As a motivational speaker, education consultant and author, Darrell "Coach D" Andrews travels extensively guiding youth and adults on the path to living a life with passion, versus mere existence.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
There are three key contributors to my inner strength. First, there is my mother. She lifted herself up from the quagmire of poverty to ultimately succeed as an employee for U.S. Air, Inc. Her determination to provide my brother and me with a solid role model was one of the first building blocks of my success. Second, are my wife and children. Their faith and belief in my dream has helped me overcome many obstacles that have tried to stop me. Last, is my faith in Christ. It was through my Christian walk that I really found my purpose in life. Without God in my life, I would be nowhere.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
My wife and I were told that we could not have children. We were literally told that it was impossible and that we should consider adoption. Our faith, coupled with prayer and belief, delivered us with three miracles. I dealt with the incident by believing that we would prove the doctors wrong. And we did!
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
There are three specific suggestions to help people realize their capabilities.
- Realize that you were birthed with purpose in mind. Each and every one of us has a gift that we can deposit onto the earth. It is a personal choice if you will realize this potential.
- Show me your friends and I will show you your future. Create an inner circle of passion that has the same values, discipline and determination as you. Run with this crew and you will win time and time again. Cut off toxic relationship. They will drain the life out of you.
- Be willing to sacrifice. No risk, no reward! Most people never realize their potential because they live in a petrified comfort zone. Ninety percent of the success stories I know are of people who were willing to lay it on the line to make their dreams come true. Make sure you have a plan of action when making this decision.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
People who are driven from the inside out are not controlled from the outside in. They do not let external circumstances abort their purpose and passion in life. They have encapsulated a vision and are determined to see it come to pass. These people shape the world in which we live.
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
My primary future goal is to transform the education system relating to students of color. Our children are losing the war of academics and there needs to be a strategic initiative that specifically addresses key areas that most people are ignoring. I have connected with some of the greatest minds in the country regarding this matter and our synergy fuels each other in the mission. I am confident that this vision, too, will eventually happen.
