Today we’d like to introduce you to Ric Smoothe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Mid-west born, mid-south bread, my perspective greatly shaped by the influence of a north Memphis suburb, Raleigh. As I think back, I realize more how I am blessed to have encountered amazing people along my journey. I present as a single entity comprised of people who have invested in me, none greater than my mother. She often said, “We all have a book in us, because we all have a story to tell.”
Personally, I feel real-life experiences make for the best stories, no doubt! Presently, I am bringing my perspective to life through traditional books, with visions of creating multiple options in the future. After 30+ years of writing, I finally managed to self-publish my debut novella, Ric’s Last Run, which is the first installment of the Raleigh Boys series. It has been a long-time coming, no doubt!
To put it succinctly, I have evolved through countless trials and tribulations from childhood to adulthood to build a reservoir of resilience. However, I have also experienced enough triumphs to bolster my faith, hope, and confidence. Overall, I am eternally grateful to have met wonderful people from various paths that have taught me so much. Most importantly, I am thankful for the ability to listen, so I can learn, observe, and grow.
Ironically, when I consider how I got to where I am, I am reminded of four principles I often emphasize to youth. First, have faith and believe in a power greater than yourself. Second, learn to learn, be able to read, count, and think for yourself. Third, believe in yourself and your own ability. Fourth, have courage to pursue your dreams.
I believe wise and encouraging words are powerful. As a former classroom teacher, coach, entrepreneur, mentor, and mental health counselor, I hold a unique perspective on how words can motivate and ignite the mind and spirit. I have worn a host of hats during my lifetime, not to say I am an expert, but I have definitely learned things along the way,
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been anything but smooth!
At each turn, I can reflect on personal challenges throughout the trip that could have stunned my progress. I recall barely graduating from high school, to wondering if I was even college material, to never feeling quiet adequate for the position, to wondering if I was making the right move, and so on.
I think life is challenging for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, name, image, or likeness!
I recall my fourth-grade teacher asking me what I wanted to be as a grown up. I replied, “I want to be an architect.” At that moment, I had no idea how to even spell the word, but I knew what an architect did essentially. Architects design, organize, manage, and build…
Although I did not become an actual architect of buildings or bridges, those words I uttered as a fourth-grade student were prophetic in that I have become an organizer and motivator of people. A real-life example of the power in words.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As you already are aware, I am a writer, story teller, educator, coach, motivator, and more.
What I specialize in or do best is difficult to pinpoint. I am the epitome of “jack of all trades, master of none.” However, I am a true game-changer for people who aspire to achieve. I galvanize, strategize, coordinate, and motivate. My fundamental approach is “Let us identify a goal, develop a plan, and make it happen!”
As I ponder what I am best known for, I see myself as being result-oriented, proficient, and successful in nearly every goal I set. I am known for having the heart and passion to pursue my goals. Although we are all unique which naturally sets us apart, I tend to look for commonalities in people,
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Instinctively, I was a quiet introvert when I was young but during my high years, I participated in team sports and thankfully it developed my extravert in me. Personality wise, beyond my small circle of friends, I kept to myself. There were very few, if any, additional interest other than going to school.
However, my inspiration came from a variety of sources, but mainly from being considered an underdog. There is nothing that charges my determination and drive more than being underestimated or thought of as incapable. Even though being discounted as ignorant or incompetent has been a stigma during my life, it has certainly made me more resilient. In hindsight, I see how I tend to cheer or pull for the underdog (e.g. David versus Goliath). Also, whenever obstacles and odds are overcome, it is a phenomenal feeling.
In high school, I began to realize good health, personal confidence, and mental stability, along with core values such as respect, humility, and compassion for others are vitally important traits to develop. Thus, I am compelled to recognize and salute those who sacrificed and helped me along the way. For without them, there is no me, and without me, there are no future trailblazers.
Thank you for allowing me to share a little bit about myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ricsmoothe.com
