To tell you the truth, I have very limited knowledge of Nick Vujicic previously. I knew he was coming to Malaysia for the Success 2016 event (an event organized by Success Resources). I knew he goes around the world to speak but I have no idea what he talks about. I do not know that he’s an Australian and he is 33. But I have great respect for who he is. I have no intention to get any tickets for the event
Anyway, I have no intention of getting the tickets due to the high price.
Until I saw a competition on Facebook with tickets to Success 2016 on the line thanks to Andaman(a fast growing real estate development company in Malaysia). I was thinking of just trying my luck and I was pretty lucky to win myself a Gold Class ticket for the event. I thought, “Maybe I’m fated to listen to Nick Vujicic in person after all“.
I was going to attend the event with an open mind. Prior to this, I have never heard any of his talks online or read any of his books. (though I definitely will start doing so, you’ll see why).
A Man Bigger Than Most
It was around 5.30PM that he made an entrance much to the cheering audience of a fully packed hall. There wasn’t anything fancy about his entrance but the moment he started speaking, there is something about him that seems to tower over all of us in the hall.
There is nothing in words that could describe his energy, passion, and confidence. You just have to witness it in person. A mere 10 minutes into his session, I figure out what he was. He’s a motivational speaker. (I haven’t seen any of his books and videos prior to this). And one of the best motivational speaker I have ever known.
A Powerful Reminder On Gratitude
Nick Vujicic opens his session speaking mostly about gratitude. One big thing that separates him on other speakers is that he trained to be a speaker from the very start. If speaking is an art, then Nick Vujicic is the master crafter. His way of bringing in good humor into the most serious subject is truly remarkable.
Alright, I’m digressing again. His lesson on gratitude is pretty simple. We are asked to list down 3 things that we are grateful in life. It’s pretty simple really. But his delivery with such confidence and openness really touches the soul.
In his exact words
“Be Thankful Of What You Have Instead Of Being Angry For What You Don’t”
Coming from a man born without limbs and struggling from being a victim of bullies the early part of his life, it puts most of us to shame as we are constantly blaming every mishap that has ever happened to us.
Know Who You Are In Overcoming Obstacles
His advice for facing obstacles that are there to stay? Again it has something to do with gratitude. Be grateful for what you already have. It is quite difficult to grasp his reasoning in the beginning. But then he added this “Think what you can do instead for others“.
He shifted the focus on how we can be of value to others instead of selfishly focussing on ourselves. Powerful and very idealist. I would normally be skeptical of this but coming from Nick Vujicic who has lived by example, I am truly humbled by listening to his words.
His Life Story, The Beginning Of A Great Speaker
In his witty style, he told of how he ended up being a speaker. He started his first speaking session at the age of 19. It all started when his school’s janitor encouraged him to be a speaker, much to his bewilderment. He ended up speaking for some of the students at his school. His talent soon draws the attention local churches and soon he begins speaking for them.
Having given thoughts of turning to speak into a real career, he contacted 53 schools hoping to get engagement. After being turned down 53 times, he finally landed one, but at a school nearly 3 hours away from his house. It was his first paid speaking session. He was paid $50. But what he didn’t expect is the crowd turned out to be a mere amount of 10 students.
He went home dejected, depressed and on the brink of giving up.
One Door Closes, Another Open
The next day, another school that has somehow caught hold of his speaking talent, called him up and offered him a proper speaking engagement. And his professional speaking career officially started.
My short paragraphs of Nick Vujicic’s early beginning as a speaker does not do him justice. If you want to read up more about him, here’s a very good and complete article.
Well, I did mention he is the best motivational speaker I’ve ever known. Why is that? I have been to my fair share of seminars where great speakers speak about how they rise from failures. But only Nick Vujicic’s session has managed to bring tears to a number of audiences.
He has no limbs. But he can swim (which I can’t), he can skydive, he can type, he runs a business, he has been to many countries, he is blessed with a wife and child. But the most important thing is he is able to give hope with his words.
