When Life Forces You to Slow Down

This week I had surgery on my left shoulder. Two years ago, it was my right.
 
Lying here recovering, I’ve had plenty of time to think about why I’ve needed both operations, and what they’ve taught me about resilience, gratitude, and perspective.
 
My shoulder pain dates back to 2010-2014, during my painting and decorating days. I was living with my mum, working long hours, and desperately trying to pay the mortgage and clear my debts.
 
 Decorating to pay the bills.
 
I’ve always been a hard worker. Once I commit to something, I go all in. That’s how I approached decorating: I was fast, focused, and determined to be the best. To speed things up, I used a 15-inch industrial paint roller, twice the size of a standard one. It covered more wall space, but when loaded with paint, it was incredibly heavy.
 
Day after day, I rolled ceilings and walls at high speed, never thinking about the strain on my shoulders. I was trading long-term well-being for short-term results. It felt worth it at the time, but there’s always a price to pay for pushing beyond your limits.
 
Over four years, the pain gradually worsened. Thankfully, I later transitioned into coaching and speaking, a move that changed my life. But the damage was done. The reckless intensity of my decorating days had quietly weakened my shoulders.
 
 It came back to haunt me.
 
Two years ago, lifting heavy furniture tore a tendon in my right shoulder. Recently, lifting something else heavy did the same to my left.
 
It’s a humbling reminder: our bodies keep score. You can ignore pain and push through exhaustion, but eventually, the bill arrives.
 
Unable to drive for a few weeks, I’ve had to pause my masterclasses. Yet, in this enforced stillness, something unexpected happened.
 
 One email changed everything.
 
I shared my story with John Wilgar, the Chief Procurement Officer at NSG Pilkington, one of my long-standing clients. John, together with Director Andy Lowrie, came back to say several of their staff were keen to be coached online by me. I was hopeful for a few new clients, but when John confirmed there were many more than I expected, I was blown away.
 
A heartfelt thank you to John and Andy for your faith in me and my coaching programme. I’m genuinely grateful and excited to continue working with your talented teams across the UK, US, and Germany.
 
I love coaching; it’s the only time I see the results of my work in real time. When I deliver keynote talks or masterclasses, I don’t know the impact these sessions have on attendees.
 
I also love delivering coaching sessions online via Teams. This provides a safe, secure space for 100% confidentiality, which builds trust and rapport.
  
A global company.
 
As context, NSG Pilkington is part of the NSG Group, which currently employs approximately 25,400 permanent staff worldwide (as of March 2025). The group has operations in around 30 countries, with sales reaching over 100 countries globally.
 
That experience reminded me of something I often teach, the reframe technique, finding something positive in every negative situation. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine; it’s about choosing to see meaning and opportunity, even in adversity.
  
He lost his right arm.
 
A story that captures this beautifully is that of Paul Wittgenstein, the Austrian concert pianist who lost his right arm in World War I. Most people assumed his career was over, but Paul refused to give up.
 
Instead, he commissioned composers such as Ravel and Prokofiev to write left-hand-only concertos. Through determination and creativity, he rebuilt his career and left a legacy that still inspires musicians today.
 
He couldn’t change what happened, but he could change his response. That’s the essence of resilience and reframing.
 
Being forced to slow down has reminded me to appreciate the people who support me and to notice the opportunities that appear when we stop rushing.
 
Thoughts for the week

1. Where in your life are you pushing too hard, ignoring warning signs?
2. What would it look like to slow down, before life forces you to?
3. And if you’re facing a setback, what hidden opportunity might be waiting within it? 

Sometimes the moments that feel like breakdowns are actually breakthroughs in disguise.
 
As for me, I’ll keep healing, keep learning, and keep reframing, one shoulder, one day, and one grateful thought at a time.
 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards,
 
John


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