With William Pike

In a world where comfort often takes center stage, William Pike stands as a living testament to the extraordinary that lies just beyond the edges of our comfort zones. An adventurer, speaker, inventor, and a source of inspiration to many, Pike lost his leg in a volcanic eruption on Mt. Ruapehu—a life-altering event that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

William Pike isn’t just an adventurer; he’s a beacon of resilience showing us all what it means to turn adversity into opportunity. At the recent ACNC24 event, Pike’s presence was nothing short of electrifying. After traveling 9,000 miles and enduring a 20-hour journey, his commitment to sharing his message was evident from the moment he stepped on stage.

The event celebrated his life’s work—a journey that began with a simple passion for bushwalking and has evolved into a global mission to inspire others to push beyond their perceived limits. Pike’s infectious energy set the tone for the event, encouraging everyone to embrace challenges with the same resilience that he embodies.

“When you’re faced with challenge and change, success or failure comes down to one thing—whether you are already prepared to step outside your comfort zone—or whether you’re not,” Pike reflects. This lesson, learned in the most extreme of circumstances, has become the cornerstone of his philosophy.

Pike’s influence extends far beyond his personal achievements. The William Pike Challenge is a powerful testament to his commitment to inspiring the next generation. With over 40,000 students having already taken on challenges to explore, take risks, and grow through new experiences as they push their boundaries and foster personal growth. The impact of this program is profound, with participants developing resilience and confidence that they also carry forward into their lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

ACNC24: EMBRACING NEW EXPERIENCES WITH WILLIAM PIKE

At ACNC24, Pike’s keynote speech was packed with insights that urged attendees to rethink their limits and embrace new challenges. His core messages offer a roadmap for anyone looking to achieve extraordinary things:

1. HAVE A SENSE OF WHY

At the heart of every adventure, challenge, or decision lies your “why.” This is what keeps you grounded when the path gets rough and propels you forward when you’re tempted to turn back. Whether embarking on a new career, tackling a physical challenge, or striving to be the best version of yourself, knowing your “why” gives you the strength to persevere and the clarity to stay focused on what truly matters.

2. BETTER NEVER STOPS

For Pike, the pursuit of “better” is an ongoing journey. He believes that no matter how much you’ve accomplished, there’s always room for improvement. This relentless pursuit of growth is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistently striving to exceed your own expectations.

3. UNBREAKABLE BONDS

Human connection is at the core of our existence, and William Pike knows that unbreakable bonds are forged in the fires of shared experiences and challenges. These bonds—whether with family, friends, or “mates”—sustain us through the toughest times. When you’re surrounded by people who believe in you, challenge you, and stand by you, you’re far more capable of stepping outside your comfort zone and achieving the impossible.

4. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T

There will be times when the road ahead seems too daunting; when you’re not sure if you have what it takes to succeed. But it’s in these moments of uncertainty that believing in yourself matters most. Pike’s story is filled with moments where self-belief was the only thing standing between him and failure. His message isn’t about blind optimism; it’s about recognizing your inner strength and resilience, even when the odds are stacked against you.

5. SMALL ACTIONS LEAD TO BIG OUTCOMES

The smallest actions can have a profound impact on your life and the world around you. It’s the tiny steps—those moments when you decide to push just a little harder, take on a small challenge, or help someone in need—that can snowball into something much larger. Whether it’s committing to a daily habit, reaching out to someone, or simply choosing to keep going, small actions can eventually lead to big results.

6. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE YOUR IMPACT ON THE WORLD

Every action you take, no matter how small, has the potential to make a difference. William Pike’s message is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to be a superhero to have an impact—you just have to be willing to take action. Your courage and story can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that can transform lives.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF STEPPING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

In the end, Pike’s philosophy is about more than just adventure—it’s about resilience, self-belief, and the impact we can have on the world. Whether through personal challenges, innovative solutions like ProArmour, or inspiring the next generation through the William Pike Challenge, Pike’s message is clear: we all have the potential to achieve extraordinary things if we’re willing to push past our limits.

At ACNC24, Pike’s words and the experiences shared by attendees reinforced this message. Through a variety of sessions, roundtables, and physical activities like swimming, yoga, dance clinics, and martial arts, participants were encouraged to embrace new experiences and discover what they’re truly capable of.

To learn more about William Pike, the William Pike Challenge, or ProArmour, please visit the links below.

William Pike: Inspirational Speaker: WilliamPike.co.nz

Instagram: @WilliamPikenz

The William Pike Challenge: WilliamPikeChallenge.co.nz

ProArmour: Pro-Armour.com

SHARE YOUR #WETHRIVESTORY

What does thriving mean to you as a person who has limb loss or limb difference? You’re the expert on what it feels like when you’re flourishing—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The #WeThrive campaign is a celebration of you and your story – every part of your story. We invite you to share your unfiltered stories of what it’s like to live with limb loss and/or limb difference, every emotion, victory, and even setback. Your unique journey is a powerful tool of awareness and connection, highlighting the resilience, strength, and courage that characterizes our community.

#WeThrive stories are written by the community, for the community. This is your space to share where you are in your journey, find support, and cheer one another on. Post your story for the first time, share an update, or read stories from individuals who are also on a similar journey.

To participate, submit your written #WeThrive story, photos, and videos by scanning the QR code above or visiting Blog.Amputee-Coalition.org/we-thrive-share-your-story. If uploading a video to social media, make sure to tag us (@amputeecoalition) on Instagram, Facebook.