Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keith Barbour. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Keith, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The risk I took that changed my life:
As a D1 athlete, I spent years training, competing, and pushing myself to the limit, but when graduation rolled around, I faced a hard truth—I didn’t believe I had what it took to go pro. Lack of self-belief clouded my vision of continuing down the path I had known for so long.
With no clear future in sports, I did what many do—I settled into a 9-5 job as a security analyst. It wasn’t the dream, but it was safe. Stability was something I could count on, but deep down, I knew I wanted more. There was this creative side of me that longed to come alive, and I felt the urge to express my thoughts in ways I had never explored before. That’s when I decided to take a risk—one that seemed completely out of my realm as a former athlete. I decided to write a book.
I knew how it would be perceived. I was entering a world where I had no formal experience, no literary background, and no expectations from anyone around me. People probably wondered why I was writing when I had a stable job and no clear path toward becoming an author.
But I wrote it anyway.
I poured everything into my book, channeling the experiences, lessons, and challenges I faced as an athlete. The book wasn’t just about my journey; it was about showing people the power of the mind, how self-belief can shape or break you, and why pushing through doubt is essential.
Was it risky? Absolutely. I had no idea if anyone would read it or take it seriously. But putting my words out there, being vulnerable, and stepping out of my comfort zone was worth more than staying stuck in a life of routine.
The risk paid off in more ways than one. I became a published author, I connected with others on a deeper level, and I learned that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves.
Taking that leap was the best decision I ever made.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me & My Journey
Hi, I’m Keith Barbour, a former Division 1 athlete turned entrepreneur, author, and systems engineer. My journey into the professional world wasn’t the typical trajectory of a college athlete. After graduating from Virginia Tech, I didn’t pursue a pro athletic career due to my lack of self-belief. Instead, I transitioned into the tech space, taking a 9-5 security analyst role. However, my passion for personal growth and helping others stayed strong, and that’s what eventually led me to write my first book.
How I Got Into My Craft
I’ve always been someone who loves to explore new things in life, whether it’s athletics, business, or creative writing. When I entered the tech world, I realized that while I was skilled at systems engineering and backend work, I also had a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives, particularly athletes who are struggling with mental and physical balance. That’s what inspired me to create my Sports Wellness Log. It’s not just a product; it’s a tool designed to help athletes and gym-goers stay organized, maintain focus, and prioritize their well-being in a demanding world.
Products & Services I Provide
Sports Wellness Log: A comprehensive tool designed to help athletes, gym enthusiasts, and anyone balancing fitness with life’s demands stay accountable. It includes daily reflections, progress tracking, and wellness check-ins to maintain focus and balance.
Creative Works: I’m also an author, with books that focus on personal growth, self-belief, and finding your purpose. My writing helps people tap into their mental strength and navigate life’s challenges through positivity.
System Engineering & Market Research Services: My professional work includes improving IT infrastructure, automation, and backend development for organizations. I also offer market research and graphic design services as a 1099 contractor.
Problems I Solve for Clients
Whether it’s through my Sports Wellness Log or my professional services, I focus on empowering individuals to optimize their lives—whether that’s through finding work-life balance, improving physical performance, or enhancing their systems’ efficiency. I specialize in helping athletes and professionals balance their busy lives, keeping their physical and mental health in check, and providing systems engineering solutions to streamline operations for businesses.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart from others is the combination of my diverse experiences—from being a former D1 athlete to a tech professional and author. I understand the pressures athletes face, the demands of the corporate world, and the struggle to stay motivated in both arenas. I take this understanding and infuse it into my products and services, making everything I offer relatable and practical for my clients and followers.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of leaping to publish my books and create my Sports Wellness Log, despite the uncertainty that came with it. It was a risk, but seeing people benefit from my work and hearing how it has helped them balance their lives is incredibly rewarding. I’ve turned my challenges into tools that help others, and that’s something I cherish.
Key Things I Want People to Know
I care deeply about mental and physical wellness and strive to help others achieve balance in their lives, especially athletes and busy professionals.
My work focuses on empowerment through self-belief. Whether it’s through my books or my Sports Wellness Log, my goal is to help people push past doubt and live their best lives.
I’m also someone who values growth, exploration, and creativity. I’m always looking to expand my skill set and take on new challenges, and I encourage my clients and followers to do the same.
I look forward to continuing to provide value, connect with like-minded individuals, and help people navigate their personal and professional journeys with confidence.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The core mission driving my creative journey is to encourage former and current athletes to never give up, regardless of the obstacles they face or the self-doubt that creeps in. I want athletes to know that they are not imposters—they have earned their place, both in their athletic pursuits and in their lives beyond sports.
I’ve experienced the weight of self-doubt myself, but I’ve also learned that the key to success is to embrace the process—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. My goal is to help athletes not only perform at their best but also find joy and fulfillment in their journey, knowing that growth and progress take time.
Through my work, whether it’s my Sports Wellness Log or my writing, I aim to inspire athletes to keep going, stay focused, and trust that their journey is valuable, even if it doesn’t look the way they expected.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A major lesson I had to unlearn was letting go of pride and learning how to ask for quality help. As a former Division 1 athlete, I was used to pushing through challenges on my own. There’s this unspoken pressure that comes with being an athlete to handle everything yourself—to be tough, self-sufficient, and always in control.
After transitioning into the working world and dealing with personal challenges, I started to realize that doing everything alone wasn’t sustainable. When I began writing my book and developing my Sports Wellness Log, I faced challenges I had never encountered before—things I couldn’t just “power through.” It became clear that to truly grow, I needed help from people who had the expertise and insight I didn’t have.
At first, it was hard. I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness, and I was afraid that admitting I didn’t know everything would make me look less capable. But what I learned was the complete opposite. Once I let go of my pride and started asking for quality help, everything changed. I realized that seeking guidance made me stronger and more effective in reaching my goals. It allowed me to improve my work, my mindset, and my personal growth.
Unlearning that mindset of self-reliance has been crucial. Asking for help doesn’t diminish your abilities—it enhances them. It’s been one of the most liberating lessons I’ve embraced, and it’s something I now apply across my creative and professional journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://a.co/d/1ZWD6fE
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsuavelo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-barbour-000a308b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tsuavelo/videos
