Life is hard. We can all agree that even though it is beautiful, being human comes with difficult choices, feelings, and experiences. Although experiencing the hard parts of life isn’t optional, how we choose to look at them is. For Hal Hargrave, it all comes down to “choosing your hard”. As he so eloquently told me, doing the work is hard, and not doing the work is hard. Being fit is hard, and being overweight is hard. It’s up to you to choose your hard. 

For many of us, taking a few steps to get to the kitchen from our couch is something we take for granted. But at The Perfect Step, no step is taken for granted, no ounce of effort goes unnoticed, and every hard choice is met with encouragement. Choosing your hard all comes down to perspective and the life you want to lead. You can make excuses, or you can show up regardless of the cards you’ve been dealt. 

Hal Hargrave and The Perfect Step

After surviving a car accident at the age of 17, Hal Hargrave experienced what some would deem a nightmare, but what he deems the moment that gave him purpose and is (one of) the biggest blessings of his life. Experiencing life after his accident as a quadriplegic person and going through the care lifecycle, Hal recognized a major gap in care for those who had similar experiences. This eventually led to the birth of The Perfect Step and The Be Perfect Foundation. 

The Perfect Step facilities are world-renowned activity-based therapy centers for helping people with paralysis live healthier lives. They believe that “thinking outside the chair” offers those paralyzed a life that isn’t bound to their injury. They offer special techniques and exercises for the paralysis community by trained professionals, filling a niche gap that is needed in virtually every community in the world. It goes beyond just the physical and takes a holistic approach to helping people mind, body, and spirit. 

Chatting with Hal left me blown away for many reasons. Not only is he making a major difference and providing a crucial service for those in the paralysis community, but his sunny temperament, gratitude, and humility are striking. He doesn’t do this job for the glory or the money, which is evident considering that every single cent that The Be Perfect Foundation raises goes right back into helping those in the community. 

Hal does this because he understands he was given a role to help others in this lifetime. For many, having an experience like Hal’s might leave them questioning, angry, or confused. Hal saw it as an opportunity to be a vessel for goodness and to support those who may not be able to do it themselves. His voice is clear and unwavering and his eyes are full of intention when he talks about his organizations and the difference it makes in the lives of those they help. 

The Be Perfect Foundation

Hal sits as CEO of The Perfect Step and is also the Founder of Be Perfect Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed out of necessity to provide direct financial and emotional aid to individuals living with paralysis. As spinal cord injuries can cost around 2.5 million dollars throughout a lifetime, the need for support is evident considering on average, insurance covers 50-65% of those expenses.

This foundation helps by way of providing wheelchairs, car adaptations, financial assistance for high medical bills and outpatient therapies, and general daily medical needs for those who are living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. They also partner with The Perfect Step and Apex Imaging Services, providing a holistic service for their constituents. This foundation is a labor of love and purpose, and every single person who works for the foundation does so out of the goodness of their heart. They have no paid roles, as the main drive of the foundation is to give back as much as possible to the community they are serving.  

The Perfect Step Specialists & Franchise

The Perfect Step hires specialists based on two things. One is evaluated based on educational background, a minimum of an accredited four-year Exercise Science degree, followed by a certified governing body internally for a self-developed certification program model. This is broken down into a four-tiered model of pre-requisite standards, accrual of hands-on hours, and other growth measures. Educator is top-level level which qualifies an individual to re-teach the tiers to other interested specialists. 

Secondly, Hal said he looks for those qualities you can’t teach and don’t require any “real talent” including, showing up on time, positive perspective, making an effort, having high energy, being passionate, and being prepared, alongside other intangibles that align with the mission, vision, and values of The Perfect Step. Working with the paralysis community comes with its own set of skills and understanding, and The Perfect Step guarantees the education and the disposition of their specialists are top-tier for the best possible experience for their community. 

The Perfect Step is also a franchise model. With built-in marketing, intellectual property, and most importantly, the four-tier model to set specialists up for success, this is a community need and is generally a gap in the industry. As stated so thoughtfully on their website, “This isn’t just a new revenue source – it makes you a pioneer in inclusivity, strengthens your community, and can reduce member attrition to industry lows.”  

Final Thoughts

When we recognize that life is full of choices, and they’re hard regardless of which we choose, we can begin to choose more wisely. Opting to view the world positively, marinating in gratitude for all of life’s blessings, and giving back to others are all choices that lead to better outcomes. Hal’s journey from a life-altering accident to founding The Perfect Step and The Be Perfect Foundation is a reminder of choice and the power of perspective and purpose. 

His organization fills crucial gaps in care and support for the paralysis community, embodying the philosophy of “choose your hard”. Through their innovative approach to rehabilitation, education of specialists, and comprehensive and holistic support, they’re not just changing lives- they’re redefining the community care lifecycle. Hal’s story reminds us that our greatest challenges can be our most profound callings if we choose to face these situations with determination and a positive outlook. By transforming struggles into opportunities for growth, service, and meaningful impact on the world around us, it’s never been easier to choose your “hard”.