People talk about life changing decisions all the time. But some decisions are so profound they are actually “Life Making.” Decisions of this type include a cross-country move, starting a new business, marrying the person of your dreams. When you are in the midst of “Life Making” decisions they feel heavy and hard. There is a great deal of anxiety involved. Coming out on the other side takes planning, thought, tenacity and courage. Here’s my story.

In July of 2007 I was getting out of the Marine Corps and faced with the decision of whether or not to stay in California where I was stationed for the last 2 years. The choice was to pursue my goals in the fitness industry or go back to my small town in Tennessee to be reunited with family.

At 21 this felt like such a huge burden on my shoulders. I was frightened that I might fail or fall short of my goals if I was to stay in California. On the other hand, if I was to go back to Tennessee I worried I might limit myself and lose out on some great opportunities. I worried I might hang out with old friend that where never a good influence in the first place, and return to previous bad habits. After two short months of weighing pros and cons, I decided to stay in California.

When I left the Camp Pendleton Marine Base I had a limited amount of cash, no job and shared a room with a friend. The world hit me so fast, and I was not fully prepared. I was looking for anything to make some extra cash. Everyday I was trying to help people at the local gym where I was working out. The staff saw this and actually asked me to come on board. I knew this was the first step to my previously established short-term goal of working in the fitness industry.

I started slow and was very consistent with training my clients. The program I delivered was unique and my clients were happy with their progress. Word spread. Some questioned if I was pushing people too hard, but the results were there. In these sessions I coached my clients and helped them to find the inner strength to push themselves.

I quickly built a reputation as a firm but fair trainer, and with the clientele I had established, I started thinking about taking the next step toward achieving my personal and professional goals. That’s when I started offering free Saturday workouts in the park. Word spread and my classes grew quickly. Before I knew it I had more clients and was bring in extra cash from holding these “free” workouts.

This really opened my eyes. During this process I learned a valuable lesson; going the extra mile always pays off. News of my workouts continued to spread by word of mouth. Around the same time, someone I knew from the Corps asked me to help him run a CrossFit facility in Aliso Viejo, and I quickly jumped on board.

CrossFit is an incredible workout. It teaches total body strength and focuses on usable muscles. Core strength builds quickly when practiced correctly. In this demonstration I show how core muscles can be used to control the entire body.



When you are in the middle of your “Life Making” decisions it can be surprising how quickly opportunities present themselves. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by these changes it is important to keep moving forward. Things changed with the CrossFit program. I’m told its par for the course in business. Lesson learned.

Rather than lose what I had established, I decided to keep the program going on my own, no matter what it took. I started holding workouts in a single room with limited equipment. My focus remained on the clients; giving them a unique workout experience that satisfied their goals.

It’s month three for what is now CrossFit South County and the community is growing like never before. Looking back I see the importance of what was the first of many “Life Making” decisions. I am learning more than I ever imagined and moving one step closer every day toward my long term goals.

That my dear friends is what making a life is all about!