Rüdiger Böhm - motivational speaker and coach
RESC: Rüdiger, how do you usually introduce yourself when you meet someone new?
Rüdiger Böhm (RB): What an interesting question (laughs). I introduce myself “normally”, just like everyone else would. “Hi, I’m Rüdi. What’s your name? What do you do for a living?”. It boils down to whether the way in which I introduce myself has something to do with my disability. No, it does not. I don’t see myself as disabled, so I don’t emphasise it when I speak to people.
RESC: Which quality makes you really stand out?
RB: Other people think it’s my mindset. I agree with them. By mindset, I mean the ability to decide for myself how things are for me. Essentially, things are the way they are. Our attitude and our focus alone determine whether we view things positively or negatively. And this is my real strength: I look at things in ways that enable me to make something positive out of them for myself.
RESC: What are people without physical limitations most amazed by when they meet you?
RB: When people meet me, they very often say: “Rüdi, I can’t understand how someone with no legs can be so positive.” I often respond provocatively with: “I can’t understand how someone with legs can be so negative.” That’s the crux of the matter. So many people find it astounding that you can be so positive in life despite an accident, despite a stroke of bad luck, despite a visible disability. For me, it’s the most normal thing in the world because I don’t feel disabled.
RESC: In which situations do you feel “dis-abled”?
RB: Let’s go back to my mindset: you are only ever as disabled as you feel. And this is precisely how you will be perceived and treated by the people around you. Of course I’m fortunate that my body works so well – or at least what’s left of it (smiles). But I do put quite a bit of effort into my health and fitness. When I’m travelling in my wheelchair and there aren’t any ramps, I get off and slide up or down the stairs on my backside if I have to. I believe there is always a solution. Mobility isn’t an issue with my prosthetics.
RESC: What is your greatest wish for the future?
RB: If I could have one wish, it would be to remain fit and healthy so that I can continue to experience so many sensational moments with people who are important to me and with people who are prepared to make positive changes in life. I am convinced this has a highly infectious effect.
Just imagine if we all ensured that our lives and our immediate surroundings were a little more positive. This would have a massive effect on us all. By the way, this is also the reason why I give talks and run seminars. I hope that by doing this, I can have some influence on the personal happiness and satisfaction of many people. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on society. That’s my wish.
Bio
Rüdiger Böhm is an expert in mindset and motivation. Previously a top athlete, he lost both legs in a road traffic accident at the age of 26 and then spent months fighting for his life. The author now works with world-class athletes, companies and private individuals as a keynote speaker, mentor and coach. Throughout his many years of work in elite sport, he has trained and supported many international football stars on their rise to the top (at Deutsche Bundesliga), and he has done so as the only football coach with no legs to hold UEFA’s highest coaching certification, the UEFA Pro Licence. When he is not working, Rüdiger Böhm also enjoys sports, whether on a kitesurfing board, the golf course or his skis. He lives in the canton of Schwyz.
Desiree Beck of the Competence Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Science (RESC) spoke with Rüdiger Böhm in March 2023.
