Facing Adversity with a Grin (with BSL) | Jason Arday | TEDxLadbrokeGrove

Summary

In this inspiring talk, Jason Arday recounts his personal journey of overcoming adversity, from being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and hearing difficulties at a young age, to persevering through life’s toughest challenges. He shares how support from his mother and mentor helped him defy expectations, including earning a Ph.D. after battling a life-threatening brain tumor. Emphasizing the power of persistence, belief in oneself, and facing life's pressures with resilience, Jason’s story serves as a testament to the strength of human endurance and the ability to transform difficulties into triumphs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of perseverance: Jason shares how overcoming difficult odds, including autism and hearing impairment, helped him build resilience and achieve success.
• 😀 The power of positive reinforcement: Jason's mother, Gifty, constantly reassured him that he was unique and capable, fostering a belief in his potential.
• 😀 Embracing challenges: Jason highlights that his educational and life challenges were opportunities for growth, even when the path seemed impossible.
• 😀 The role of a mentor: Sandro, an influential mentor, encouraged Jason to dream bigger, inspiring him to pursue higher education and beyond.
• 😀 Overcoming self-doubt: Despite initially thinking his abilities were too limited, Jason eventually pushed through the fear and reached higher goals, including university.
• 😀 The defining moment of fatherhood: Jason’s fear of becoming a father at 21 became a powerful motivator for him to persevere and achieve great things for his daughter, Taylor.
• 😀 Success as a long-term journey: Jason stresses that success is not just about intelligence but about enduring hardship and consistently working toward goals.
• 😀 Navigating adversity: Jason’s battle with a brain tumor and subsequent brain surgery tested his physical and emotional limits but also reinforced his belief in his own resilience.
• 😀 Drawing strength from past experiences: Jason reflects on his journey, using previous challenges as emotional fuel to overcome the present difficulties in his PhD journey.
• 😀 The importance of humility and courage: Jason emphasizes that facing difficulties with humility, trying your best, and embracing failure is an essential part of living and growing.
• 😀 The privilege of facing pressure: Jason encourages others to view pressure as a privilege and a chance to grow, drawing inspiration from Freddie Mercury’s song 'The Show Must Go On'.

Q & A

What was the key moment in Jason's childhood that marked a turning point in his development?

The key moment in Jason's childhood was when, at the age of 11, he said his first word, 'hello,' after years of speech therapy and despite being told by educational psychologists that he would struggle in the real world. This moment made him realize that perseverance could turn unfavorable odds in his favor.

How did Jason's mother, Gifty, contribute to his resilience?

Jason's mother, Gifty, played a crucial role by continuously reinforcing his self-worth. She always told him, 'You are unique, you are a wonderful human being, and you will do great things.' This positive reinforcement helped Jason believe in his potential and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

What did Sandro Andrei Sandri inspire Jason to believe in?

Sandro Andrei Sandri inspired Jason to believe that he could achieve more than he initially thought. He encouraged Jason to dream bigger, telling him that he could attend university and take on the world, even though Jason initially doubted his own capabilities.

What was the significant challenge Jason faced when he went to university?

When Jason went to university, he was overwhelmed and out of his depth, as he had the reading level of an 8-year-old but was doing degree-level work. He struggled and wanted to quit, but his personal circumstances and the impending responsibility of becoming a father gave him the motivation to push through.

How did becoming a father at 21 affect Jason's perspective on life?

Becoming a father at 21 paralyzed Jason with fear, but it also gave him a reason to persevere. The moment he held his daughter, Taylor, for the first time, he committed to giving everything he had to overcome any challenges in order to be the best father he could be.

What was the purpose of Jason's pursuit of a Ph.D. despite feeling he wasn't intelligent?

Jason pursued a Ph.D. not because he felt intelligent, but because he was determined to work harder than anyone else. He viewed the Ph.D. as a test of endurance, not intelligence, and his perseverance and hard work were the key factors that enabled him to succeed.

What life event significantly impacted Jason during his Ph.D. journey?

In January 2015, while pursuing his Ph.D., Jason was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. This diagnosis forced him to reevaluate his priorities and reminded him of the importance of his initial mission: to give everything he had for his daughter, Taylor.

How did Jason manage to pass his Ph.D. exam after his brain surgery and stroke?

Despite suffering a stroke and forgetting everything he was supposed to know for his Ph.D. exam, Jason drew on the resilience and lessons from his past experiences. He recalled his childhood achievements, such as learning to speak and read, and used those memories to overcome the fear and pressure he felt during the exam, ultimately succeeding.

What does Jason believe is the key to navigating challenges and achieving success?

Jason believes that navigating challenges requires humility, the courage to try and fail, and the fearlessness to keep going. Success, in his view, is not about being the best, but about doing your best and finding ways to persevere despite obstacles.

How does Jason view pressure and adversity in life?

Jason views pressure and adversity as privileges. He believes it is a privilege to be in situations where one can face pressure, as it provides opportunities for growth and overcoming challenges. He encourages others to embrace adversity and enjoy the process of facing life's difficulties.

What message does Jason share from Freddie Mercury's song 'The Show Must Go On'?

Jason shares the message from Freddie Mercury's song 'The Show Must Go On,' emphasizing the importance of facing life with resilience and a positive attitude. He encourages others to never give in, regardless of the challenges they face, and to keep moving forward with determination.