David E. Ubeda is a powerhouse inspirational speaker and the quick-witted author of “Don’t Give Up: 5 Keys to Help You Through Life’s Holding Patterns”. Best known for providing leaders with the “blueprint to leave their fingerprint”, his audience consists of business owners, leaders, and people of all cultures, religions and educational backgrounds, who find themselves stuck, and without direction in their lives.
With an honest, transparent, and unique ability to relate to life’s most difficult challenges, Ubeda has a distinct message for readers of all ages. His funny, practical, high energy, no-nonsense approach resonates with all who hear him speak. Ubeda draws from his own personal, painful, life experiences such as divorce, unemployment, foreclosure, financial disaster, and health challenges to share messages of hope, and perseverance in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances.
The Spertus College graduate and former University of Phoenix lecturer has inspired thousands on television, radio, and in live events. He has shared the stage with featured artists such as Tye Tribbett, Veronica Petrucci (Angelo & Veronica), Carmen, Israel Houghton, Freddy Rodriguez, and Brandon Roberson. Ubeda has also worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Public Health.
We recently sat down with Ubeda to discuss his amazing story and how people can make sure they aren’t in their own way.
Did you know early on that you wanted to be an author and motivational speaker?
Growing up, I didn’t know I would be an author/speaker/coach, but at 12 years old, I was drafting business plans and at the age of 14 I started speaking in front of audiences. Looking back now, it all makes sense to me.
At one point you were homeless, jobless and divorced. How did you manage to keep a positive outlook on things at a low point?
I’m gonna keep it 100. During those dark and difficult days I often questioned how much more I could take. I became very acquainted with what psychologists call your “breaking point.” Set back after set back. I wanted to give up. I wanted to stop the pain. I wanted to take my own life. But, it was in those moments where I recognized I had a choice. I could succumb to my emotions or practice a set of principles that historically have proven to change the trajectory of people’s lives. These are the principles I share in my book.
What was your personal break though moment that enabled you to turn the corner?
My personal break through happened when I got tired of losing, tired of defeat.
Tired of settling, hurting, and being broke.
Tired of living paycheck to paycheck.
Tired of believing the lies and the stories in my head.
Tired of watching people with less get more.
Tired of loving and not being loved in return.
Tired of abusing the gifts I had been given.
Tired of lowering my expectations for myself and living beneath my own potential.
Tired of not keeping my word towards others and most importantly to myself.
I got tired of watching life pass me by…that’s when I decided to start living life on my terms.
What will readers take away from your latest book, “Don’t Give Up: 5 Keys to Help You Through Life’s Holding Patterns”?
The book will provide readers with the same blueprint I followed to leverage the holding patterns I found myself in. The collection of habits/disciplines contained within this book, when practiced, will enable anyone who is struggling within a holding pattern to realize their greatest potential.
One of the 5 keys you discuss in the book is something called”Intentional Failure”. Can you break that one down for us?
The word “failure” has a negative connotation to it. The word failure is associated with “missing the mark.” However, failure when practiced intentionally can accelerate your success. Let me explain…
In 2014, I prepped and competed in my first natural bodybuilding contest. I soon realized that bodybuilding is a sport where failure is not viewed negatively but is embraced and achieved intentionally-as part of the process of growth. When a muscle is trained to “failure” and broken down, it has the ability to rebuild itself and take on a new size, strength, and shape-a new identity. I then had an epiphany. What if I was to put myself in a position to intentionally fail and push myself past my current mental and emotional limitations? If you want to take your game to the next level, fail intentionally.
What does it mean to leave readers with the “blueprint to leave their fingerprint”?
I want to provide my readers with a proven, actionable, step-by- step plan or blueprint to accelerate their success.
In your opinion, what’s a common misstep or misperception people have about the difficulty in being able to turn their lives around at any point?
The truth is changing your life IS difficult. It’s not easy. If it were easy, everyone would do it. We all have history. A mixed bag full of moments made up of good, bad, painful, and ugly experiences. And the thought of ‘change’ can paralyze us, stop us in our tracks and dismantle any opportunity to live life on our terms. However, therein lays the opportunity. The opportunity to self assess, find clarity, to re-write the next chapter of your life. and try again more intelligently.
Who or what inspires you?
Inspiration is all around us and can be found at any given moment. We just have to be available to receive it. Greatness inspires me. Growth inspires me. Integrity inspires me. Progress inspires me. Passion inspires me. Pain inspires me. Execution inspires me. Adversity inspires me. Living life on my terms inspires me!
If you could have dinner with any three people in the history of the world, past or present, who would you choose and why?
1. Nelson Mandela. For enduring a 9,861 day holding pattern.
2. Les Brown. To thank him for his inspirational words during many dark days.
3. Bill Hybels. For his example of courage, consistency and authenticity.
Name a book that changed your life and tell us why?
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. This book introduced the concept of “compound growth” to me that I still practice on a daily basis. It’s a MUST read!
Any favorite quotes or affirmations?
My favorite quote is: “Many people die at 25 but wait to buried at 70.” Don’t let this be you…
What else is on the horizon for David Ubeda?
I‘m inspired to make a difference in the world. I’m surrounded by an AMAZING team of gifted people who truly inspire me to be greater. This year we’ve partnered with Deborah Brown, CEO of the prestigious Brown Farmer group based in Chicago. Our plan is simple, to serve a global audience with integrity and authenticity to provide them with the blueprint to leave their fingerprint.
To find out more about David E. Ubeda, log on to www.mrdeu.com or visit @mrdeuinspires on Instagram and Twitter.
Hi, how’s it going? Just shared this post with a colleague, we had a good laugh.
Glad you enjoyed.