Why Fear and Obstacles are a Good Thing - Lex Gillette

Lex Gillette on Growth Ready Podcast Ep.187: Why fear & obstacles help us grow. Hosted by Steve Mellor.

August 4, 2023

Lex Gillette on Embracing Discomfort to Grow

What if fear wasn’t something to avoid, but something to lean into? In this powerful podcast episode on In the Details with Karen Allen, Paralympic legend Lex Gillette opens up about how fear and adversity have shaped his path—not just as an elite athlete, but as a human being committed to growth.

Lex knows what it’s like to face challenges head-on. Losing his sight at age eight could have been the end of his story—but instead, it was the beginning of a life defined by purpose, resilience, and self-discovery.

Finding Purpose in the Pain

Rather than allowing blindness to define his limits, Lex chose to define his vision. In this interview, he unpacks how adversity built his mindset:

  • Fear is not a stop sign: it's a signal for preparation.
  • Obstacles are not roadblocks: they are invitations to rise.
  • Discomfort is not weakness: it’s a gateway to strength.

Lex’s insights are grounded in experience—from pushing through grueling training sessions, to stepping onto the global stage at the Paralympic Games, to showing up with vulnerability and confidence as a public speaker.

Turning Setbacks Into Superpowers

This episode goes beyond athletics. It’s about the mental toughness and emotional honesty needed to rise through life's setbacks. Lex talks about the habits and inner dialogue that help him reframe difficult moments into growth opportunities.

Whether you're building a business, recovering from loss, or navigating a transition, Lex’s story offers a model for how to hold onto hope while pushing through the unknown.

A Must-Listen for Dreamers, Doers, and Leaders

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who:

  • Wants to reframe fear as fuel
  • Is seeking deeper resilience
  • Believes that purpose can be born from pain

Lex’s story reminds us that true vision doesn’t come from sight—it comes from clarity of purpose and the courage to act.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts