At age 21, Ty Nichols was "cooking" as Comcast's top Mid-Atlantic regionsalesman for 19 months in a row. He was looking to buy property in Panama andcreate a successful life and career — until he ended up in the wrong place atthe wrong time.

Hanging out with friends he had known sincepreschool, Ty found himself caught in a massive brawl. Though a bystander, hewas arrested and charged with first-degree assault and second-degree murder.

"I'm staring down a million-dollar bond and Ididn't even do anything," he said. Ty ended up getting sentenced to 15years, which was suspended to five. He served three years in a statepenitentiary.

A former Catholic school student, Ty turned to theBible on his first night in jail. He opened up to a random page and landed onPsalm 1, whose first line starts with "Blessed is the one who does notwalk in step with the wicked." Ty knew that he had to steer clear oftroublemakers and eliminate from his life the people who got him into his mess.

"Those that you surround yourself with dohave a massive impact on your life," he said.

After his release, Ty did everything he could tosay on the straight and narrow path. After several attempts to find work,Target finally gave Ty a chance. He worked his way up, eventually becoming astore manager, team leadership trainer, and recruiter. After 14 years atTarget, Ty moved on and opened up his own business. He now teachesprofessionals and leaders how to be more productive, more impactful, and moreinfluential through behavior design and habit formation.

To get to his success Ty needed motivation,skills, and the will to succeed. It wasn't easy, but thanks to a little helpfrom new friends, a supportive wife, lots of dedication, and a clearvision, Ty is a public speaker, a behavioralist, and the "habitstrategist," who helps individuals reach the mindset they need to achievetheir goals.

I was fortunate to be introduced to Ty by ourmutual Toastmaster friends, Karen and Frank Story. Ty really teaches us thatanything is possible — both good and bad — and how we use the lessons from ourexperiences will determine how our futures will progress. I'm pleased to shareTy's engaging story and insights on this week's episode of Chiseled.

#awareness

#habitstrategist

#behavioralist

#chiseled