What Have I Learned From The Life Story Of Nick Vujicic?
In the short 1.5 hours where Nick Vujicic appeared and left a very deep impression on the audience, we have gained a lot. He summarized the important takeaways as below:
- You Do Not Know What You Can Achieve Until You Try
- When You Fail, Try Again.
- Change Your Obstacle Into Opportunity
- Dream Big
- Dream Bigger
- Never Give Up On YOU
- Have Faith
- Be Thankful
When addressing one particular audience with some health complication, he said something like this “Who you are is what matters. Whether or not you compete again, you are still you”. It’s the same like whether or not he is a speaker, he is still Nick Vujicic. Limbless or not, he is still Nick Vujicic. No one could ever take that away.
This is probably the most powerful message I’ve ever taken away from a motivational seminar.
More On Nick Vujicic Online
Going to the event with zero expectation and coming back with every thanks that I could give, I googled Nick Vujicic, hungry for more motivational resources from this great speaker. Check out one of his inspiring video below.
I’m not sure if I would ever go to any of his seminars again (maybe I could win free tickets again). But I got to know that he has one motivational book that I just have to read, Life Without Limits .
Have you attended any of Nick Vujicic’s seminar or read any of his books? Has the life story of Nick Vujicic inspires you? What did you learn from him? Share your experience on the comments below.
Awesome eye open to me, I like the quote Be Thankful Of What You Have Instead Of Being Angry For What You Don’t. We tend to complain about what we don’t have instead of being thankful for what we do have. Your article is truly a motivation to all of us. I watch the video of Nick Vujicic is really inspiring. Thanks For a Wonderful Article.
Hi Anthony,
Most welcome. I’m glad you like the article. He truly is one of the greatest motivational speaker I’ve ever met.
Kenny
Hi Kenny, isn’t he great! Nick is truly amazing. thank you for your site about him. I saw him for the first time a couple of years ago. I’ve to admit I was shocked, it was on TV in the Hour of Power program, the church program that goes global. I wanted to turn it off, but something made me stay and as you say it, there is something about him that seems to tower over all of us. The beautiful part is that he seems really happy and what a teacher he is, showing us what power the mind has. It is all about love and acceptance. Again, thank you for sharing this beautiful man with us, do you know if he has a program on TV or radio? Would love to hear that, Marion
Hi Marion,
You are exactly right. It looks like he is truly at peace with himself and that gave strength and hope to every single words he said. I’m not sure if he has any program on TV or radio but I’m sure to find out more.
Kenny
Nic Vujicic ha been a great inspiration into my life. You know i’m the kind of guy who always complains about the things i dont have and this has made me a pessimist, always looking at the negative side. When i hear the story of Nic, i feel very challenged and going to my knees i ask for forgiveness for always complaining to go. This article is an inspiration
Hi,
I’m glad you are inspired by Nick Vujicic. I can only say I wished I’ve listen to him speak earlier.
Kenny
Kenny, your content is wonderful and well thought out. Very motivation website and you should really do well with the books,etc.
Hi Jim,
Thanks for reading.
Kenny.
Wow, I love your website and your inspiration. Your motivations wake me up and boost my mind to pursue my dreams. Thank you so much for such a great speech. You make me feel like I’m at a seminar. Good job ,love it.
Sophie
Sophie,
Thank you for your compliments. I hope your passion in chasing your dream will only grow.
Kenny
This was absolutely wonderful. This whole story was inspiring. I love to read however in the past few years I don’t have time for leisure reading nor do I want to. However, this story kept me intrigued and motived. I also felt as it I was listening instead of reading about a motivational speaker. You did a wonderful job here. If anyone is throwing themselves a “pity party†reading this would make them think twice. ~Sherry
Hi Sherry,
Glad you found his life story inspiring. I think words could hardly convey the way he bring hope to others. You just have to attend the seminar to experience it.
