Faith & Fitness Magazine: Talking about having the lust for life … your life reads like a non-stop adventure on steroids: college football, military service, fashion modeling, working in the fitness industry, acting and now owning your own production company doing television and theatrical films. What have you learned that guides you through doing all of this without it controlling you? How would you encourage our readers to keep fitness, career, opportunities, agendas, even relationships in order?
Drew Waters: I’ve always been the kind of person to envision opportunities and then go after them. That is how great adventures happen. But, I got caught up in my own creations. I woke one day and realized I was chasing money instead of my passion and dream — and I was miserable in doing that. I decided to change my ways, start chasing passion and show my kids it is good to dream and go after those dreams.
If you don’t put effort within yourself, if you don’t hold yourself to a standard then how do you expect anyone else to do that? You feel better in life when you hold yourself to a standard and achieve goals. Don’t look to others to make you happy. Allow that [commitment] to fuel and give you energy and create new opportunities. Make sure you are healthy and find balance. Then invite others to join in the joy of your journey. Motivate others. That is what we are here to do: live, learn and be a positive footprint.
DREW’S TOP 5 EXERCISES
1. High Cardio Sprint Workout – Take the stairs, run 100 yards, go up and down the stairs again. Do it over and over. That shocks your system and fuels you with energy.
2. Push-ups – There are different stages: wide stance, inners and tightly-placed diamond push ups… I love those.
3. Air Squats – Your arms are out in front of you. It is all bio-mechanics. Focus on the specific areas.
4. Bicep/Tricep Workout – Minimize movement in the back. It helps me balance everything with muscle structure and give me that beach-muscle look.
5. Focus on opposite muscle groups – Do it all in a 45 minute, non-stop, intense cardio format workout either in the gym or outside.
Faith & Fitness Magazine: The wide-ranging experiences you’ve had make it easier to visualize that life has seasons. Sometimes in our zeal to do something awesome we get involved in an activity or lifestyle that has unexpected demands or consequences. How have you navigated through times like that? How do you catch vision for what is next and how do you practice the art of transitioning and graciously moving forward?
Drew Waters: I’m a strong believer in the attitude, “If it knocks you down, then get back up and fight even harder if you have passion for a purpose.” In my life, I’ve had downfalls and setbacks. They cause me to question, “Can I do this? Do I have the staying power?” The key to overcoming obstacles is to not second-guess. If you have the drive and passion then go after it. A failure is an opportunity to learn. Don’t be afraid of the unexpected consequences. I think sometimes you have to take “chances” in life and trust that they are there for a reason. Live to your full potential. You can accomplish more. Many things are possible in life.
Don’t dwell on the negative but instead appreciate the beauty of each moment. I don’t think we were created in God’s eyes to belittle others and think we are better than others. We are here to learn, grow and help others as you would want to be helped.
Faith & Fitness Magazine: You talk about how you like to do the kind of movie that doesn’t ‘tell somebody something’ (doesn’t preach) but instead helps people open up the door of communication and start having a conversation. How can people have conversation and open communication in the gym, at work, in church, among family at home or with friends and contacts? What led to you valuing this kind of interaction and how do you feel it can make sharing faith more effectual?
Drew Waters: People listen to people they trust. For me I knew that when somebody tried to push something on me I turned a deaf ear to it. I don’t think that is the right approach. I think instead, you open a conversation with a friend or family member, not with the intent to push something but for them to ask questions.
Those are the kind of movies I’m talking about. They don’t preach to you but rather allow you to search out answers. Then those answers will be more important to you. You’ll be more willing to grow from them and utilize them within your life.
I think one of the most important things we can do as humans is communicate. Too many times we sit next to others and never bother to talk or simply say, “Hi”. You may spend three or four hours with a person and not a word is spoken. If you will take the opportunity just to start a subtle conversation you’ll be amazed where that conversation can go.
I’ve had incredible conversations with people. [Some casual acquaintances have developed into friendships.] They share their life story and have incredible journeys. [Sometimes what they want to share] It’s not always good but they felt comfortable enough to share. They feel better after they talk about it. I don’t place judgment. I just listen. You can do that everywhere your business, the gym, at church, among family, wherever. We’re built to help. We want to help.
The hardest thing [for people] to do is ask for help. So, instead of waiting for someone to ask for help, have a conversation. Don’t be pushy about it, just have a conversation and all that conversation to steer in the directions to help in faith and in the journey of life.
