May 1, 2025

Episode 280: Roger Crawford – Defeat Is a Choice: How to Win No Matter the Odds

🎾 From Adversity to Achievement: How to Crush Excuses & Unlock Your Potential | Roger Crawford | SaaS Fuel

What’s holding you back—real limitations or just polished excuses?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains is joined by Roger Crawford—Division I athlete, bestselling author, and globally renowned speaker—whose journey has inspired millions.

Despite being born with physical challenges, Roger shattered expectations and redefined what’s possible. Today, he shares his playbook on how mindset can turn fear into fuel and excuses into action.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your potential, or waited for the “perfect” moment—this conversation is your wake-up call.

Key Takeaways

00:00 – Why excuses feel comfortable—but cost us power

02:15 – Roger’s mindset-shifting journey begins

03:38 – From physically challenged to Division I athlete

07:00 – “Defeat is a choice”—how to rewrite your story

10:52 – The fastest way to increase results: decrease excuses

13:22 – The #1 excuse that limits most people

17:00 – Is mindset the best predictor of success?

20:48 – Breaking through limiting beliefs

25:08 – Why optimism is a choice, not a gift

27:21 – Growth mindset and embracing failure

32:58 – Obstacles are not stop signs

36:00 – Pre-written excuses: how they show up in leadership

40:43 – How to reframe challenges as stepping stones

46:00 – Final advice to any leader struggling with self-doubt

Tweetable Quotes

“The fastest way to increase results is to decrease excuses.” — Roger Crawford

“Excuses feel good… but they hand your power to something outside yourself.” — Jeff Mains

“You’ll never reach higher with your hands in your pockets.” — Roger Crawford

“Obstacles aren’t stop signs. They’re invitations to grow.” — Jeff Mains

“Defeat isn’t what happens to you—it’s what you accept.” — Roger Crawford

SaaS Leadership Lessons

Excuses feel safe because they take pressure off—but they also take your power.
The most powerful shift is taking 100% responsibility for your response to challenges.
Mindset isn't just helpful—it's essential. It's the foundation of how you handle everything.
Stop waiting for perfect conditions. Progress starts where you are.
Challenges are inevitable—defeat is a choice.