Hard Work Pays Off for These 4 Guys

Sure is motivating to take in a "rags to riches" type story.

I love to read about people who come from behind personally, financially or physically and ultimately achieve great success.  When I think about this, there are a handful of people who come to mind.  Some may surprise you.  Some you may not agree with.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  And since this is Men’s Health, I'm going to focus on men today.

Zig Ziglar. The late Zig Ziglar was one of the first motivational teachers in my life.  I read his quotes well before the days of youtube.  I later watched many of his videos and bought a handful of his products and books.  If you’re not familiar with him, I encourage you to check out some of this content online.
I had the opportunity to meet him about five years ago when on a trip to Dallas TX with my wife and was impressed.

The way he wrote about his wife and kids, and taught about business and life, puts him on top of this list as a man I truly admire. He is truly a legend and has really helped me to step up my game in every way.  You can find out more about him and his programs at http://www.zigziglar.com

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. You’re likely familiar with “The Rock” from professional wrestling.  It was surely how I first learned about him. In case you haven't noticed, he has transformed himself from professional wrestler to one of Hollywood's top male actors.  This is no small feat.

I recently read a quote from him that says it all, “If something stands between you and your success – move it. Never be denied.”  I’ve watched some videos of him in the gym.  To say he's impressive physically is an understatement.  He hits it so hard in the gym that actor Hugh Jackman, best known for his role as the Wolverine, asks him for tips about how to get ripped.

It's pretty clear that Dwayne Johnson removes obstacles to reach success in his life, in and out of the gym.

Jared from Subway.  Jared is very, very different physically than The Rock, yet impressive nonetheless.  Losing 245 pounds is an incredible accomplishment, but I'm more interested in the fact that he's kept it off for 15 years. My PhD is in exercise physiology and my research focus was on the behavior treatment and prevention of overweight and obesity.  Weight maintenance is the by far the bigger challenge of the entire puzzle.  That's why Jared, who I had the pleasure of meeting recently, inspires people.  He demonstrates that it really is possible to lose a massive amount of weight, maintain that loss and live a healthy, happy life.  Jared lost the weight eating Subway daily -- portion control -- and he still eats it several times a week because "it tastes good, keeps my nutrition in line and it works for me when I'm on the road at least 200 days out of the year."  The lesson is this:  Find what works for you and commit to it.  Here's a lot more about Jared's story.

Arnold.  This guy has the quintessential come from nowhere story, ultimately reaching one of the highest political offices in the nation -- Governor.  Sure, he’s not without controversy, but that doesn't change his rags to riches trajectory.  Let's also lend credit where it is due.  Many of us may not even have considered getting into the iron game without Arnold.  He popularized weight training by crafting a physique that broke barriers we didn't even know existed.  I'll always be grateful to Arnold for showing me at an early age what physical potential was all about.  And he's giving back now with a new website himself ...

From building impressive physiques to fundamentally changing their own lives and careers, to helping motivate millions of others to be better themselves, these men have done more than most to inspire the rest of us.

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