A Chronic Entrepreneur: Jimmy Clare

Jimmy Clare is the founder of Crazy Fitness Guy - “Healthy Living Through Autistic Eyes.” Clare has been on over 94 podcasts (as well as having his own podcast) and is a  Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author, and Founder. Though diagnosed with autism at a young age, it was only as he became an adult and started his own business that Clare discovered that being different is a good thing. Jimmy Clare’s resilience and process of overcoming adversity has helped to turn him into the speaker that he is today. Read on to find out more about Jimmy Clare.

What’s your Chronic?

I am slightly Autistic 

What makes you an Entrepreneur?

I work for myself and manage every aspect of my business.  I have been on 94 + podcasts, I have my own podcast and weekly live stream.

How did the path of entrepreneurship come to you?

I wanted to be my own boss once I left my job at Tony Lukes at 2 seasons at the shore.  The very next year I became an Uber Driver and I set my own hours and I made quite a bit of money.  But in my opinion, I felt like since the day I was born I had entrepreneurship in me because every time I was hanging with my friends and cousins I always came up with creative business ideas.

What came first, the “chronic” or the “entrepreneur”?

Autism came first

What’s your diagnosis story? How old were you?

I was first diagnosed with Autism when I was in 3rd grade but I didn't know what that meant, nor did I pay attention because I didn't care that I was different.

The doctor who diagnosed me talked like I was not even in the room so I just didn't care.  But once I was going to my own IEP meetings I started to figure I was different.  

But a few years after high school I started to research what Autism is and where I fell on the spectrum.

What’s your frame of mind like at the moment? How have you survived the pandemic?

I am mentally tough because of all of the adversity that I had to go through life.  I kept with my schedule, didn't lose track of days, etc.  

What have you learnt about yourself through this journey? How have you changed, if at all in your relationships, decisions, what you value/your life philosophy?

When I was growing up on the Autism Spectrum, I thought being different was a bad thing.  I always said when I was younger I wish I was normal.  Now I embrace my difference as a good thing.  Everything is meant to happen the way it was meant to happen.

If I didn't go through all of that adversity, I think I would be a very boring motivational speaker.

Did you go through any sort of 12-stages of grief with the diagnosis or take it in its stride? In other words, how did the grief process manifest itself – did you immediately reassess your life or was it more gradual?

I didn't really have a 12 step process I was just given a diagnosis and then I shrugged it off like it was no big deal because my friends and family members still treated me just like anyone else.  They didn't treat me like I needed extra help  or anything like that.

What would you say to your ‘first-diagnosed’ self, or someone else who has just been diagnosed with a chronic illness?

I would say being different is a good thing.  If we were all the same we would be like storm troopers from Star Wars; Same uniform and marching in the same line like everyone else.  

Are you on any treatments? What modalities are in your wellness team?

I do not have any treatments

What is a ‘bad day’ for you? How do you look after yourself on a ‘bad day’ or a day that is particularly stressful?

A bad day to me is when nothing goes right.  My schedule is messed up and everything is up in the air.  I am still working on a better way to improve my moods on a bad day and look after myself on those days.

Who are your back up dancers?

My family and friends

Best & worst bits of being A Chronic Entrepreneur?

A lot of things come with a steep learning curve at times

Are you a 5-year planner or are you winging it? 

I am a planner.  I have an organised schedule and to-do list.

What are your dream weekend plans and have these changed over the past year?

My dream plans are playing some video games, watching tv, and movies.  Talking to my friends and family.

Who are your ultimate dinner party guests, (dead or alive), and who would you seat on either side of you?

All of the members from AC/DC, Tony Horton, and Miranda Cosgrove.  I would like Miranda Cosgrove to sit next to me, next to Tony Horton.

What are you looking forward to in the next 6 months-1 year?

I am looking forward to when my co-author book is coming out and being able to speak on more podcasts, and in person events.

Where can people support you online?

crazyfitnessguy.com

Let us know what you think below and share your story with us on Instagram tagging @achronicentrepreneur and using the hashtag #achronicentrepreneur.

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