Why does my family not like me right now?
That was the gut-wrenching question Terry Crews found himself asking one night, 12 years ago. The professional athlete, actor, and entrepreneur had worked himself to the bone-and in certain ways, he'd gotten everything he wanted. He'd been married for decades and had five beautiful kids. After a seven-year career in the NFL, he'd found success on the big and small screen, starring in TV shows like Everybody Hates Chris and movies like Get Smart and The Longest Yard. Now he's also the CEO of virtual production company Amen&Amen, host of America's Got Talent, and designs furniture for Bernhardt Design.
But on that night in 2010, Crews was forced to admit that everything was not okay. Painful experiences from his past were catching up with him. Crews had suffered through an abusive childhood in Flint, Michigan, and toiled against the headwinds of racism. He'd competed mercilessly to make it to the top, never allowing himself to look backward or process his traumas. He was afraid that any display of “weakness” would bring down the whole house of cards. But as he writes in his new book, Tough: My Journey to True Power, the fight had taken a terrible mental and physical toll, leading him to exhaustion, addiction, and decision-making that nearly destroyed everything he worked so hard to achieve.
Here, Crews offers up his own experience as a workaholic and recovering “tough guy.” He explains how, in the decade-plus since his personal reckoning, he's found another path to success.
We're often told it's hard to succeed while showing "weakness." What does the word "tough” mean to you now, in that context?
This story is from the April - May 2022 edition of Entrepreneur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April - May 2022 edition of Entrepreneur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Doing Good Is Good for Business
Want to grow your franchise? Invest heavily in your community.
You're Never Out of Options
An entrepreneur's path is never simple or easy-but you have more opportunities than you think.
YOUR NEXT RECRUIT COULD BE A ROBOT
Across the franchise industry, brands are putting AI to use in all kinds of novel ways. From customer service to better marketing and quality control, here's how brands are taking the leap into automation.
'MY JOB IS TO KEEP THIS BRAND HOT'
Taco Bell's new CEO is, in his words, \"not the dictionary definition of a CEO.\" But he has a vision for how to keep their winning streak going.
These Franchise Trends Are Hot!
If you're looking to buy a franchise, start with this list. We break down 10 of the industry's hottest trends, and more than 400 brands to choose from.
How He Opened 10 Franchises in 10 Years
After being laid off twice in two years, Josh Grinstead became a GYMGUYZ franchisee and now makes more than $1 million in annual revenue. Here's his playbook.
Busting 3 Major Franchising Myths
Is franchising really just for the affluent looking for a turnkey, \"easy\" path to success? No, no, and no!
Which Franchise Model Is Right for You?
There are two big ones: You're either a location-based business, or you're service-based. Here's how to decide between them.
Ready to Own Your Own Business?
This magazine is designed to help you. Here's how.
Charities Are Getting Down to Business
Nonprofits are struggling. That's why more charitable leaders are taking a page from their for-profit peers-and learning how to make money.