After returning from a fraternity gathering, Kevin �Boss� Ross needed to do a professional photo session for his show America�s Court. Here, he talks about the discipline required to be ready to do his job, as well as a new, young fraternity brother whom he met who inquired as to how Ross prepared himself for success.

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You are now listening to TheGrios black podcast network, black culture amplified. Hi, I�m Kevin Ross and this is The Podcast When You Stay Ready, You Don�t Have to Get Ready!

So I had to take photos yesterday to promote the upcoming season of �America�s Court�. And I was truly kind of sweating it, why?

Because last week I was in hot and humid Florida with the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity for our once every two years grand chapter meeting. Man, I ended up having way too much. Well, fill in the blank.

Seriously, I had a wonderful time fellowshiping with some incredible black men at the conclave.

Didn�t know anything about Ybor City in Tampa before now, I understand. But hey, I digress back back to these pictures right. Here�s the thing about a professional photo shoot

days before it gets underway the subject, the one in front of the camera should be eating on the lighter side, sleeping on the heavier side, drinking an ocean of water, avoiding alcohol and exercising rigorously. Now, of course, these things are done so a person can look their absolute best.

And if that�s important to you whether for professional reasons or personal ones, it does require work effort, a little discomfort and sacrifice. Ok, I�m saying all this yet, I initially wasn�t following the script while out of town, I became intent on doing it my way. Despite everything I know to be true.

Can anyone else relate? Is there at least a few of you not on task right now, not being disciplined when you really need to be.

You know, the definition I�ve found for the word discipline. The best one is quote, �control gained by enforcing obedience or order� unquote. Oh, I love that. It encapsulates so much.

See, at this stage in life, I know being discipline means it ain�t about getting ready. It�s about dropping that top and rolling out with a get �er done mentality as soon as you literally take your mark.

Uh I had a new Kappa brother 26 year old ask me while I was in Tampa. �What did I do to prepare for this career I have in television and media?� as I thought about it, I, I noticed he was wearing braces. So I responded with a question. Why did you choose to fix your grill now versus any other time?

The answer see did not come as a surprise, a COVID era college graduate having been in his job less than a year, his fairly recent move to join a fraternity and his decision to straighten out his teeth. We�re talking a textbook example of someone preparing for success.

By laying the foundation now with respect to his credentials and his social circles, his appearance, he�s being strategic. Intentional, by readying himself he�s anticipating what�s to come.

You, you had to have heard of the same game, recognizes game. See, that�s what was going on. The, the young Kappa really wasn�t asking this Nupe about my journey as much as he was seeking affirmation that he was making the right moves.

What I told him, however, is that even with all the discipline in the world, you still must go forward with humility and gratitude and an awareness that God, a higher power is directly impacting your future.

I can say this because I remember being 26 and I was in law school having just pledged the year prior, I hit the gym all the time to relieve stress and was always broke, had a car on its last leg.

I, I�ll never forget this girl telling me she thought I was cute but wasn�t interested in going out until I got my braces off. True story. During this period I, I convinced myself that the discipline I was exhibiting would ultimately pay off

and he did,I obtained my juris doctorate degree, was in pretty decent shape, worked in the legal arena and was rocking a killer smile. After years of having crooked teeth and four too many in my mouth that had to be pulled mind you.

Ever since then. And until now, actually, I�ve strived to maintain discipline and remain ready. Now, the results admittedly were not quite what I thought they would be. See, my plan was I would practice entertainment law for a period of time before ultimately seguing into a political career on the local and then national level

being a daytime TV judge that wasn�t even on my radar. The saying �God laughs as we make plans� is so true. Thus, here I am

the result of having people I would call them angels come into my life and provide excellent advice.

The law school professor who encouraged me to become a prosecutor, the judge who insisted I consider a career on the bench. The radio personality who appreciated my energy and work ethic that later gave me my start in media with an unpaid co-hosting gig which proved to be invaluable.

I tell you, I�ve been blessed. People have voted for me, donated to causes I was involved in as well as supported my career from then to as I speak in this moment. I believe it�s because they see the commitment I�ve made to whatever it is I�m involved in.

Achievement, not just for me, for the betterment of others. In my humble opinion that�s why we get up in the morning. Our purpose is to be disciplined and focused so we each can be of service. To do that God wants us healthy, on point, ready.

So if me being in top form in a picture causes people to watch my TV show and that show educates them or puts a smile on their face while dealing with whatever they�re facing.

It�s worth it. Now, we�ll see if I was able to hit the ball out of the park with those photos once they let me check them out.

As for you, figure out why if you�re not currently prepared for what�s to come, what�s it going to take to get prepared and whatever that is, do it. People will benefit from your accomplishments. Society will be better as a result of your discipline. I promise you.

Unless you�re the woman who kicked me and my braces to the curb back in the day. Just kidding. Even her too. Folks, we have work to do. Get discipline. Stay ready. Let�s go.

I�m Kevin Ross and this is The Podcast powered by TheGrio. Follow me @IamBossRoss on Instagram and Twitter. Thanks for listening. See you next time.

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