What forever changed my life? At 26, I took a weight lifting class at College of the Mainland taught by J.B. Bryant. Bryant’s class was more than just understanding the weight room. It was more like an anatomy and physiology class. Bryant taught us the scientific terminology of each muscle group, methods, angles, technique and so on.

I was so intrigued I signed up for that class each semester for two years. Within the first year, my chest grew 4 inches, along with the rest of my body. Finally, this average-size young man was sporting some serious muscle.

I was getting attention from all my friends and family members. And yes, the ladies took notice, too. It became common for people to walk up and ask me exercise and diet questions.

For the first time in my life, I felt beyond average. Not only my body, but my confidence level was growing each day. I knew one day, with perseverance, through exercise, diet and fitness, I could help others get beyond average.

So, now, the same question is for you. Do you feel like just another average person grinding out another day for an average paycheck? Do you still have the same old routine over the past many years? What is your confidence level?

Listen, people can build one’s self-esteem in countless ways, but today, I’m focusing on the benefits of weight and strength training.

I promise, adding lean muscle to your body changes your life. And, for all you people who think you’re too old, I’ve got some information coming soon for you. So, never give up and throw in the towel because you’re not average.

Well, I thought it was a non-issue and tried another men’s barber shop, but was told they didn’t shave backs. I called four other local shops and was told the same thing. One shop laughed at me and hung up. Now, I was frustrated and mumbling some questionable words to myself.

Then, my phone rang, and the gentleman on the other end asked if I had just called his shop requesting a shave? I told him yes and explained my situation.

He told me his name was Chase, he’d never been asked or shaved back hair, but told me “money is money, so come on in.”

Chase was a young man in his mid-20s with tattoos from his fingers to his neck, sporting a straight brimmed cap. He seemed intimidating, but was very polite and had a cool look.

There was another man sitting in the chair as Chase trimmed his beard. I sat and studied Chase as he professionally, respectfully and with precision, gave an impressive shave.

At that moment, I knew something was special about Chase, and I wanted a whole new look. I walked out looking years younger and feeling good about myself. Believe me, Chase got a big fat tip because he was the only one willing to come to my rescue.

Recently, I met Chase for breakfast because I wanted to hear his life story. Chase had a rough past of self destruction, but overcame all the obstacles years ago. He turned his life around, became an impressive barber and has a baby on the way.

Also know, while I was in his shop, a young man came in excited about getting into barber school because Chase helped him.

I believe most of us have checkered pasts or are a little ashamed of immature decisions at an early age. Chase is a self-made man and has not only changed his life, but is continuing to help others.

If you’re in the League City area, Chase cuts hair in a shop off I-45. For the first five callers (281-662-0682), your cuts are free because I’ve already paid for them. All I’m asking is to leave a good tip for a good guy who came to my rescue.

The only way to win a pro card is by taking first place in either multiple national events or winning first in a national pro qualifier. Just know, people fly in from other countries to compete in these shows because they are, too, trying to obtain a pro card.

I was fortunate to obtain a pro card in my age group back in 2016. Since then, I’ve helped others chase their dreams of competing on stage, including my son Dylan and Tina.

During Tina’s journey all year to chase her pro card at this last event, she told me that no matter what place she earned, there was no way she was going to walk away saying “I should’ve, would’ve or could’ve.”

Tina trained like no other person I’ve ever encountered for a physique contest. I really don’t have enough space in this column to write down all the prep and hard work she put in seven days a week for the past six months. Her days started at 4:30 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m., which included training twice a day.

My question to you is, “if you really want something, and you’re truly giving it your all, will you walk away never saying I should’ve, would’ve, could’ve?”

There are many athletes with a summer break returning to school in a few months. Are you training for next season to make first string and have an impact to a winning season?

How do you prepare for a job interview or promotion? What kind of parent or spouse are you to your family?

This question can be asked for almost every aspect of your life. Don’t be like every other average person. Step up your game to be a leader and change your life because you can positively change everyone around you.

Just so you know, Tina not only won her pro card, but won three first places in multiple events. She stole the show and kicked everyone’s butt. I, too, took first place in the men’s pro athletic division.

So, the biggest question is, “is your social media clean?” Do you realize that almost all employers research your social media?

It was so interesting to me that last year I was in a business meeting hoping to increase my income. The main gentleman conducting the meeting began by telling me all that he learned from researching my name. Since my profile was clean and wholesome, I eventually landed the business.

I have to admit, if it had been 35 years earlier, it might not have turned out in my favor.

You see, it’s a whole different world out there for you youngsters. The positives are that the world is very connected. The negatives are that we’ve all lost our privacy. So, early decisions will affect your future.

What about all you athletes hoping for a scholarship? What will the university find on your social sites? Do you reflect maturity, because if it’s a choice between you and another athlete, your social sites might be the determining factor?

My sister Karen, who is a well-known executive in the apartment industry, told a story about a young lady they wanted to hire, but she had a small theft charge on her record from when she was 17 years old. The young lady and several friends had stolen some CDs from a music store while in high school.

Now she’s 30-something and still battling a dumb mistake as a teenager. She did eventually get the job, but still, how embarrassing to know this will follow you the rest of your life.

Look, whatever happened yesterday is over. The only thing you can control is now. So, maybe it’s time for you to troll through your files and do some deletion. So, no more pointing the finger at others, and take full responsibility for your actions.

I know I’m being a little straight forward today, but as your parents will agree, sometimes you need someone to give you a sense of reality.

