What My Broken Neck Is Teaching Me

I didn't see it coming but I'm grateful for what it is teaching me.

One minute I was lacing up for a morning run—the next, I found myself in A&E. Dizziness hit me before I even started my watch, I lost consciousness and went down. I broke my nose, fractured my C5 vertebra, and suffered a concussion worse than anything I ever faced on the rugby pitch. Brutal start to 2026.

At the time of writing the doctors are still piecing together what happened. They've put me through tests—including a treadmill session at max heart rate (yes, with a broken neck!).

Surprisingly, everything checks out. But the recovery has thrown me into new territory. I've got Achiever, Analytical, and Strategic in my top Clifton Strengths, and not being able to engage my brain is HARD. You can't just brute-force your way through a brain injury.

The Identity Audit: Redefining What Progress Means

This experience has forced me to conduct an audit of my identity. I've had to shift my measurements of progress from intensity and output to tolerance and consistency. I'm learning to value long-term function over "getting back fast." Instead of pushing for constant productivity, I'm focusing on finding calm and quality attention. It has been quite revealing—and has changed how I approach daily life.

Recovery: A Training Block Mindset

Treating recovery like a disciplined training block has become my mantra:

• Following a graded return-to-work: It was great to be back in the office last week for some growth-hacking action with the Autohive crew.
• Protecting my capacity: Structured breaks are now non-negotiable even when I'm feeling good.
• Celebrating small wins: Each day brings new improvements in tolerance, and recognizing these moments helps keep my spirits high.
• Analysing what I prioritise: Am I focussed on the right things, and does pursuing them shape a life I am proud of?

Building a Life That Doesn't Need a Crisis

This journey has been a humbling reminder to build a life where I don't need a crisis to prioritise the essentials. I feel like I've been quite good at this in the past, but I know I'll be back in the gym with a new appreciation for what my body can do, because I almost ended up with a body that couldn't any more.

The same goes for my brain. It's my biggest asset and I love what it does for me. I'm expecting it to make a full recovery in that department too.

I think AI progress has created an environment where we all feel like we can be left behind if we don't keep up - trying the latest models, the latest viral platforms. Ultimately, none of it matters all that much, especially when you're faced with a crisis. I'll try not to forget that.