Redefining Success and Disability with Spencer West
Spencer West discusses breaking free from societal expectations and finding personal purpose.
1Challenging Life Assumptions
Spencer West, an author and disability advocate born with sacral agenesis, challenges conventional definitions of success. After having his legs amputated as a child, he built a life that defies societal expectations. His recent book, Breaking Free, explores the necessity of moving beyond prescribed paths to find authentic personal purpose.
2The Trap of Expectations
West spent years following a traditional path of college, career building, and professional stability. Despite achieving success by external standards, he felt a lack of genuine purpose. He realized that being proficient in a role does not equate to fulfillment, prompting him to reassess his professional and personal life choices.
3Power of Small Experiments
To find his true path, West avoided grand five-year plans in favor of small, joy-driven experiments. He engaged in activities like theater classes and traveling to East Africa to identify what energized him. These experiences provided critical data about his interests, helping him pivot toward a more meaningful and authentic life.
4Evidence-Based Self Discovery
West argues that one cannot simply think their way into knowing what they want. Instead, he advocates for collecting evidence through action, such as changing routines or pursuing curiosities. Even if an experiment does not lead to a new career, it offers valuable self-knowledge that informs future decisions and personal growth.
5Defining Disability Correctly
West emphasizes that 'disabled' is the appropriate term, rejecting euphemisms like 'special needs.' He notes that disability is a universal experience, as most people will encounter access needs at some point. Using accurate language is a matter of human rights, ensuring that accessibility is treated as a basic necessity, not a luxury.
6Resilience as a Necessity
When asked about his resilience, West explains it is not a choice but a survival mechanism in an exclusionary world. He acknowledges the exhaustion and anger that come with constantly navigating physical and emotional barriers. He actively processes these difficult emotions with a therapist rather than suppressing them to maintain a facade.
7Disability as Competitive Advantage
West views his disability as a unique professional asset that granted him access to specific opportunities. While he initially faced hiring discrimination, his distinct life experience eventually allowed him to enter rooms others could not. This perspective enabled him to pursue impactful work, including touring with Demi Lovato and fundraising.
8Reframing the Kilimanjaro Climb
His famous climb of Mount Kilimanjaro is often framed as a feat of extreme independence. However, West now views it as a profound lesson in interdependence. He relied on the support of friends and porters, realizing that asking for and receiving help is a fundamental human strength, not a sign of weakness.
9Breaking Free from Labels
West challenges the societal expectation that disabled people must act as constant sources of inspiration for others. He argues against the pressure to turn personal struggles into lessons for strangers. By rejecting these narratives, he advocates for the right of disabled individuals to exist authentically without performing for a non-disabled audience.
10The Role of Interdependence
The transition from viewing life as a solo endeavor to an interdependent one is central to West's philosophy. He highlights that human connection and mutual support are essential for navigating life's challenges. Recognizing this dynamic allows individuals to stop feeling isolated and instead embrace the value of community and shared human experience.
11Moving Beyond Prescribed Success
Breaking Free serves as an invitation to question inherited assumptions and identify patterns that cause stagnation. West encourages readers to stop living according to someone else's definition of success. The process of breaking free is often a series of small, intentional decisions to prioritize what makes one feel like themselves.
12Final Reflections on Purpose
Ultimately, West’s journey underscores that finding purpose is an evolving process rather than a final destination. By staying curious and questioning societal norms, individuals can build lives that feel truly their own. His story remains a testament to the power of self-awareness, resilience, and the courage to redefine one's own path.
Original article: Guy Kawasaki — Redefining Success and Disability with Spencer West