When you want good things to happen, you must endeavor for them at any cost. Many people are afraid to attempt a goal when it presents them with choices where they have to let go of what is currently in hand. The cliche, a bird in hand is...
When you want good things to happen, you must endeavor for them at any cost.
Many people are afraid to attempt a goal when it presents them with choices where they have to let go of what is currently in hand. The cliche, a bird in hand is worth more than two in a bushel, is easier to accept than taking a blind leap into the unknown. It may seem like there is nothing more significant than this. For instance, it is the dread of not knowing what lies ahead, what's on the finish line, and the terror of starting something different that causes hesitation.
We must understand that sometimes life could require us to take a step forward into some risky places to achieve our ultimate purpose. In some instances that problematic situation appears in front of us to help us to have faith in someone more significant than ourselves and more potent than we can be.
Mr. Kenneth Smith is an author, educator, and entrepreneur. He is a husband, a father, and the CEO of I am possible enterprises. He is known as "Coach Jo-Jo" in the Akron, Ohio, community. He has been a youth life coach promoting healthy mental and physical health for the past 18 years. Using education and athletic experiences, he is inspired to spread the message of infinite possibilities.
In this special episode with Kenneth Smith, we'll learn about the life journey of a man who was able to take a step forward for his life's ultimate goal. He is eager to chase his dreams, follow God's leading, and is now sharing his story worldwide.
"You have to have to go for it. Going for it doesn't necessarily mean quitting a job. It means that you have to sacrifice as you did when you were a former athlete; you had to sacrifice for the team or whatever you did to achieve the ultimate goal. You have to figure out what that is, and then start putting yourself in a position to take advantage of those opportunities." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Introduction + Episode Snippet
(00:00:10) Introducing our special guest, Mr. Kenneth Smith
(00:00:31) Advertisement: Zero Gravity Skin: a leader in the aesthetic device market.
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(00:01:27) Greetings to a friend, Classy James of Athlete Unite Conference
(00:03:27) Growing up in Akron: Who is Kenneth Smith?
(00:06:22) Lebron James, the Akron Hammer: When did people first realize that Lebron was unique compared to other kids his age?
(00:07:25) The most remarkable days in Mr. Smith's life: A life of blessings and adversities
(00:10:12) The high ankle sprain: What was your injury in basketball?
(00:12:02) How the college world works: Your failure can be another man's opportunity
(00:14:44) Mr. Smith's professional basketball career: The opportunity that shaped his experiences and existence.
(00:19:40) Advertisement: Sabre Bats, the training bat that will take you to your next swing. Go to https://www.sabrebats.net to know more.
(00:20:24) How was being an educator play a role in Mr. Smith's current career?
(00:23:13) Behaviors are communicators: How were you able to connect with kids labeled "difficult to deal with" in a unique way?
(00:24:58) Being more than just a teacher: To give a different level of patience and understanding.
(00:26:38) Firm, Fair, and Consistent: The lines that transcend across many different fields
(00:26:58) The "I-am-Possible" enterprise: The beginning of Mr. Smith's entrepreneurial journey
(00:32:38) The pandemic: A hindrance and a life teacher
(00:33:56) Final TimeOut with Mr. Kenneth Smith: What would you advise a young athlete or entrepreneur struggling to get started?
(00:35:52) Faith in God: You have to have faith in something more significant than you
(00:36:57) The strength of I AM statements: The powerful words that must daily speak of
(00:38:04) Connect with Mr. Kenneth Smith.
Key Takeaways:
"So, adversity is not a bad thing when you learn from it."- Mr. Kenneth Smith
"Athlete, listen, it's not just about your skills. It might get you to the top, but they're not going to keep you on top."- Dr. Derrick Burgess
"You can't just skip the process. It's the day-by-day grind. It's where you learn and where you separate yourself from other people." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
"They (the labeled "difficult kids") were living some difficult lives and things that adults put in front of them that they had no control over. So, I had different patience and understanding in trying to help them get into a different space. It's to have an understanding of where they are and try to help them advance." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
" Kids aren't going to open up and tell you things about themselves that aren't positive. They don't even trust the adults who have been in their lives, so why would they just come directly in and start sharing these vulnerable situations with you? You have to build up to that." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
"If you're fair, affirm, and consistent, kids will respect you and have your boundaries. And I allowed myself to be human with them, and we learned and grew from each other. We had a lot of fun." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
"I am possible because "I AM," for the believers out there that know God is spirit, God shall be known as I AM. That's told to us in the Bible. And I knew the power of God." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
"For many people, the pandemic was a time that the world kind of slowed down and allowed them to do a lot of introspective learning about themselves or maybe develop ways to present a course or present even speaking on a virtual platform." – Dr. Derrick Burgess
"Spirituality was always a part of my life and a big part of my life. And so I always knew that life was deeper than the surface of what we see in these eyes, and so we are all here for a purpose." - Mr. Kenneth Smith
Connect with Mr. Kenneth Smith:
Website: https://iampossibleenterprise.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenny.j.smith.3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Akroncoach_jojo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-jo-jo-smith-m-ed-48002170/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Akroncoach_JoJo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8HY5lhAp5gKXBIakbb9InA
Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:
Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg
Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com
This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time so that I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.
Author/Speaker/CEO I-AM Possible Enterprise
At the conclusion of playing professional basketball Kenny “Jo-Jo” Smith became a vocal community activist creating change by using his voice and his actions. Coach Jo-Jo currently operates I-AM Possible Enterprise where he highlights the importance of education. He connects to people through speaking, professional development and children’s literature after publishing 2 children’s books. Mr. Smith taught students considered “Emotionally Disturbed” in Akron, OH for 12 years and has now moved on to spreading the mantra “I-AM Possible” to every person in the world. Coach Jo-Jo also founded Ladies First Akron Inc. a 501c3 organization in 2010 that helps young ladies grow their self-esteem using education and athletics.
Kenny is a graduate of Miles College, a prestigious HBCU in Birmingham, AL where he played basketball The University of Akron where he became a licensed teacher and is married with 2 beautiful daughters.