What happens when life forces you to rebuild from nothing?

After surviving a life-altering gunshot wound while serving as a U.S. Marine, Patrick Nugent learned that while we don’t choose our challenges, we always choose how we rise to meet them.

In this episode, Patrick shares powerful lessons on resilience, grit, and ownership, shaped by 15 major surgeries and his journey as a Team USA Invictus Games Captain and Medalist.

Today, Patrick is a sought-after keynote speaker helping leaders and teams turn adversity into purpose-driven growth.

👉 Book his keynote, Beyond Grit: Mastering Your Fate Through Purpose, Resilience, and Ownership, to equip your organization with practical tools for resilience and leadership.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Eliminate Excuses Completely: Real growth begins when rationalization is no longer allowed.

2. Grit Is Built Through Pain: Adversity can become fuel when paired with discipline and purpose.

3. Resilience Is a Daily Practice: Mental toughness is trained through consistent action, not motivation.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro

5:32 Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience

11:06 Transition to Leadership and Belief in Oneself

16:20 The Injury and Recovery Journey

22:11 Celebrating Alive Day and Pursuing Challenges

27:15 The Role of Environment and Inputs in Recovery

32:16 Defining Mental Fortitude and Overcoming Rejection

37:57 The Grit Method and Preparing for Crucible Moments

43:02 Balancing Ambition and Resilience

49:50 Impact and Legacy

54:45 Final Thoughts and Where To Find Patrick

Connect with Patrick Nugent

Website: https://www.patrickdnugent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdnuge/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nugentpatrick/

Stay Inspired

Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen