We’re honored to share this deeply personal and empowering reflection from Colin Q. Potts. In the piece below, he opens up about the life-altering experience of losing his leg and how it led him to uncover a deeper sense of purpose. Through his five-step mental reset, Colin offers practical and heartfelt insights for anyone navigating adversity. Read below to hear directly from Colin and discover how his journey might inspire your own.
“I didn’t just lose a leg—I found a mission. Sometimes your lowest moment is where your real story begins.” — Colin Q. Potts
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. For me, the most significant curveball came on December 1, 2016. I underwent twenty-one foot and ankle surgeries, ultimately leading to a below-the-knee amputation. By the age of 33, I had already gone through some excruciating life events like the loss of my grandparents, parents, and two siblings. After all that, this physical loss became a profound turning point—but at the same time, it also became the catalyst for an emotional and spiritual awakening that led me to the discovery of my true purpose in life.
In the years since, I have developed a framework—a 5-step mental reset—that helps me get through the challenges of my life and find meaning amidst all the adversity around me. This framework is deeply rooted in my personal journey and aligns with the principles of my “9 Steps to Start Your Personal Positivity Revolution” at colinqpotts.com.
Step 1: Embrace the Reality
The first step in any transformation is acknowledging the truth of your situation. Denial will only prolong your pain and transformation. When I first lost my leg, I had to confront the reality of my new circumstances. It wasn’t easy at all, but accepting the truth helped me start my healing process. This reflects the first step of my Positive Revolution: Own the Challenge. By facing our challenges head-on, we allow ourselves to take control of the narrative the way we want.
Step 2: Reframe the Narrative
Reframing is the next crucial step in the process after acceptance. Instead of viewing my amputation as a loss, I began to consider it an opportunity for growth. This shift in perspective transformed my outlook on life. I believe it’s all about turning setbacks into setups for comebacks. This mirrors the second step of the Positive Revolution: Reframe the Narrative. When we change the way we perceive our challenges, we actively open new doors to endless opportunities and possibilities.
Step 3: Take One Step at a Time
Progress is all about consistency and small steps—it’s not about giant leaps. Post-surgery, I focused on small daily goals: taking a few more steps than yesterday, standing a bit longer, and pushing myself enough to grow without overwhelming myself. This approach is encapsulated in the third step of the Positivity Revolution: Take One Step at a Time. It’s a reminder that every journey begins with a single step, and each step after that is one step less toward victory.
Step 4: Surround Yourself with Strength
Healing is not an isolated endeavor. I found real strength in my community—my friends, family, medical professionals, and fellow amputees. Their support became a fundamental pillar of my recovery. This reflects the fourth step of the Positivity Revolution: Surround Yourself with Strength. Building a support system provides encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging—paramount for a strong comeback.
Step 5: Turn Setbacks into Comebacks
Every setback carries the seed of a comeback. My amputation was a significant setback, but it also became the foundation of my new purpose. It became the driver behind my transition from a professional chef to the Chief Operating Officer of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, a motivational speaker, and an advocate for amputees and individuals with special needs. This embodies the final step of the Positivity Revolution: Turn Setbacks into Comebacks. Adversity can be a powerful catalyst for positive change when approached with resilience and determination.
Aligning with the Positivity Revolution
These five steps are integral components of the broader “9 Steps to Start Your Personal Positivity Revolution” at colinqpotts.com. While the remaining four steps—Feed Your Soul, Stay Out of the Negativity Vortex, Acceptance, and Tomato Therapy—also play vital roles in fostering a positive mindset, the initial five provide a solid foundation for anyone facing significant life disruptions.
