Story & Lesson Highlights with Charlie Waters of Dallas, Texas

We recently had the chance to connect with Charlie Waters and have shared our conversation below.

Charlie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people quietly battle with self-worth. From my own experience, you can be told you’re loved a thousand times, but until you take ownership of your own value, it won’t stick. What helped me was creating three non-negotiable things I do every single morning—small actions that reinforce who I am and what I stand for. That routine helped me push through self-doubt and build real confidence. Facing adversity forced me to confront those struggles, and in the end, it gave me a stronger sense of security and a deeper belief in myself. Honestly, it turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened for me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Charlie Waters. Back in 2019, I went through a difficult betrayal that led to divorce. Therapy became my lifeline, and from there I started rebuilding myself—inside and out. The gym became my foundation for transformation, not just physically but mentally. Over time, that journey turned into a personal brand that I now share with my two long-haired miniature dachshunds, Ryker and Sinatra. Along the way, I became an athlete for the SHRED fitness app, and most recently, I stepped on stage for my very first physique competition. I made it back to finals and, while I didn’t place, the experience marked the start of an entirely new chapter in my life.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Going through a divorce after betrayal was the defining moment for me. Instead of running from the pain, I faced it head-on. I learned that on the other side of adversity, the best version of yourself is waiting. Accepting that truth and moving forward with confidence completely reshaped how I see the world. Now, I view challenges as opportunities to grow into that stronger version of myself.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I started turning pain into purpose about ten weeks into therapy, when I realized the only thing I could truly control was myself. External voices and circumstances no longer defined me. In that process, I dropped 43 pounds in 17 weeks—going from over 20% body fat down to 10%. That transformation was the spark that turned my story of pain and betrayal into a mission to inspire others to chase the best version of themselves.

Fast forward to June 14th, when I stepped on stage for my first bodybuilding competition. I weighed 189 pounds at 2.9% body fat and brought the best package I could. That moment marked the shift from insecurity and self-doubt to confidence and clarity. To go from broken to stepping onto the biggest stage of my life in under six years—that’s something I hope inspires at least one person every single day.”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is what you get with me. I’ve made it a priority to show up in life as my true, authentic self. Over the past few years, I’ve learned I’m not here to live for anyone else’s approval—I’m here to live for me. That means being genuine no matter the circumstance, and that’s exactly what I put out into the world.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People will probably assume my legacy is just about fitness because that’s what they see the most online—but that’s surface level. The truth is, the gym was never about vanity for me; it was about survival, healing, and proving to myself that I could rise from betrayal and pain stronger than I ever imagined. My real legacy is about resilience, love, and authenticity. It’s about being an unapologetic dachshund dad who gives Ryker and Sinatra the best life I can, because they only know the world I show for them. It’s about showing others that no matter how broken you feel, you can rebuild into something greater. If all people see is muscle, they’ve missed the point—my legacy is about leaving behind proof that adversity can shape you into the most powerful, authentic version of yourself.

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