Andrew Gadd is a content creator, motivational speaker, author, and para-cyclist living with cerebral palsy. Through his engaging TikTok videos and written work, he explores the physical, mental, and emotional realities of disability.
In this article, Andrew shares how cerebral palsy has shaped his resilience and identity, and how cycling, mindset, and self-belief have helped him challenge societal expectations. He also offers resources to support mental well-being, including tools for managing stress, anxiety, and procrastination.
Being born with cerebral palsy and adapting to my condition meant I always had a strong sense of self-justice and determination. I always believed that if I put my mind to something that I could do it with enough effort. That has been true for some things I have accomplished, like my cycling, but in other aspects, society assumes that disabled people are just okay as they are, and I am here to try to change that perception, be that by one social media post or blog post at a time.
Challenging the status quo
From a young age, I became aware of how easily people lower expectations for those of us with visible disabilities. I could feel the subtle shift in how people treated me – the quiet doubts, the assumptions, the silent stares.
However, all these subtle “setbacks” have pushed me on to try anything and everything and to take a stance that my only impairment is how I think about myself. We live in a world now where, with enough planning, anyone can do anything they put their mind to.
Cycling has played a massive role in my life in challenging the status quo of what is possible for people with disabilities, not only through competing with other persons with disabilities and performing well in events and races, but also to showcase to able-bodied people that the only thing holding a person back is their mind.
Sure, this does come with its challenges, such as energy fatigue, mental fatigue and the feeling of always having to prove yourself in a field you are qualified enough to be in.
However, overcoming challenges lights a fire inside me and gives me the energy to keep going on days when it all seems too much. Not to mention that cycling gives me a sense of freedom and a lack of judgment from others when I am cycling.
The journey with cerebral palsy is worth it
Living with cerebral palsy brought not just physical pain and practical challenges but also deep questions about identity and self-worth. I wrestled with doubt. I questioned whether I belonged in certain rooms, whether I deserved the same dreams as everyone else.
But understanding yourself and what you define as “normal” is the most important journey you will go on. The journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance and self-assurance is difficult, no doubt, but you will be surprised as to who you are and the impact you have on others around you if you try and back yourself.
Cerebral palsy and the power within: Andrew Gadd’s message of self-belief
Cerebral palsy is part of who I am, but it doesn’t limit me. It has given me a lens through which I’ve learned persistence, empathy, and clarity.
If I could leave you with just one thing, it would be this:
Believe in yourself – fiercely, unapologetically, and consistently. Your story matters. Your strength matters.
Resources to boost your mindset
If you’ve connected with anything I’ve shared and want to start building your own momentum, I’ve put together a couple of resources to help you break through the barriers of self-doubt and procrastination. These are tools I’ve personally used and designed to guide you toward action, clarity, and confidence.
Stop Your Procrastination? is a book that will teach you to stop your procrastination in 7 simple steps, which can be purchased online for £15.
You can also download the free guide, Do You Want To Stop Your Stress and Anxiety?, a book that will teach you to eradicate your stress and anxiety in 9 simple steps.
I hope they serve as a small but powerful step on your own journey toward self-belief and growth.
In addition, I run a supportive Facebook community called Beyond Limits: A Reset for Your Empowered Self, where we focus on personal growth, mindset shifts, and building resilience together. It’s a space for thoughtful conversations, shared experiences, and practical strategies to help each other grow, and I’d love for you to join us.
You can follow Adrew Gadd on TikTok.
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