Kenny
Oh I really like this guy, he made the best of his situation, and not only that the things he is talking about. he is a true example of passing through all the brick walls of failure. He gives me inspiration, if he can just have the will to find a way to get up everyday literally then I have no excuses, sometimes we think we have the worse situation until you meat someone that has or had it worse
thank you for sharing the content!
Kala,
Truly agree that Nick Vujicic showed us what living without excuses is all about.
Thanks for reading.
Kenny
Hello there. Just watching the first of part of the whole seminar is enough for me to tell how lucky such people like yourself and the kids (so attached emotionally) to be the audience.
There’s something that he possess which I regard the specialty he has. Yes, he may not have the physical norm that the majority of people have but he sure stands out with such capacity only few could have and most would dream of.
Thanks for letting us know, or should I say the world knows who Nick is.
Hi Mohammad Tarmizzy,
The fact that he overcome his physical limitation and achieve such success today made him even greater than most successful speaker. I’m glad you like it.
Kenny
Hi,
This is truly a beautiful and touching story. I’ve seen Nick’s video making rounds in the watsapp community some time back. These are some of the remarkable people who give us strength and keep us motivated. I loved the point about gratitude, I’m going to keep this in mind always. Thanks for this beautiful post, you made my day!
Hi Sandy,
What I can say is that I only hope to have really know Nick and his motivational stuff much earlier. He truly offer a great strength of hope. Thanks for reading.
Kenny
Wow! Very powerful story. Thanks for sharing the information. I think this is very useful to everyone. I had no idea about Nick Vujicic’s story but it was very impactful.
Kristin,
Like you, I too have zero knowledge of his background. The moment he spoke changed everything.
Kenny
Wow, I am very impressed !
It’s been a while since I heard / read / saw Nick Vujicic (a nice 4 years or something..)
Anyways, yeah man, everything you saw in this article about him is absolutely true, I agree with you – He is one of the best motivational speakers out there. ‘Couse I mean, look at him, at his problems, and daily issues and then look back at yourself, you already feel like you can achieve more than you could a minute ago. This man brought me to tears once, and I am very happy to see that someone is actually reviewing him.
Great job!
Hi Alexey,
I can’t resist writing my experience after I went to his talk on the weekend. And that’s the least I can do after getting to know a great motivational speaker like him.
Thanks for reading.
Wow, when I first started reading your article I had no idea who Nick Vujicic is. But as soon as I saw his picture I was like Ohhh that guy! I’ve seen his youtube videos and hit motivational speeches but his name was nothing but a blur to me. Really amazing human being…People complain about problems and yet this guy is still able to remain positive and not only that – Motivate others to be positive despite no arms and legs! A truly, truly inspirational man.
Well, I have to admit I didn’t know how to pronounce his name until I went to his seminar. Very inspirational. There is no excuse not to move the heaven after seeing all that he has done.
Very motivational, this man is also very motivational, the power of the mind is truly remarkable. Awesome post.
Sam,
Indeed he truly is. Thanks.
Kenny
That’s a great article about Nick Vujicic. I have read an article about him on BBC and saw a video of him. But every time I read about him, I’m always amazed and I feel better. He is a really amazing and great motivational speaker, and also a great person. Thanks again for writing more about him.
Hi Sandy,
I’m glad you found him inspiring too. I’m looking forward to reading his books.
Kenny
Hey, I know what you mean, I remember watching one of his videos for the first time and it really is an eye openner, I often get discourage for not having what I want, and he make me see that I already have so much to be thankful for, and my problems are tiny compared with other people’s,
I try to start th day with the mindset of giving my best , enjoy and make people around me happy.
You are right Kenny this guy is awsome.
Hi Javier,
Yes. When I look at what he has Nick, it made me want to triple up my effort in what I’m doing.
Kenny
Gratitude is so powerful. I’ve tried to integrate more gratitude into my life, journaling, and thinking ever since I read the Shawn Anchor book on happiness. The Happiness Advantage, I believe it’s called, but he has a whole series of books.
