How Matt Potratz Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

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Overcoming Adversity: The Inspiring Journey of Matt Potratz

Today we meet Matt Potratz, a former world-renowned snowmobile athlete whose life took an unexpected turn after a near-fatal avalanche. Matt's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and transformation. Today, he is a motivational speaker, author, and life coach dedicated to inspiring others to push through life's challenges and embrace change.

From Extreme Sports to Extreme Adversity

Matt was at the top of his game as a professional snowmobiler, starring in seven extreme sports motion pictures and riding alongside some of the best athletes in the world. His passion for the sport and his skill on the snow made him a standout in the industry. However, everything changed during a hill climb filming session in McCall, Idaho, when he triggered an avalanche that buried him under a crushing mass of snow and ice.

The accident left Matt with a broken neck, femur, ribs, collapsed lung, brain damage, and permanent paralysis in his left arm. He spent 41 days in a coma and 88 days in the hospital, enduring intense rehabilitation and multiple surgeries. But instead of letting this trauma define him negatively, Matt made a decision he would not let adversity break him. Instead, he would use it to transform his life and help others.

The Power of Resilience and Positive Mindset

Matt’s journey to recovery wasn’t just physical it was deeply mental and emotional. He credits his support system, the people who constantly pushed him forward, for keeping his spirits high. Despite his injuries, Matt focused on what he could control rather than dwelling on what he lost.

One of his core philosophies is:
👉 “Focus on the things you can change.”

He believes that too many people waste energy worrying about things beyond their control. Instead of dwelling on his paralysis or the accident itself, he shifted his perspective to what he could do moving forward and that mindset changed everything.

Writing His Story: "Two Hands, A Life Radically Changed"

During his long recovery, Matt felt a deep calling to share his story with the world. Despite having only one functioning hand, he began writing his book, Two Hands, A Life Radically Changed in 12 Seconds, one keystroke at a time. The book takes readers through his incredible journey of overcoming trauma, rebuilding his life, and embracing a new purpose.

Matt also narrated his audiobook with professional-quality production, even incorporating a special song sung by his children during his coma. His book serves as a source of inspiration for anyone facing hardship a reminder that challenges don’t have to define you negatively, but can instead fuel your transformation.

From Survivor to Motivational Speaker

Today, Matt is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and coach, working with businesses, schools, and organizations to share his powerful story. His favorite audiences include:
✔ Students – Helping young people see that adversity is part of life, but how they respond to it makes all the difference.
✔ Medical Professionals – Offering a patient’s perspective to inspire passion and commitment in healthcare.
✔ Workplace Safety Teams – Sharing his experience to emphasize the importance of preparation and accountability.

His message resonates with people from all walks of life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an athlete, a student, or someone overcoming personal hardship, Matt’s story is a testament to the power of mindset, perseverance, and the human spirit.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation

✅ Your attitude shapes your outcomes. Challenges are inevitable, but whether you choose to get better or bitter is up to you.
✅ Surround yourself with the right people. Matt credits much of his success to having a strong support system that pushed him forward instead of letting him dwell on the past.
✅ Start where you are with what you have. Matt wrote an entire book with one hand. No matter your circumstances, you can take small steps toward progress.
✅ Pain is temporary, but regret lasts forever. He emphasizes embracing discipline over regret, as it weighs much lighter in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Matt Potratz is living proof that adversity does not have to define you it can refine you. His story is one of incredible strength, faith, and determination. If you're looking for inspiration to push past obstacles, shift your mindset, and take control of your future, Matt’s insights are invaluable.

👉 Find Matt Here:
📌 Website: LifeRadicallyChanged.com
📌 Facebook: Life Radically Changed
📌 LinkedIn: Matt Potratz

Watch The Full Interview Here:

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