"Never wish away the bad days. They are what shape you into the person you are meant to be. And above all, never give up." These are the words that have guided me, Nick Galitsis, on my journey toward success.
As a 19-year-old athlete at the collegiate level and the founder and CEO of Elite Motive, I know firsthand what it means to face setbacks and overcome them. My journey began with a dream of becoming a professional athlete, but it wasn't until I faced a rough patch in my life that I finally committed to pursuing football.
During my Junior year of highschool, I discovered my passion for football and finally felt like I had found my purpose. One night, I made the decision to order a pair of cleats and give this dream a shot. I vividly remember one cloudy afternoon, I was kicking at the field with my dad. I saw a hawk perched on top of a light post, watching me kick. This was especially significant to me because my grandpa had always been compared to a hawk. He also encouraged me to become a kicker before he passed. It was in that moment that I knew I was on the right path, and a fire was lit that is still within me today.
I worked hard and committed myself to the sport, ultimately earning a spot in the hall of fame of my high school and a scholarship to play football at a university. But then came the injury that changed everything. I tore my gracilis tendon in three different places, and the road to recovery was grueling. Not only was there the physical pain and the need for surgery, but there was also the mental struggle of losing my identity as "Nick The Kick" and feeling like I was no longer able to do what I loved. Football had become a huge part of my life, and I felt like I had lost a part of myself.
Despite the setbacks, I never gave up. I refused to let the injury define me or stop me from pursuing my dreams. Instead, I used the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. I realized that setbacks are a natural part of life, but what's important is how you handle them. I refused to let the injury defeat me and instead focused on what I could control - my mindset and my dedication to my goals.
Through this experience, I also discovered my passion for entrepreneurship. I founded Elite Motive, a company designed by athletes, for athletes. It's a platform that empowers athletes to take control of their careers and find success both on and off the field. I've learned that setbacks can actually lead to opportunities, and I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned along the way.
Looking back on my journey so far, I realize that my success is not just about my athletic achievements or my entrepreneurial pursuits, but also about my mindset. It's about never giving up, even when faced with adversity. I want to inspire others to adopt the same mindset - to never give up on their dreams and to use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Because at the end of the day, it's not about what happens to you, but how you respond to it that defines you. That's why I came up with the 110% rule, which means operating on 100% faith in God and yourself, 5% preparedness, and 5% adrenaline. This mantra brings me peace and motivation to keep going, even in tough times.
Elite Motive is not just about athleisure wear; it's about representing what you stand for: helping others, overcoming adversity, and loving what you do. I believe that when you look good, you feel good, and you perform better. That's why I've put purpose behind my clothing, and that purpose is to help others.
To anyone facing setbacks, I urge you to keep going. Surround yourself with a team of people who support you and make you happy. With a support system in place, the rest of the storm will be much easier to walk through. The key is to keep going and never give up.
If you relate to my story I would love to connect with you and have you join the Elite Motive family! We share daily inspiration and motivation for mental and physical well-being. All of our socials will be linked below! Catch our new podcast, The Shorter Runway, on YouTube. Check out our products on www.shopelitemotive.com
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Your story is inspiring. You turned adversity into an energizing force and have already accomplished so much.