A consistent theme in this episode is perseverance. Perseverance is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. As you progress in your search for your purpose, you will discover that perseverance for purpose is necessary.
We have to be able to press forward no matter what comes our way.
And this episode is packed with examples of how Dr. Nate Hughes persevered for purpose.
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Nate Hughes is a former NFL wide receiver. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008 after playing college football at Alcorn State University.
After 5 years in the NFL, Nate retired in 2012 to pursue his dreams of becoming a medical doctor.
Nate graduated from medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Hughes is currently doing an anesthesiology residency at Rutgers University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ where he was named the 2022-2023 Chief Resident. Nate isn’t playing any games and he is the epitome of having perseverance for purpose.

Perseverance For Purpose
In this episode we covered…
- Why was Nate drawn to the medical field
- How he ended up playing professional football in the NFL
- What was it like playing such an intense sport at the highest level
- What ultimately led to his retirement from the NFL in 2012
- How Nate made his way back to his dream of becoming a doctor
- What’s next for Dr. Nate
- What he has learned about himself during this process of perseverance for purpose
Want More?
If you enjoyed this episode, then you may also enjoy the episode of the show about how to overcome distractions while pursuing your purpose or this episode detailing how to overcome fear while pursuing your purpose.
Resources Mentioned
- Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete By William C. Rhoden
Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta by Richard Grant
Connect with Guest
You can connect with Dr. Nate on his
Instagram: @skato16
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Disclaimer: If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in this or any of my communications, it’s likely I’ll receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, I only recommend things that I truly believe in and have personally experienced. If you ever have an issue with anything I recommend, please let me know. My goal is to help you thrive in your purpose. — Pavielle