Take it One Step at a Time

At the age of 19 years old, I signed up for the United States Air Force. I served as a cryogenics and fuel specialist for a two-year tour in Germany (Rhein Main AFB) during Operation Desert Storm followed by another two year tour at Norton AFB.

While stationed in Germany, I developed an expanded passion for knowledge in many fields I had not previously had interest in (e.g. self-development, spirituality, world issues, politics, religion, philosophy, and surprisingly fitness and longevity).

Having gone through boot camp, I was forced to toughen up and get in shape. Later, while serving at Rhien Main AB in Germany, I also found a passion for health and fitness. My commanders took note of my passion and offered me my first opportunity to share this new passion of mine, when Lt. Col. Lefevers asked me to be Chairman for the 63rd Squadron's Wellness Committee.

After serving a full four-year term in the USAF, I had to decide if I wanted an honorable discharge, to re-enlist in same field, or to cross-train into a new field. And once I found out they had an opening in the area of my new passion, I chose to cross-train, but this time I enlisted for active reserve duty. Within a month, I was in USAF Technical School at Lowry AFB and later Sheppard AFB studying to become a eietitian with a secondary duty as a combat medic. I completed my training and was stationed as a USAF Reservist at Travis AFB.

Around June of 2004, just months after completing my training, I was offered a fantastic job opportunity, so I requested permanent release from my military duties and got it.

The job I was offered was a position as the Central U.S. fitness director for Gold's Gym and the Nutrionalysis franchise. Unfortunately, the position dissovled within a year. But, it had positioned me for great success in the fitness industry. And, throughout the following full decade (1994-2004), I earned an abundance of fitness certifications and received lots of recognition in the fitness industry for helping many clients, fitness trainers, and fitness companies achieve success.

During this process, I was also exposed to many wealthy clients, which led me to ask one question: "Do I deserve to be wealthy and was I willing to work for it?"

The answer was, "yes." So, I traveled all over the U.S. and spent more than $200,000 on private coaches, seminars, home study audio/video products, and other material in the relentless pursuit of learning proven methods of success.

And as I reached my 30s, I met my wife, Gina. Securing her future was on my mind. Supporting future kids was on my mind. Providing a retirement income for my parents was on my mind. Planning for our own retirement was on my mind. And, having a very comfortable life with abundance was on my mind.

Begining around 2001, I gradually began putting more of my time towards achieving wealth. I was still working in the fitness industry, but only part time.

By 2002 and until late 2004, I was earning more than $200,000 a year, but I made some big mistakes and in no time at all I ended up flat broke by the end of 2004.

It took me until the summer of 2005 to reinvent myself and make some bold moves in new directions, which led me to earn $300,000 a year.

In 2006, I decided I wanted to lean more. So, I spent almost $200,000 on all sorts of good and bad "learning" investments. I earned very little in 2006, because I was learning -- not earning yet.

In 2007, I opened a gym franchise, rented out half a million dollars in investment properties, obtained my Real Estate license and took an excellent job in sales with a large firm.

Now, as I approach 40, I reflect on my blessings. I have a loving, supportive, and beautiful wife, Gina. We live in a large home on a hill in Orange County, Calif. We have a dog, Ginger, and two cats Alex and Charles who love us. I am surrounded by supporting family and friends who love us...and we love our careers.

I wish you my kind of success.

(Submitted by Chris Paschane)

Comments

[joseph ruggerio]

Love the article. I am 22 years old and in a middle of a seperation from my wife. Im young and have been with her for almost 4 years, I havent spoke to her for 2 months and have turned to fitness to get my mind off things. I just wanted to let you know the article is great and inspiring. You never know what comes to you in life, happiness and disapointments. No matter what it is all in steps. Thanks