Meet David Kelly

We were lucky to catch up with David Kelly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi David, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I developed my confidence and self-esteem through a combination of personal struggles and a relentless commitment to self-improvement. Growing up, I had low confidence, especially in school. Sports played a big role in my growth, but it wasn’t until I started bodybuilding around 19 years old that I saw the power of building myself physically and mentally.

After facing challenges in high school and beyond, I realized that my confidence was tied to more than just external validation. It was about knowing who I was and being authentic. I pushed myself to develop both my physique and my vocal abilities in music, which gave me a sense of pride and ownership in my own progress. The mental strength I gained from bodybuilding and overcoming rejection from various groups in life helped me understand that confidence isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you build through consistent effort and resilience.

Throughout my journey, I’ve embraced the importance of being true to myself, living my truth, and sharing my story. This has helped me grow not only in my body and my professional life but in how I show up for others as well. Confidence is a byproduct of continually pushing yourself to evolve, and I’ve learned to never shy away from the hard work it takes to level up in every area of my life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a bodybuilder, a metal vocalist, and a coach dedicated to helping men transform their lives, both physically and mentally. Through my coaching, I primarily guide young men—especially those who feel lost or stuck—toward building confidence and mental resilience through building their bodies. I believe every man can level up in every area of his life by committing to continuous growth, whether that’s through fitness, mindset, or personal development.

What excites me most about my work is seeing the transformation in my clients—how they go from uncertain, unmotivated individuals to driven, confident men who take bold action in their lives. I’ve experienced this transformation firsthand, overcoming self-doubt, building a physique, and honing my voice as a metal vocalist. Now, I’m able to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way to help others become the best versions of themselves.

In addition to coaching, I’m deeply involved in my music career with my band, Tethra. We have built a strong fanbase with tens of thousands of monthly listeners. Music and bodybuilding are two of my greatest passions, and they both inform my coaching approach. I’m currently focusing on how to integrate the mindset, discipline, and drive from bodybuilding into the lives of men who want to achieve greatness in their own right.

Ultimately, what I want people to know about me and my brand is that it’s about authenticity, overcoming challenges, and taking action. I’ve lived through my own battles and know what it takes to rise above them. I’m here to show others that they have the power to build their legacy and live a life that truly matters.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities or skills in my journey have been resilience, self-discipline, and authenticity. Each of these played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles and building the life I have now.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back after setbacks, whether in bodybuilding, music, or business, has been vital. There were times when I felt defeated, whether due to failures, rejection, or not seeing immediate results. But I’ve learned that resilience is about pushing forward no matter the odds, embracing the struggle as part of the growth process. It’s about keeping your eyes on the long-term vision and not letting temporary pain or disappointment dictate your path.

Advice: For those early in their journey, resilience is something you can start building by leaning into the tough moments. When you face difficulty, instead of quitting, ask yourself what you can learn from it and how you can use it to grow stronger. Embrace discomfort and see it as an opportunity to sharpen your character. It’s the small, persistent steps in the face of adversity that will ultimately build your resilience.

Self-Discipline: This has been the foundation of my physical and mental growth. Bodybuilding taught me the value of consistent effort—whether it was sticking to a training regimen, perfecting my vocal techniques, or staying committed to my goals even when motivation was low. Self-discipline is the daily commitment to doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it.

Advice: If you’re just starting, self-discipline can be cultivated by setting small, achievable goals and sticking to them. Build daily habits that align with your long-term vision. Start with something simple, like a morning routine or a fitness schedule, and gradually increase your commitment. Remember, discipline is not about perfection; it’s about consistency over time. Small actions add up.

Authenticity: Living my truth and being authentic in everything I do has been one of the most powerful aspects of my success. From the music I create to how I coach men, I’ve learned that people connect with the real you, not some version you think they want to see. Being authentic has helped me build trust with others and stay grounded in my journey, even when I face challenges.

Advice: Early on, don’t be afraid to embrace who you really are, even if it feels like others might not understand. Focus on what feels true to you rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Your authenticity will not only help you build stronger connections with others, but it will also help you stay aligned with your deeper purpose. The more you embrace your own story and values, the more you’ll attract the right people and opportunities.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe in going all-in on your strengths while still addressing weaknesses in a way that doesn’t distract from your core abilities. It’s about playing to your strengths and then using your weaknesses as opportunities to refine your overall skill set—not necessarily trying to be equally good at everything.

For example, when it comes to bodybuilding, I focus on sculpting a physique that prioritizes structure—one that emphasizes flow and aesthetics over sheer mass. Similarly, in my vocal journey, I’ve developed a style that aligns with my natural energy—one defined by grit, power, and raw emotion. Both of these approaches reflect my belief in crafting a version of myself that feels authentic and true to my core.

At the same time, I recognized that there were areas I wasn’t as strong in—like business and relationships early on—and I worked to improve them. But I did so in a targeted way that supported my overall vision. For instance, I spent time learning how to run a business when I started my supplement company, but I didn’t get sidetracked by trying to become an expert in every aspect of business. I focused on what would directly impact my goals: branding, sales, and marketing, with a focus on aligning those efforts with my personal brand.

By focusing on your strengths, you build a level of mastery that allows you to stand out. Mastery in one area gives you the confidence to tackle weaknesses because you have the foundation of success to draw from. For example, once I gained confidence in my physique and vocal ability, I was able to take those strengths and apply them to other areas, like my coaching.

The key is to always use your strengths as the driving force behind your actions, while addressing weaknesses enough to prevent them from limiting your growth. Invest time in improving areas where it makes sense, but don’t let those weaknesses overshadow the power of your core strengths. It’s about balance—grow what’s already great, and address the gaps only as they become relevant to your bigger goals.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedavidjkelly/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL4B6ZXGFI9WJ2twIlP9Zeg
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@thedavidjkelly
  https://www.tiktok.com/@thedavidjkelly

Image Credits

Jason Robinson
Eric Lewis
Gilco Productions
Sasha Warlaumont