Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ray Barlow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ray, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence and self-esteem by, basically surpassing my thought of any fear. My curiosity and excitement of what could possibly go right from my actions always outweigh my thoughts of what could go wrong. I defintly agree that now days so many people are developing mental difficulties. I always been aware of how much our mental space play one of our most important factors in all apsects of life. My journey with boxing, from the jump was doubted by others. For one, i started actually boxing at 21. most say the best boxers starts as kids. I never let that doubt phase me. When i want to do something, no one can change my mindset. With my nonprofit the doubt from others came from me coming from a completely different environment than the environment most with nonprofits come from. For me i never pay attion to the nay sayers. I just do my thing and let God be the judge of my outcome. Years later on both my boxing and nonprofit career have resulted very well for me thus far. I am excited to see what the future has in favor for me. Challenges in life for me are always motivating and exciting. to see how situation’s outcome will actually be is what drive me. I strive off challenges. With also, going through theses journeys that present itself to me in stride of my careers past outcome are also amazing self confidence and self esteem boosters. Experinces build and empowers me. Even in the times some outcomes may not be my prefered results.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have a 501-c3 nonprofit based off feeding and helping the less fortunate and helping others in any way I possibly can. I am also, a professional boxer with 9 fights. with a record of 6 wins 3 loses with for wins coming by way of knockout. What’s most special to me about my nonprofit is the smiles and appreciative manners I get to see when helping other and having others help as well. Definitely in my top five of best reoccurring feelings. What’s most exciting about me as a professional boxer is my fight style and my sex appeal doing so. I’m undeniably gorgeous. Look at me lol! I put on feed the hungry events every last Sunday of the month in the heart of Atlanta, GA. My next boxing match will take place in Decatur, GA on July 29th, 2023. The name of the fights will be Vegas in Atlanta, promoted by Bert Wells. Also, half of my ticket sells when I fight in Ga gets donated to my nonprofit, The Barlow Foundation for a Better World inc.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most impactful skills I’ve developed, I would say always no matter what keeping a cool mind in the midst of unexpected situations. Anybody can look good when everything is going well. The true test is when things aren’t. Will you let it make you into more of the strong you or break you down. Always being a good listener no matter who speaks, because we can learn from any and everything. Third I would say knowing when to lead. Knowing when to step up and guide a crew when others feel uncertain.
My best advice I would tell anyone would be, don’t be so hard on yourself. Everyone will make mistakes, no body perfect. More so it’s about once a mistake is made, what will be your plan for optimization and or will you just give up. And also, as many discouraging thoughts that may run through your mind, come back with at least two positive thoughts to each negative thought to stay on the up and up mentally, ya know.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
There are so many books I could say. Ill only say a few. Number one would be The 48 laws of power, which basically teaches about how to manipulate the minds of the masses.
The Art of War, which taught me to also see the big picture of a single action. It said in one part of the book how the best fight won is the fight never done.
My last one would be The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k. which basically speaks of not adding so much extra stress to ourselves. I’m big on positive thinking. Everything starts in the mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: abwbarlowfoundation.org
- Instagram: a.b.w1
