, you can achieve more than you know. Let my journey inspire you to embrace your challenges as opportunities to grow and make a difference! Your friend, Chris Click here to share with a friend if you found this valuable 😊

Most people have compassion to share if you’re vulnerable enough to ask.​ Hey Friend! I’m writing as I prepare my presentation for this Saturday’s annual Chris Norton Foundation dinner fundraiser. I realized that none of this would be happening had I miraculously regained my ability to walk after my injury. The Foundation wouldn’t exist. I wouldn’t have experienced the hardships facing so many with disabilities. Our empowering camps wouldn’t uplift individuals who feel isolated. Years later, I see how the biggest battle of my life bore fruit beyond measure – nothing I could have predicted or imagined in my heartache.   That’s the challenge: we can only connect the dots backward, not forward. So what do you do amid the storm, when you can’t see the good or understand the meaning of your pain? There’s a gap between hardship and purpose. What you do in that gap determines everything. Like me, you face a choice: give in to fear and abandon dreams, or have faith to rebuild your life from the ground up, without a clue where it will lead. It takes abundant faith, courage and patience to persist with no guarantee, but I believe you have it inside.   Here’s one thing that helped me move forward: simply asking for help. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Most people have compassion to share if you’re vulnerable enough to ask. Whether it’s a counselor, family, friend or someone else – ask for help when you need it, because we all do. Do this long enough and I believe one day you’ll see the good emerge. The good doesn’t have to be big for it to be great. Maybe you’ll be there for someone facing a similar battle, lightening their burden from your experience. Because when we lighten someone’s load, we create ripples that can change worlds. Stay strong, be courageous, be patient, and ask for help when you need it. The helping hands you extend outward today can inspire hope in unexpected ways down the road. Your friend, Chris Click here to share with a friend if you found this valuable 😊