33) 40 Ounce Mickey’s

I had worked my ass off in the coal mine to save up enough money to move to Columbus. When I got to the city, I started wildin’ out. I’d never been on my own before. I’m living with six guys, on a college campus, and going to school at Columbus State. I’m thinking that I’m going to be a fitness professional and I’m over here drinking Mickey 40’s and smoking Vegas Stars.

I had so many 40’s at my house that I had a 40 Garden. I had it all lined up outside, to the point where the landlord came out to check us. He was like, “Yo, you have to throw these away.” We were out of control. It took some time to make the mindset shift to start to construct the lifestyle I wanted for myself.

Then I started to realize something: Who the fuck is going to take me seriously?

I finally started to wake up to the realities of my life. Once I started to intern for someone to learn personal training, I began to back off that lifestyle a bit. Now, did I say it wasn't fun? No. It was a fucking blast. But the thing was, I wanted to progress and be a professional by 21. That's young. I didn't realize what was about to happen.

About halfway through learning the personal training game, I was suddenly forced out of the gym and started out on my own. So, here I am, 20 and a half years old, going from complete degenerate to painting the walls of my new gym with my now wife. No more 40’s, no more Vegas Stars, and no more acting a fool. It was time to grow up.

I saw the opportunity and the opening for my career to take off. I took it. I seized the fucking day. I seized the fucking opportunity and changed my lifestyle forever. I simply recognized and understood that this was my time to make some changes in my life.

I had to shift my mindset completely, and I’m glad that I recognized it when I did. I wouldn't fucking change it for the world.