Introduction:
In this lesson we explore the inspiring story of Jennifer Bricker, a remarkable individual who defied the odds and achieved great success despite being born without legs. We will examine the role of mindset in Jennifer’s journey and consider how our own perspectives can impact our lives. We will also reflect on the limitations we may unknowingly impose on ourselves and explore ways to challenge and inspire ourselves to reach our full potential.
A Life With No Limits
Having been born without legs, Jennifer Bricker was abandoned in her birthplace of Romania by her biological parents the day she was born. An American family, Gerald and Sharon Bricker, would come to adopt Jennifer and raise her in a small town in Illinois. Raised alongside 3 boys, her parents wouldn’t allow the word “can’t” to enter her vocabulary. It was through their acceptance, love, and encouragement that she never saw her disability as a limitation.
At an early age, Jennifer loved tumbling on the trampoline with her father and watching her gymnastic idol, Dominque Moceanu, perform on a national stage. A gymnast herself, Jennifer would go on to win state titles and place fourth in the Junior Olympics.
Jennifer knew she was adopted, but never expressed interest in the adoption. The adoption was a closed adoption that would not reveal the identity of her biological parents, except for a minor clerical error that identified her last name at birth as Moceanu. The gymnast Jennifer had been idolizing on television was actually her older sister.
Like her sister, Jennifer has never put any limits on her dreams. Being a natural athlete, she taught herself to swim and roller-skate on her hands. By age 7, Jennifer was playing softball and eventually took up tumbling and volleyball. She is now a highly accomplished acrobat and aerialist who has toured with Britney Spears on her ‘Circus’ World Tour.
Doing new challenges and putting yourself out there absolutely affects me and every other part of my life, when you challenge yourself, you put yourself in an uncomfortable position, always growth comes from that. When you’re growing, you’re inspired. You inspire yourself, and then others.
– Jennifer Bricker
Jennifer’s Success and the Power of Mindset:
After reading the background information and watching the video:
- Emphasize that Jennifer’s success was rooted in her mindset, nurtured by her parents’ acceptance, love, and encouragement.
- Encourage students to reflect on the role of mindset in their own lives and discuss how a positive outlook can lead to success.
Viewing Limitations as Opportunities:
- Discuss the potential impact on Jennifer’s life if she had seen her birth defect as a limitation.
- Engage students in a thought-provoking discussion on the limitations they may have imposed on themselves due to negative thinking or fear of failure.
- Encourage students to explore ways in which they can reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and development.
- Share examples of individuals who have overcome physical or mental limitations through a positive mindset.
- Prompt students to imagine alternative outcomes for Jennifer if she had viewed her disability negatively, fostering empathy and understanding.
Inspiring Examples of Triumph Through a Positive Mindset
- Nick Vujicic: Born without arms and legs, Nick Vujicic has become an internationally renowned motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Despite facing significant physical challenges, he has inspired millions with his message of hope and resilience. Nick has traveled the world, delivering powerful speeches and advocating for disability rights.
- Helen Keller: Helen Keller was deaf and blind from an early age. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate through sign language and braille. Helen went on to become a prominent author, political activist, and lecturer, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and inspiring generations with her determination and accomplishments.
- Stephen Hawking: Diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease at the age of 21, Stephen Hawking became one of the most influential physicists of our time. Despite his progressively debilitating condition, he made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of black holes, the universe, and the nature of time. Hawking’s resilience and scientific brilliance continue to inspire millions worldwide.
- Temple Grandin: Temple Grandin is a renowned autism advocate, author, and professor of animal science. Despite being diagnosed with autism at a time when understanding and support were limited, she channeled her unique perspective and abilities into revolutionizing animal welfare and improving livestock handling systems. Temple’s accomplishments have transformed the agricultural industry and raised awareness about the capabilities of individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Jim Abbott: Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott defied the odds to become a successful professional baseball player. He pitched for several Major League Baseball teams and even threw a no-hitter game for the New York Yankees. Abbott’s determination, adaptability, and positive mindset allowed him to excel in a sport that many believed would be impossible for someone with his physical condition.
These individuals serve as powerful examples of how a positive mindset, perseverance, and a refusal to be defined by their limitations can lead to extraordinary achievements. Their stories inspire us to challenge our own beliefs and strive for greatness, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Identifying Self-Imposed Limitations:
- Facilitate a reflective exercise where students identify limitations they may have unnecessarily placed upon themselves.
- Encourage students to consider both external factors (e.g., societal expectations, peer pressure) and internal factors (e.g., self-doubt, fear) that contribute to these limitations.
- Provide a safe space for students to share their thoughts and experiences, fostering an open and supportive classroom environment.
- Discuss strategies for challenging and overcoming self-imposed limitations, such as setting realistic goals, seeking support from others, and practicing self-compassion.
Transforming Internal Narratives:
- Introduce the concept of internal narratives or stories that play in our minds, shaping our beliefs and actions.
- Engage students in a reflective activity where they identify any negative stories or limiting beliefs they hold about themselves and their abilities.
- Encourage students to challenge these narratives by questioning their validity and replacing them with empowering and positive thoughts.
- Share inspirational stories of individuals who have rewritten their internal narratives and achieved extraordinary success.
- Prompt students to create new empowering narratives that align with their dreams and aspirations.
Transformative Journeys: Inspiring Stories of Overcoming and Rewriting Narratives for Extraordinary Success
- Oprah Winfrey: Despite a challenging upbringing marked by poverty and abuse, Oprah Winfrey rewrote her internal narrative to become a media mogul, philanthropist, and influential figure. She overcame numerous obstacles, embraced her strengths, and used her platform to inspire and empower others. Oprah’s story is a testament to the transformative power of rewriting one’s narrative and embracing one’s authentic self.
- Michael Jordan: Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan experienced setbacks and failures along his journey to success. He was cut from his high school basketball team, but instead of giving up, Jordan rewrote his internal narrative and used those experiences as fuel to become even more determined and resilient. His dedication, self-belief, and ability to rewrite his narrative propelled him to achieve unparalleled success in the sport.
- Malala Yousafzai: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist and Nobel laureate, defied the Taliban’s opposition to girls’ education and fearlessly advocated for the rights of girls to receive an education. After surviving an assassination attempt, Malala rewrote her internal narrative, turning a traumatic experience into a catalyst for global change. Her unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to her cause have made her an international symbol of courage and empowerment.
- Steve Jobs: Co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs revolutionized the technology industry with his innovative products and visionary leadership. However, his journey was not without challenges. After being ousted from Apple, Jobs rewrote his internal narrative, learning from his failures and embracing his passion for creating groundbreaking technology. His remarkable comeback and subsequent successes have left an indelible mark on the world.
Challenging Yourself for Personal Growth:
- Discuss the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges.
- Provide examples of activities or pursuits that can help students expand their skills, interests, and perspectives.
- Discuss the benefits of being inspired and inspiring others through personal growth.
- Guide students in setting personal goals and creating actionable plans to challenge themselves and be their absolute best.
Conclusion:
Jennifer Bricker’s remarkable journey teaches us the power of mindset and the potential for personal growth when we challenge our self-imposed limitations. By adopting a positive perspective and rewriting our internal narratives, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams. Through reflection and intentional action, we can inspire ourselves and others to reach new heights. Remember, it’s all in your head – your mindset holds the key to unlocking your true potential.