Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Livingston.
Hi Joel, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Born in Kansas City but also raised in Dallas, TX. Graduated from Stephen F. Austin State in 2001. Started coaching basketball at the high school level and working with college athletes immediately after graduation. Been coaching high school basketball at the highest level for the past twenty years. During that time, I have mentored hundreds of kids. I got into writing and doing movies based out of pain. I went through a divorce that almost destroyed me in 2006. I went through several relationships since then trying to find love while losing myself and allowing them to tell me who I am instead of finding the uniqueness within myself and knowing who I am. During this time, I wrote and wrote, and it turned into a book. Turning my pain into purpose. I lost my mom in 2021 as well been turned down from many jobs. I turned rejection into restoration, and you can too… That is what my book Don’t Look Back tells because it inspires you how to get through life’s disappointments while not looking back to harbor over the pain but to push you towards your purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A marriage that ended in divorce in 2006 Failed job opportunities
Failed relationships
Not an easy ride; however, I used it to help people move forward. Many people are hurting but too ashamed to speak up, afraid of what people will think.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an educator, mentor, basketball coach for high school for the past twenty years. I specialize in educating, mentoring, and motivating, writing, author. I am known for being a basketball coach, author, and entrepreneurship. I am driven and very ambitious in trying to reach my goals and helping others to reach theirs as well.
I’m most proud of my character and integrity. Also, I’m proud of my ability to connect with people. I’m proud of the times I had with my mom before she past. I’m proud of the accomplishments I earned while coaching.
What sets me apart from others is no matter how many times I been knocked all the way down, I never give up. I can’t give up; I’m not made that way.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as building people up to reach their goals. Leaving a legacy for your family. Success is not always money, sometimes it’s wisdom you put in your kids; success is when your back is against the wall, you pushed through and came out on the other side. Let’s say this, my mom went into the hospital in 2020, at the same time I had to take care of my dad with his illness. I would wake up each day at 5:30am to drive an hour and a half to work. Teach all day then go to practice and practice would end at 6pm then go see my mom while she was in the hospital until 10 or 11 pm. Take care of her, whatever she needs then go home to take care of my dad and do it all over again the next day.
Then go home to feed my dad and make sure he has his meds all while working, and then do it all over again and again, and this went on for months. I couldn’t let it break me being the only child to help. I had no time to cry but to fight; even though I lost my mom, today I have a beautiful 5-bedroom home, two nice vehicles, a good job, and two businesses. That is success to me, overcoming those moments when it’s easier to die or walk away than it is to stay and live.
Pricing:
- Don’t look back paperback is 14.95
- Don’t look back hard copy is 22.95
- Livingston productions apparel t shirt $25
- Livingston productions apparel hoodies $45
- Livingston production long sleeves $35
Contact Info:
- Website: Livingstonproductions.org
- Instagram: author_jlivingston
- Facebook: Joel Livingston
- Youtube: www.YouTube.Com/@LivTrue1123
- Other: linktr..ee/authorjoellivi1
Image Credits
Ari Talton photographer
Lorin Jackson media and graphics