It’s a tough world out there, but there’s lots of opportunity, life experience, failure, victory and a whole lot of fun.

So, get ready, put your big-boy pants on, and find a way to make this world a better place. You are our future.

Notice, my examples were all health related because if you put your body in motion, the endorphins will create a sense of happiness and self-awareness.

One trick I taught myself years ago, was once negative thoughts took over my mind, I would force myself to only think about life experiences that made me smile or laugh. For me, of course, most of these happy thoughts came from raising my children.

You see, we all get caught up in the grind of everyday life. You have a full-time job, a family to raise, including all the activities, plus the stress of paying the bills.

We must learn to take a step back, try to relax and realize it’s all going to be OK. Don’t let the stresses of life take away your happiness. Every negative situation we’ve ever faced has come to an end. Learn to fight through it, stay focused with your head up high, and see all the good that surrounds you.

When’s the last time you’ve taken a family vacation? I’m actually relaxing at a beach house with my family this week of my article. I find it funny that I give diet and exercise tips daily, but this week, I’m eating all the foods that I tell people not to eat. I’m enjoying it all because when vacation is over, I’ll get back to eating healthy and training again.

So, even though I’m a professional athlete, I realize that it’s important to spend quality fun time with my family and let everything else go. This week, I’ve chosen to create more happy memories so I can reflect on them when times become challenging. You starting to understand?

I’m hoping, at this very moment, while you’re reading this article, that you’re digging into that memory bank and withdrawing some happy special times from your life. Let your mind concentrate on each one of them as though it’s happening now because today — you’ve found your happy place.

Typically, all athletes want to get bigger, stronger and faster, right? Whenever you walk into the gym, do you vision yourself as the best athlete? I tell my clients to leave all negative thoughts outside. There’s only room for positive words and support in this house.

If you feel it, you’ll be it. So, quit body-shaming yourself and find that warrior deep in your soul.

What thoughts dominate your days? Where ever your mind spends most of its time, is who you are and where you’re going.

I actually know a few people dealing with different forms of health issues. Are you going to let it make you a victim, or are you going to decide to live and take on the challenge?

You can’t always control what happens to you, but you have complete control on how to respond. Force your mind to only see a healthy energetic body while looking in the mirror.

Touch your arms, legs and feel the beat of your heart. Embrace the heat and energy your body is producing. That my friend is life in motion.

Are you in a dead-end job? Do you regret going to work each morning? I don’t care how long you’re currently working, if you hate it, do something about it. Why not? It’s your life.

Take your passion and find a way to make income at it. I promise, if you do the right research, you’ll find and land that dream job. But, you have to already vision yourself working in that environment. Remember, your mind has to see it, then the body will follow.

Look, focus on what you want, not what already happened. Let it go and move forward. Be the person you always fantasize about. You should not only control your life but create it.

“If you think you can, or think you cannot, either way, your right.” — Henry Ford

Look, fall in love with yourself, and don’t worry about what other’s think. I’ve written this before, but no matter how you look at this moment, there are lots of people out there that find you sexy.

I know plenty of men who prefer big or tight butts, tall or short women and other parts of different sizes. Women feel the same way about men, or whatever your sexual preference is. I’m sure each of you fall into those categories.

This world is full of different races, colors, hair texture, body types and so on. I promise, each of you is uniquely beautiful.

Ever since I became a mature adult, I see beauty and sexy in everyone. Admit it, there are plenty of choices out there that fit your preferences.

Yes, I constantly help people with diets and exercise, but I also let them know how beautiful they already are. My only goal in helping others is for them to be healthier so they can enjoy life.

I know a young lady who’s very depressed and upset because she’s gained more weight than ever before. Over the past month, she’s desperately been trying to lose weight, and has lost almost 10 pounds. I let her know it’s not a sprint, but a marathon.

Think about it. If you lose just one pound a week, at the end of three months, you’ll have lost almost 15 pounds.

So, really, don’t be embarrassed, just strut your stuff and lead with confidence. Life is way too short to beat yourself up over the models used in advertisements.

Now, wear some comfy clothes, have fun, shake that big butt and go enjoy the outdoors.

Really, the only people I feel sorry for were those you interacted with. I’m sure you weren’t the sunshine in their life, and probably created a bad day for them, too.

I’ve seen this many times in sports. One team gets into a funk, loses all confidence and continues to make ridiculous mistakes. We often see baseball players go into a slump in hitting, basketball players lose their touch on shooting, golfers choke while putting and so on.

Now, here’s the beauty of being bitter. You can flip your attitude immediately and get back on track to a better day and life. Just understand that out of every situation you can find goodness, positive experience, growth and maturity.

A small example was recently when I was carrying the dog bowls full of food from the kitchen. One bowl slipped from my hand and the food scattered in all directions. My first instinct was to say some words that would upset my grandma.

How many of you all ready figured out the solution? Of course, the dogs had a field day eating off the floor. I’m sure they found a few extra particles along the way. I was just as excited as the dogs because I didn’t have to pick it up, plus the floors were getting a true spit-shine.

Look, I understand that we all face much more difficult and challenging situations than I just described. But, the point was for you to realize that with conscious effort, you can switch every situation to be better. Sometimes, it takes a little more time than others.

For years, I’ve trained myself that when I feel backed in a corner of defeat, I think of all the people I hold deep in my heart. Believe me, nothing is stronger than true honest love.