I’m Deacon Bradley and I’m the brains of this operation. Okay I’m the only member of it too, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

My story starts out like many others. I was raised in a typical family in central Texas. I grew up playing competitive sports and was lucky enough to compete in college as well. I always dreamed of going to college, graduating, and then landing a job as some sort of engineer.

From there it’s a typical script: Work as hard as you can, get promoted, repeat. Always working toward that next milestone: a bigger house, a new boat, a Hawaiian vacation.

I thought that was the only way.

A New Direction

About three years into my career I was introduced to Dave Ramsey the personal finance guy. Dave’s message wasn’t what I was used to hearing. He taught people to live debt free and build a life of purpose.

I was fascinated by the stories of people living this lifestyle. They were regular people, with typical jobs, and they were millionaires living out their life’s purpose. Without the constant need for a steady flow of income they were free to chase their dreams.

This is how I got started. I wanted to live a life filled with purpose and I wanted the freedom to pursue my dreams. I started reading and discovered more and more people who were building the lifestyle they wanted and not just following the typical path.

– Dan Miller taught me how to discover the work I was meant for and do it passionately.

– Darren Hardy taught me how to set and achieve goals effectively.

– Jim Rohn taught me the importance of education and refining my personal philosophy.

– John Maxwell taught me how to become an effective leader.

I’ve learned a lot over the past few years, and I still have so much further to go.

Life Stoked is about my journey to make the most I possibly can out of myself. It’s about investing the five talents God blessed me with. I’m excited to share that journey with you!