'No Shortcuts' Wellness Coach Who Reshaped His Life: Tony Williams

threadTALK Blog Series 30

This month, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tony Williams, a Chicagoland native who decided to turn his life around. At nearly 300 pounds, Tony's Physician told him that his weight was killing him. From that moment on, Tony was determined to make a change for the better. Read more to find out how Tony remained motivated throughout his fitness journey and his transformation to the man that he is today! 

Q Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do!

A I’m 47 years old and live in the Chicagoland area. A life long wall flower that has blossomed into a talkative, friendly and outgoing soul. By trade I’m a Locomotive engineer which is a fancy way of saying I drive trains. Part time I’m also a WW Coach facilitating weekly virtual Workshops. 

Music, movies and television shows are my life!! A proud geek who loves sci-fi, fantasy and comic books. I also have another side who loves preparing and enjoying nutritious meals. Which fuels my active lifestyle in which strength training and running are my passions.

"I wanted to be that person for someone who feels hopeless and show them that power to transform their lives."

Q Tell us how you started your journey to becoming a wellness coach and how you got to where you are today.

A Throughout my life I’ve had people who shaped me into the person I’ve become. They were Teachers, friends, family members who unknowingly became mentors. 

When I made the choice to get healthy and transform the habits that were killing me, the right person was there to say a kind word, give me the answers I was looking for and to show me the changes in myself I couldn’t see on my own. 

I wanted to be that person for someone who feels hopeless and show them that power to transform their lives.

Q What has been the biggest struggle that you overcame on your journey?

A At the time I was nearly 300 lbs and I had just been told by a Physician that my weight was killing me. I felt hopeless because I had no idea how or where to begin.

I set a goal to lose 20lbs and made the decision to just start that day!! That first step took down the path towards the healthy lifestyle I have now.

"With time 'I think I can,' was transformed into 'I knew I could.' "

Q This is probably the hardest part. What kept you motivated throughout the different stages of your health journey?

A Early in the journey instead of looking at this long road I had ahead of me, I focused on setting small attainable goals. As I reached each goals I celebrated in small and as I reached the larger milestones I treated myself to a big gift. 

There was the added bonus that with each success I built confidence in me. With time “I think I can,” was transformed into “I knew I could.” That thinking spread to every area of my life. So even now if I stumble and fall, I’m sure that I can rise again.

Q What advice would you give to people who are also trying to turn their life around but are struggling?

A I see you’re struggling and it may feel like your efforts are in vain. Even though you may not recognize it, the little changes you’re making every day are adding up. Stay focused why you began and let that fuel you to create those healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Q What future plans or goals do you hope to accomplish in regards to your health journey?

A  I have a huge goal on the horizon for 2022. I’m signed up to run in the Marine Corp Marathon next October and it’s going to be my first time running 26.2 miles.

Q Lastly, if you were to describe your life story in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

A  Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

Follow Tony's Journey
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