Inspiring post! Gratitude is an important takeaway for anyone else who reads this. Be grateful!
Hi Jack,
I definitely must take a look on the book you mentioned. My favourite books on Happiness are from Andrew Matthews. Yes, let’s be grateful.
Kenny
Very inspiring story, I have heard so much about this guy. I have no idea how he makes it through life with such joy and feeling of purpose. It would be so easy to take on the attitude of woe is me, and want pity from everyone. I pray god continues to bless this man and his ministry of hope.
Zach,
He is definitely a man on his own. The special thing is that unlike some motivational speaker, he does not put himself above us. He admits of having bout of emotional downtime just like the rest of us. The beautiful thing is how he rise above all those negativities.
Kenny.
What an inspirational life story! I’ve never heard of Nick Vujicic and I can imagine he’s a great speaker just by his philosophy on life. When you think of all that he has had to overcome in his life, since he was born without limbs, it sure makes the problems faced by many of us seem not so significant. I love his emphasis on being thankful and not only to dream big, but to dream bigger!
Mike,
Exactly. Before I went to his seminar. I was thinking this could be “just another motivational speaker” until he spoke his very first words.
Kenny.
Wow what a truly inspirational person with an even more inspiring testimonial to share with the world! If anybody is having a difficult time or is feeling frozen by the limitations of their current situation, they need only look to this gentleman and his story to realize that it is possible to overcome ANYTHING and go on to live a fulfilling life!
I had heard of him by name before, but before I visited your website when I was researching who he was, I had no idea exactly what his message was and who he was as a person, and I thank you for shedding some light on this for me!
Hi Matt,
Before attending his talk, I had limited knowledge of what he does. After hearing him speak, there’s no reason not to live our life to our best. Some people talk about hope and inspiration. Nick Vujicic is hope and inspiration himself.
Kenny
I am like you. I hadn’t even heard of the name Nick Vujicic. I hadn’t even heard of this event, Success 2016. Wow, what a strong man to be brought into life with so many cruel people. I always tell my son to never make fun of those less fortunate them himself, because a lot of them did not ask to have the handicap they have, they had no control over it and they are human beings just like us. I would love to see him speak! Heck I would take my son.
Hi.
Yes. You should take your son. Nick Vujicic has gone through being a victim of bullying himself. You will be amazed of what he is today.
Kenny.
We tend to forget to give thanks and appreciate what we have. My grandma used to say that if you look to the side there will always be someone less fortunate than you that you can always help. It is easier to complaint about things. I have been practicing this days to transform my negative thoughts into positive ones. I make myself aware of what am thinking and change it if it’s not positive.
Hi Irma,
I think your grandma is very wise to say that to you. Complaining is always easy but taking action and being positive takes practice. Thanks for reading.
Kenny
Hi Kenny,
This is an absolutely wonderful article! I had never heard of Nick Vujicic before now. I’m blown away – I watched the video in tears because it was so beautiful and so moving.
I want to thank you for introducing me to him. What an incredibly inspiring man – there is so much to learn from him!!
I plan on watching more of his speeches and reading his books! Just in the few minutes that I watched him, he’s given me strength. What an amazing human being he is!
I will be back to read more of your posts! You have a fantastic site, and I’m already a fan!
Wishing you much success and happiness,
Anna
Hi Anna,
Yes he is amazing. You just have to see him in person if you got the chance. I’m blessed attending one of his event.
And thank you for loving my site.
Cheers,
Kenny
Nick Vujicic is an amazing human he’s done so much with his life. His quote is so true “Be Thankful Of What You Have Instead Of Being Angry For What You Don’t” I think I take good things in life for granted and need to appreciate them more. What’s your Favourite quote Kenny?
Hi Jay,
Here’s one quote from Nick Vujicic that really connects with me ““Some injuries heal more quickly if you keep moving.”
Cheers,
Kenny