The Paralympics are such an important celebration of what people can achieve, no matter the challenges they face.

These athletes are incredible – they push their limits to extreme lengths and inspire millions with their grit and determination. It's all about defying expectations and showing the world just how strong the human spirit can be!

And just like those Paralympic athletes who conquer life’s hurdles, you too can achieve your goals with some effective mindset tips and practical strategies.

Paralympic Athletes Who Motivate Us to Be Our Best

With the Paralympic Games come so many stories of courage and determination. Here are just a few inspiring examples:

Kurt Fearnley, AO

An Australian wheelchair racer with two decades of experience, Kurt has competed in five Paralympic Games, winning three gold, seven silver and three bronze medals.

Kurt was born with sacral agenesis (a birth defect where part or all of the lower spine bone is missing), affecting his lower spine. His determination and meticulous planning have been key to his success in sports​.

“One of the keys [to success] is self-belief,” he says. “This idea, this concept that I know I can do absolutely anything on the planet… it’s just a matter of figuring out how I do it and it’s a matter of time. There’s no question of whether or not it can be done, it’s just when.”

Although he’s now retired as a para-athlete, and being inducted into the Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2022, he continues to advocate for people living with disabilities, and is a board member for the NDIS.

"I will always strive to strengthen the movement for people with a disability," he has said.

Kelly Cartwright, OAM

After losing her right leg at the age of 15 following an aggressive cancer diagnosis, Kelly went on to become a para-athlete in running and Long Jump, smashing world records and winning a number of golds and silvers over the past 15 years. She even became the first female above-the-knee amputee to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in 2009.

Her advice for maintaining strength through adversity?

“Sometimes we can't change what happens to us, but what we can change is how we move forward,” she says. “Make something out of a new situation, good or bad. You never know what you're capable of until you try.”

Richard Whitehead, MBE

Richard Whitehead is a British Paralympic athlete who also competes in T42 sprint events and marathons. With a double through-knee congenital amputation, he has faced various challenges, including incontinence, which he manages through rigorous discipline and management.

These challenges didn’t hold Richard back from achieving greatness, having won 12 Paralympics medals over the last 11 years, and continuing to inspire the next generation.

“[For children] to see someone being successful with a disability is like a life-changing experience,” he recently told The Standard. “It gives them hope and aspiration for the future, that they can live a fruitful life and achieve their ambitions. To think ‘I’m not alone’.”

Hannah Cockroft, OBE

An extremely talented British wheelchair racer, Hannah Cockroft, was only diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) in the past few years. This came after experiencing mobility difficulties growing up, spurred by her going into cardiac arrest twelve hours after she was born, before suffering another four hours later.

She was shockingly clinically dead for 20 minutes but made it through, however was left with brain damage. Despite her adversities growing up, Hannah has since won seven Paralympic medals and 16 world championships.

"So many disabled people just get put in a box and treated as if they are less than, and that they can't do things,” she told Express last year. “Sport has made me stronger.”

These athletes, and countless others, demonstrate the incredible potential within each of us. Let their stories fuel your own journey towards achieving your goals.

Overcoming Obstacles: Lessons from Paralympians

Paralympic athletes face a wide range of physical challenges, from spinal cord injuries to amputations to incontinence. Despite these obstacles, they train relentlessly, pushing themselves to achieve their best.

Regardless of their Paralympian status, their overall strength and determination can teach us all valuable life lessons - including when it comes to managing incontinence.

Focus on What You Can Control

Paralympians can't control their limitations, but they focus on maximising their abilities through training and dedication.

Similarly, while you might not be able to control your incontinence entirely, you can focus on managing it effectively with incontinence solutions.

There are many things you can do. From adjusting your diet to strengthening your pelvic floor muscles to using incontinence aids!

However, the best course of action is to have a chat with your doctor for more personal advice and to explore other medical options. These could be many things like seeing a urologist or visiting a pelvic physiotherapist, taking medication and in some scenarios, even undergoing surgery.

Wearing quality incontinence aids is also extremely important when it comes to your comfort and quality of life. Our Dailee range features high-quality incontinence products to help you live life with confidence. These range from pads and guards that can help with drips and lighter leaks, to pants and slips, ideal for those who experience heavier leaks and full voids.

If you’re not 100% sure which product is right for you or the person you care for, you can take our simple yet comprehensive Help Me Choose Quiz, to see what products are the best fit.

Embrace Challenges as Opportunities for Growth

Paralympians view their limitations not as barriers but as opportunities to develop new strengths. Incontinence can be frustrating, but it can also be a catalyst for positive change; perhaps it motivates you to develop healthier habits or explore new activities that can strengthen and calm you, like yoga for your pelvic floor.

How to Stay Motivated Despite Challenges

The road to success isn’t smooth for anyone, no matter what the circumstances. Paralympic athletes face setbacks, injuries, and moments of doubt. But what allows them to achieve their goals is their unwavering perseverance.

Here's how you too can cultivate determination and perseverance to reach your personal or professional goals:

• Develop a growth mindset: Believe that your abilities can improve with effort and practice. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t discourage yourself if you don’t meet your goals in your expected timeframe. Be kind to yourself and your body!

• Celebrate small wins: Reaching goals takes time. Break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone, keeping yourself motivated along the way.

• Find a support system: Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people. This could be through talking to your own friends and family, or exploring what support groups are available.

Setting SMART Goals for Success

The SMART acronym can help in setting goals, and can be a powerful tool for achieving anything you set your mind to.

Here's how to apply this framework when living with incontinence:

• Specific: Instead of a vague goal like "improve bladder control," set a specific target, like "reduce nighttime leaks" or "increase the time between bathroom visits."
  
  
• Measurable: Track your progress using an incontinence symptoms diary or app. This allows you to monitor improvements and adjust your strategies as needed.
  
  You might find the My Bladder Diary app super helpful. It lets you track your fluids, bathroom trips, and leaks, all in one place.

• Achievable: Set realistic goals that challenge you but don't overwhelm you. Celebrate small victories and gradually increase the difficulty as you progress.

• Relevant: Align your goals with your overall well-being. For example, joining a support group or an exercise program can be a great motivator.

• Time-bound: Set a relative timeframe for reaching your goals. This can help you stay focused.

The Paralympics are a powerful reminder that human potential knows no bounds. Just like the incredible athletes who inspire us all, you too can overcome challenges and achieve your goals. With the right mindset and practical tools, you can conquer your incontinence goals and achieve anything you set your mind to.