Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week Zachary Barker.

Zachary Barker is the Founder of Acadiana Sports Leagues, the current President of the 705, a board member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Co-founder of Acadiana Entrepreneur Group. Yes, he’s all about Getting Shit Done (his words) and obviously by his achievements he walks his talk. Zachary is a natural motivator, he just can’t help it – and I like that. He’s expecting big things to happen, and I have no doubt that they will. I’m excited for him and the rest of us.

What was your first job?
Digging holes for landscape piping at 13 years old.

Describe a typical day in your life.
ENJOY a power breakfast where I confirm my Top 5 goals for the day, then… GET SHIT DONE!

What advice would you give the younger you?
The same advice I would give my older self now – “Stay focused on what gets results.  Everything else is distraction.”

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Moving from San Diego when I was 13 years old.  It forced me to become outgoing and learn how to “fit into” new groups.  A lesson everyone should be forced to learn.

What values do you live by?
No Excuses-“GSD”
Protect Your Time
Control Communications
Keep It Simple & Have FUN!

What do you most appreciate?
My wife, Nancy.  She has always accepted me for who I am and never allowed me to settle for less than what I should be.

What is your favorite journey?
The one I’m on now… I cannot imagine I am here coincidentally.  Something great is happening here and I feel like I am supposed to be a leader as part of it!

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Anywhere.  Silence is the sounds of pure focus.  If you don’t remember what silence sounds like… you need to schedule more alone time.

What living figure most inspires you?
My mother.  Anyone who will sacrifice the way she has to allow others a better opportunity… well, that IS inspiration.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
My reluctant business mentor, Andy Bailey, who once said to me in passing, “People respect people who “DO.”  Worry less about supplying great ideas and focus more on great execution.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Hands down, 100% — The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss.

What is the best thing about where you live?
The willingness of everyone to accept an “outsider” as a part of the community.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
My job is pretty fun – helping people make friends, have fun and play ball is the definition, for me, of letting the good times roll!

What did u want to be when you grew up?
A change-maker

What is your motto?
Get SHIT Done!

How would you like to be remembered?
Ha!  I just hope I am remembered.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
Look at where you came from.  Look at what you have done.  You are more powerful than you could ever imagine.  LETS GO!

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Keeping focused on what matters most today
Allowing myself to dream of what could be tomorrow
Being the one willing to act when others are fearful

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I Wish.

What is your favorite word?
“GSD”

What do you collect?
Business cards – I love meeting new people and talking about their success.  Its cheap motivation.

What food could you live on for a month?
Poached Eggs and Waffles

What would you change about yourself?
I wish I could relax more effectively.  I tend to take things way too serious and personal.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Batman – a guy that leads because he fears what would happen if he does not

Describe yourself in five words.
Focused
Teacher
Dreamer
Leader
Empathetic

What is your idea of happiness?
A cool starry night on a white sand beach with friends around a bonfire, playing guitar, sipping on whiskey and kissing my wife.

What is your favorite movie?
300 – talk about overcoming odds!

What music defines who you are?
Funny enough – Hip Hop.  The rags to riches mentality really identifies with me.

What do you most regret?
You cannot live with regret.  Accept what has happened before today and change your tomorrow.  Regret is baggage you don’t need to carry.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
What do you think ALL people want in this world?

What would the answer be?
To have their voice heard.