By [Gary]
As a child, school was a bewildering maze for me. While others seemed to absorb lessons effortlessly, I stumbled on the simplest tasks. The first time I couldn’t spell “ball,” after spelling, call, tall, fall. The look of amazement and worry on my Nans face I felt the weight of failure settle on my young shoulders. I saw my peers breeze through spelling tests, I hated quizzes and I mistakenly began to believe that intelligence was measured solely by the ability to recall and regurgitate information from textbooks.
I struggled with focus, especially on subjects I found irrelevant or uninteresting. The classroom, with its rigid structure and endless rules, felt like a prison. My restless energy often led me to become the class clown, a role that brought me temporary relief from an otherwise stifling environment. I vividly remember a teacher asking, “Why do you feel the need to be the class clown?” It was a question meant to punish and correct, but one that only deepened my confusion. Little did anyone know, including myself at the time, that my behavior was born out of an inability to maintain focus on what didn’t capture my innate curiosity—a classic sign of ADHD.
Years passed before I began to see beyond my supposed shortcomings. What I had been too young to understand was that intelligence isn’t a one-size-fits-all metric. Emotional intelligence, for example, was something I was rich in. I could read people, sense emotions, and build relationships with ease. In sports, my strategic mind and physical prowess set me apart. These were forms of intelligence that no standardized test could measure.
Despite my academic struggles, I was incredibly hardworking and focused on things that fueled my passion. When I discovered fitness, it felt like finding water in a desert. Every muscle movement and every nutritional detail fascinated me. I poured my energy into it, investing countless hours into becoming the best version of myself and helping others do the same.
Fast forward to today, and I see my younger self in a different light. I’ve opened my third fitness location, mentor gyms around the world, and work for one of the best mentoring companies. I am highly intelligent, just in ways that differ from societal norms. I’ve come to understand the importance of catering to individual needs, recognizing that what works for some may not work for others—and that’s perfectly okay.
By embracing my unique strengths and managing the challenges of ADHD, I’ve carved out a fulfilling and successful life. My journey has taught me that intelligence is multifaceted and deeply personal. It cannot and should not be confined to traditional academic achievements alone.
To anyone who has ever felt out of place or underestimated, know this: the road to self-discovery and success is not a straight line. Every detour and challenge has the potential to reveal a hidden strength. I’ve learned to embrace my differences, and in doing so, I’ve unlocked a form of intelligence that has empowered me to lead, inspire, and excel.
Remember, true intelligence lies not only in what you can memorize or regurgitate but in how you can innovatively apply your unique skills to make a difference in your world and the lives of others. My story is a testament to the vital importance of recognizing and nurturing diverse forms of intelligence, not just for individual fulfillment but for the benefit of our broader society.
Knowing that everyone is an individual has helped me shape my business philosophy. In my gyms, everyone begins with a private consultation called a ‘No Sweat Intro.’ This step is crucial because it ensures that each person receives the right exercise prescription tailored to their unique needs and goals.
My fear is without this personalised approach, you might find yourself in the same position I was all those years ago—unable to progress simply because you were given the wrong tools.
I want you to win in life and have a healthy one.
Hopefully my story shows you are special in your own way, hopefully you are lucky enough like I was to find your talent.
If you are struggling with your health or fitness, shoot me a message and let’s see can I help you.
Gary