I am an Olympic Qualifier and winner of prestigious invitationals nationwide. My path to success is all the more remarkable given my early abusive childhood, a variety of unpredictable living conditions and eventually, the Foster Care System. Both me and my brother were then adopted by two loving parents, but it precipitously ended when our adopted parents both died prematurely.
Professional Track Athlete~Foster Care Reform Advocate~Author~Keynote Speaker~Human Optimization Specialist
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
The biggest initial hurdles of my career were really trying to find that balance of pure commitment to an in-depth program from recovery, nutrition and training countless weekly hours all while wanting to have a social life with friends that were living totally the opposite lifestyle. After countless attempts of that back and forth, you get to a place in which you stand at a crossroads weighing out your past choices and the ones that present themselves before you. In that moment the question became am I being a good steward of my gifts or am I taking them for granted and what if I just went all in to see what I could really tap into. That's how I approach everything now.
What books are you currently reading?
My new book “Good Morning SuperStar: Where Intentions Set The Tone But Habits Align You To Shine.” Proceeds from my book will benefit Foster Families and Aging Out Youth.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
As my career progressed, there were always seasons in which questions arose from family as to what is the direction and what the future may hold. My beliefs are that we each are given unique races to run, some choose to run them and others choose to sit and watch others run. Now, while its good to have community around you voicing an opinion from a loving space, it’s still only an opinion. We must stay true to our races at hand. Although, I would have liked to make some better decisions at certain periods I believe everything happened as they were needed to as for my maximum growth to happen during that season.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your success?
The single most successful factor were my parents adopting me and giving me a second chance at life. They were intentional about being a part of things and exposing me to all walks of life, which helped me to start developing an identity that was lost in my previous years in the foster care system.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started?
The thing that is at the forefront for me is my relationship with God and how He's had His hand on me this whole time throughout my countless chapters written. I know now that I was not walking this thing out alone and even when I didn't know Him, He knew me oh so well.
What advice would you give to an upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
My greatest piece of advice would be to have patience with yourself, expose yourself to as many things as possible and enjoy the present moment on whatever you are doing. If you can implement these three things daily, I promise you the rest will fall into place and shape you into something you probably least expected. Enjoy the ride.
For information about Steven Benedict or requests about Coaching, Speaking or Sponsorship Opportunities,
visit www.stevieyb.com.
To stay up to date on all the happenings with Steven’s foster care reform initiative Fostering Success,
visit www.fosteringsuccess.co.
Subscribe to Steven's YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOBRuo6oSgthOgi_wzYq5g
Note: Special book discounts are available for corporations, associations, and others.
For press inquiries, please email Deborah Griffin, Publicist at deborahmckj@yahoo.com.
Comments