When I first introduced Donald Trump, the businessman and reality star, during my initial political speech at CPAC in 2011, I was almost 300 pounds. Interesting, right?
The crowd was roaring, chanting “Obama, you’re fired!” while I sat on stage, trying hard to minimize my presence with my 5-foot-4 stature.
I was let go two months later. From that moment, I embarked on my journey into politics, taking on various roles within the field.
By October 2018, I found myself single, over 40, weighing more than 300 pounds, unemployed again, deep in credit card debt, and desperate for some stability. I discovered that stability through an unexpected journey—my weight loss journey.
In my new book, The Gen X Handbook for Midlife: Pursuing Health, Success, and Human Fulfillment, I discuss losing 170 pounds, achieving financial freedom, finding love in a more traditional way (think classic John Hughes movie), and enthusiastically leaving a blue state like Virginia for Texas, all with a nod to Gen X pop culture.
Charlie Kirk offered a straightforward plan for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Get married.
I have a child.
Build your legacy.
Let’s share our values.
Pursue true joy.
Seek lasting happiness.
If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z, research indicates—it’s interesting— that our abilities peak around age 60, encompassing various psychological dimensions such as intelligence and personality.
Moreover, the findings suggest that accumulated knowledge, or what we might call “crystallized intelligence,” continues to increase into our 60s, along with financial awareness.
The early days of Make America Great Again were about taking on challenges and making bold choices, similar to electing someone like Donald Trump who wasn’t a career politician. Likewise, refreshing your life in midlife often requires stepping outside your comfort zone.
My own transformation commenced with two pivotal words. One from Deuteronomy, spoken by Moses, and another from Greg Gutfeld. In a PragerU video, Gutfeld emphasized that “Exercise is a prime example of conservative thinking,” adding that “Fitness acts like a bank where you invest your effort for future rewards.”
In 2018, during my first Bible study, a verse hit me with surprising clarity, reshaping how I viewed weight loss. In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses told the Israelites, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life.”
As Scott Adams would characterize it, those words were “reconfigurations,” leading to meaningful change. He also mentioned that when tough times arise, it’s worth pursuing something valuable, implying that it usually works out in the end—something to consider.
You might feel a bit hesitant to share your struggles with weight gain and debt, but perhaps that very vulnerability could inspire others, or even lead you to write a book.
My other main goal for enhancing my life was to tackle my debt. I adopted Dave Ramsey’s snowball method and successfully cleared over $50,000 in credit card debt. Since 2021, I’ve been debt-free. I drive my 21-year-old car without worries, and when I get a new one, I plan to pay cash. It’s a reminder that supporters of economic freedom shouldn’t obsess more over government spending than their personal finances. Often, we see that typical car payments can be quite hefty– perhaps around $745 a month or higher for big trucks here in Texas. It’s vital not to let those expenses chip away at your savings for retirement.
Ramsey quotes the Bible, reflecting the idea that debt is akin to slavery. Many of us, especially in my generation, are determined not to live that way. Embracing what seems unconventional can indeed lead to freedom. Rejecting the “if it feels good, do it” mindset often associated with the Boomers is essential, especially for things we simply can’t afford. We grew up as observed, keyboard enthusiasts, but we’re stepping into a time to prepare for what lies ahead. Much like the Goonies, we must take charge of our future but also plan for it. Remember, “The Goonies never say die!”
Another change, albeit a challenging one, that you might consider for 2026 is relocating from your home state. In 2022, I moved from the Washington DC area after 23 years to a Texas town I had visited just once, signing a lease for a home I hadn’t seen. It could feel like losing connections and job prospects, but I chose to view it as an opportunity for new experiences and friendships.
Political advisors often state that all politics is local, and the trend is leaning heavily toward the hyperlocal. If you want to strive for greatness, start with your physical health, your living situation, and your future prospects. If the thought of the future scares you, perhaps reimagining it could inspire you to pursue continuous improvement. We owe it to ourselves to not only embrace the prosperity of America but also to carve out our own prosperous paths.
