“You are going to live a different life” - from Victim To Victor.

In a recent interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Ben Kjar, a world champion wrestler who defies the odds and sets an inspiring example for individuals seeking to rewrite their life stories. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to achieving wrestling success is a testament to the power of self-focus, self-mastery, and the impact of the choices we make in life. This article delves into the conversation with Ben, highlighting the insights and experience that has led to him becoming a world champion and turning a prophecy of burdening life into a story of a victor.

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Wrestling Triumphs and Personal Growth

Ben's remarkable journey took him recently to Greece, where he represented the United States in wrestling at the world championships. There, he clinched a silver medal in freestyle wrestling and the longed-for world championship title in Greco-Roman wrestling. But Ben's story goes beyond wrestling victories; it's about conquering fear and embracing self-mastery. It is not given that he became the world champion because the reason he took silver in the freestyle was an overwhelming fear of failure in the finals. Feeding that focus became a self-fulfilling prophecy. For Ben, it was key to remembering the legacy he leaves behind, and the role model he is for his kids. You might not have kids, instead, think of who in your life are you inspired to make a difference for? Ben’s wife reminded him to show their kids what it looks like for a father to step up after being beaten. Ben turned his mindset around and took the world champion title in the Greco-Roman style.

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The Power of Choices

One of the key takeaways from my conversation with Ben was the importance of the choices we make in life. He urged you to reflect on your purpose on this planet and consider what you are meant to do. Ben's own journey is a testament to the power of making conscious choices and facing the consequences head-on. He shared how he overcame his fear of failure and urged others to do the same. Ben also emphasized that focusing on oneself first allows individuals to assist others better, much like putting on your own oxygen mask on a plane before helping others.

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Reflecting on Life and Personal Growth

Ben is born with Crouzons syndrome, a craniofacial anomaly, which has taken him through many surgeries to deal with his health and physical look. The doctors told him he will live a different life, and he decided to turn it into a meaning of making an impact by defying the odds.

Ben expressed his desire to be a role model for his children and shared how he learned from past experiences. He emphasized the importance of embracing emotions and experiences that enrich life, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence, self-love and do things that are fun.

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Embracing Disobedience to Average

Towards the end of our conversation, Ben challenged the audience to be "disobedient to average" and take risks to achieve their most challenging goals. Break through by facing fear and taking action. He stressed that true fulfillment comes from striving for excellence and being true to oneself. Ben’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on rewriting one’s story and stepping into greatness.

When we dare to step up to our calling, that’s when “you are going to live a different life”, a life for the better. As I like to say, life is too short for mediocracy. I am not saying you must become a world champion, the point is that you have a choice of what you are willing to settle for in your life.

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Conclusion

Ben Kjar's journey from wrestling triumphs to personal growth and the pursuit of excellence is a remarkable story of defying the odds and embracing life to the fullest. His story serves as a testament to the power of self-focus, self-mastery, and the choices we make, reminding us all to be "disobedient to average" and step into greatness.