Tom Thompson Interview

Today we are pleased to welcome author Tom Thompson to Interviews & Reviews. Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II, D.S.L., M.S., M.A., entered the health and fitness industry after a 20-year career in commercial real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from LeTourneau University, a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas, a 

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, a Doctor of Strategic Leadership Degree from Regent University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Austin College. 

Like many of us, Tom felt as though he couldn't catch a break. With obstacles and setbacks from a very early age, including growing up in a broken home and the early death of his father, he struggled to find meaning and purpose. As an adult with no real plan, his self-absorbed lifestyle led to divorce, financial stress, and physical injuries. It seemed to be one thing after another. Was this how life was meant to be lived?

Along the way, Tom’s life intersected with and was influenced by an assortment of fascinating characters including martial arts champion and legend, Chuck Norris, Elvis and Priscilla Presley, and president of the United States, George W. Bush. And in time, Tom found his faith, his purpose, and his soul-mate.

His is a remarkable story of stamina, determination, and of overcoming the odds to become the first over-60 NCAA football player. And his example will inspire the reader to Kick Start their life at any age.
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Tom, welcome to Interviews & Reviews!

You have a long list of credentials after your name. How long have you been writing?

I began to write in 1998. I contributed a chapter entitled, “The proper execution of flexibility exercises” for the ACMA Instructor Certification Manual. This manual was the textbook for an exercise science certification for martial artists. The certification was co-sponsored by the American Council of Martial Artists and The Cooper Institute.

How many books have you written?

One as an author. One as a co-author.

Do you have any other books in the works?

Yes. Get a Kick Out of Life, Fit to Last, 4th.Quarter Fitness and The Kicking Coach.

What is your latest book about?

The updated and expanded edition of Kick Start. Kick Start is a story of overcoming life's obstacles to inspire the reader to “KICK START” their future.

What inspired you to write this book?
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To inspire readers of all ages to realize failure and obstacles in life are variables rather than an outcome or a final destination. For example, the Apostle Paul gloried in his weakness. 

Yet, he continued to press on to the goal.

In addition to your many remarkable accomplishments, you also reveal in the book a number of jaw-dropping failures. What's your secret for bouncing back from situations that could cause a person to simply give up?

I have learned that anything worth doing will cause an individual to quit at least once. In addition, I've learned the amount of resistance at the beginning of an endeavor will determine the amount of victory an individual will enjoy at the end. Moreover, having faith and trust in God gives us a better chance to demonstrate perseverance. In my next book, Get A Kick Out Of Life I point out, "In reality, failure is not an endpoint. Failure is just a veil we pass through before going on to the next stage."

Wise words! Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Our faith in God, perseverance, and teachability will always lead to success in life.

What advice do you have for a person who is approaching retirement age, but still has things they want to accomplish?

Develop teachability. Determine your core values. Tie your goals to your core values. Ditch the bucket list...replace the bucket list with quality of life goals. In other words, a quality of life goal involves more individuals than a bucket list goal does. Lastly, focus your goals on helping others.

What is your favourite Scripture verse and why?

Psalms 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. For me, growing up I had always wanted to play college football. God knew that was a desire of my heart. By delighting in the Lord, I did play college football. However, it was in His timing.

Last question - when is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
  
My next book, Get a Kick Out of Life is due out in the autumn of ’17. The book is divided into three sections—Body, Mind, and Spirit—Get a Kick out of Life includes tips on goal setting and intentionality, physical fitness and nutrition, finding your purpose, developing deeper relationships with family and friends, and offers suggestions for ditching the “bucket list” for something even better.​

Thank you Tom! To win a copy of Kick Start, enter below. To learn more about Tom Thompson and the new updated and expanded edition of Kick Start, visit 91kick.com. 

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