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Your story is one of your greatest assets. 

Jed Collins, author of Fourth & Goal: An NFL Memoir, Grit, Survival, & Stories From Inside My Helmet joined me on the Get Ready Before Life Happens podcast to explore the power of journaling, why reflection helps shape personal growth, and how authenticity becomes even more valuable in the age of AI. Jed shares lessons from football, failure, entrepreneurship, and financial education, along with why capturing your story can help you better understand yourself, your goals, and the value you bring to the world.

Key Takeaways

• Journaling helps capture experiences, reflect on growth, and develop original thinking
• Reflection creates greater self-awareness around decisions, goals, and personal identity
• Authenticity and perspective are becoming more valuable as AI expands access to information
• Growth often comes through challenges, setbacks, and learning from failure
• Financial education becomes more powerful when people can apply ideas in real life
• Capturing your story over time helps clarify your voice, values, and direction
• Small, consistent habits like journaling can create long-term personal and professional growth
• Become the person you needed when you were young

🧠 Tony’s Take: Your story is an asset. This conversation is a reminder that reflection helps us better understand who we are, what we value, and how we grow through both successes and setbacks. In a world where information is everywhere, authenticity, perspective, and lived experience become even more meaningful. Taking time to capture your journey helps turn experiences into insight and insight into growth.

Connect with Jedidiah Collins, CFP®: 

• Website: https://jedidiahcollins.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedidiah-collins/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jedidiahcollins8198

Book:

• Fourth & Goal: An NFL Memoir, Grit, Survival, & Stories From Inside My Helmet (Amazon)
• Your Money Vehicle: How to Begin Driving to Financial Freedom! (Amazon). 

Mentioned this episode:

• Ball Four: The Final Pitch by Jim Bouton (Amazon) 

Bio: 

Jedidiah Collins, known as the Fullback of Finance, spent seven seasons in the NFL where he was cut 13 times before earning his place and eventually becoming one of the top fullbacks in the world. His journey taught him a lesson that now defines his work: talent may get you noticed, but resilience is what keeps you in the game.

While others measured success by contracts and statistics, Jed was quietly building a different edge—through journaling, reflection, and learning from the greatness around him. Those habits helped shape both his football career and the life that followed.

After the NFL, Jed became a Certified Financial Planner® and founded the financial literacy company Money Vehicle. Today, he teaches athletes, students, entrepreneurs, and leaders how to Speak Money & Act Wealthy, turning financial literacy into practical action and confidence.

As a keynote speaker and author, Jed now shares his Rookie to Veteran framework to help others grow in business and life. His message is simple: success leaves clues, failure is a First Attempt In Learning, and the most important vi