On the Self Reflections Podcast, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Steve Body, a man whose life journey is filled with resilience, perseverance, and a determination to rise above. From a challenging upbringing to a career in the military and his present-day success, Steve’s story is a true testament to the power of hard work and self-reflection.
In this article, I’ll be unpacking some of the key moments Steve shared on the podcast, along with the lessons he has learned along the way. Whether you're facing your own personal challenges or simply in need of inspiration, Steve’s journey offers valuable takeaways for everyone.
If you prefer to watch the podcast episode, click on the video below.
From a Difficult Childhood to Building Resilience
Steve’s early life in Yamba, New South Wales, was shaped by hardship. He grew up in a small surf town, where bullying was a constant companion during his school years. As Steve puts it, the bullying wasn't just verbal—it was physical, and it took a significant toll on his sense of self-worth. Despite a seemingly idyllic environment surrounded by beaches and surfing, his schooling years became a time of inner turmoil.
“I hated school,” Steve shares. “To the point where it got so bad that I wasn’t even learning properly.” The combination of an unsupportive school system and relentless bullying led him to disconnect from education, which only deepened his feelings of inadequacy.
Adding to the complexity of his childhood, Steve’s family life became turbulent when his parents split, and he found himself shuttling between Brisbane and Yamba. For much of his early years, Steve felt isolated and responsible for his own care, often providing for himself from as early as the age of 11. It was a far cry from a secure and nurturing environment.
However, amidst these hardships, there was a turning point: moving in with his grandparents. “Living with my Nan and Pop was one of the best things that ever happened to me,” he recalls. Here, he found stability, discipline, and a healthy model of hard work. Steve credits his grandfather with instilling in him the values of self-reliance, discipline, and work ethic that would become the foundation for his success later in life.
Takeaway: Your childhood experiences do not define your future. Even amidst chaos and instability, finding a source of stability, whether through family, friends, or community, can help redirect your life toward growth.
Military Life: Discovering Structure and Overcoming Physical Limits
As Steve transitioned into his teenage years, his struggles at school continued. But this time, his grandfather saw the opportunity to change the course of his life by enrolling him in Navy Cadets. This introduction to a disciplined environment changed everything for Steve. For the first time, he found structure, clear goals, and a reward system that matched his drive.
At the age of 16, Steve enlisted in the Navy, driven by his desire to become a Navy Clearance Diver. What he didn’t expect was just how challenging those early years in the Navy would be. “Selection week was brutal,” Steve explains, recounting the grueling physical and mental endurance tests. “I lost 13 kilos in 10 days. Blisters, bleeding... but I just kept going.”
Despite the difficulties, Steve found solace in the structure and routine that the Navy provided. It was here that he began to hone his skills and mindset, learning to push through physical pain and mental fatigue. He carried with him the lessons of hard work and self-reliance that his grandfather had instilled in him.
However, it wasn’t without its personal challenges. As one of the youngest recruits in a sea of older, more experienced servicemen, Steve often felt like an outsider, trying to fit in. But instead of giving up, he used the feelings of not fitting in as fuel to excel. “I kept working because I knew that was my thing,” Steve reflects. “It didn’t matter what anyone thought of me. I knew I would outperform them.”
Takeaway: Sometimes, adversity can be your greatest motivator. When faced with obstacles, look at how you can channel that hardship into fuel for your personal and professional growth.
A Near-Death Experience: Changing the Course of Life
One of the most transformative moments in Steve’s life came at the age of 18 when he survived a life-threatening accident. After a night out with friends, Steve was severely injured in a reckless incident that left him unconscious, with a fractured skull and a brain hemorrhage. "I should have died," Steve recalls, as doctors explained to him that the trauma to his head could have been fatal if he hadn’t been so intoxicated that his body relaxed in the fall.
This brush with death became a pivotal moment for Steve. “It was a wake-up call. I didn’t touch alcohol for three years after that.” Instead of letting this accident derail his life, Steve decided to rebuild himself—physically and mentally. He threw himself into fitness, training relentlessly with a bodybuilder who helped him regain his strength and confidence. He set his sights once again on becoming a Navy Seal Clearance Diver, proving that even after immense physical and emotional trauma, he could come back stronger.
Takeaway: Trauma doesn’t have to define your future. Even in the darkest moments, you have the power to rebuild and come back stronger. It’s about making a conscious choice to turn adversity into opportunity.
Fatherhood: A New Chapter of Growth and Sacrifice
When Steve became a father, his life took yet another dramatic turn. The birth of his daughter, Leora, marked the beginning of a new chapter, filled with responsibilities and sacrifices. “I never wanted my child to have the upbringing that I had,” Steve explains. Fatherhood became a driving force for him, shaping his decisions and inspiring him to be present and provide for his family in ways he never experienced as a child.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve faced yet another challenge: being separated from his daughter due to travel restrictions. Determined not to let the distance affect their relationship, Steve drove 13 hours each way from Queensland to Wollongong every eight days, just to spend time with her. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Steve admits. “But I wasn’t going to be a victim of my circumstances.”
Steve’s commitment to his daughter also prompted him to reassess his career. He sold his businesses, moved closer to Wollongong, and began investing in his education, learning everything he could about financial markets and investing. His relentless drive to provide for his daughter, combined with his personal development in the world of finance, eventually led to the success he enjoys today.
Takeaway: Fatherhood, or any significant life change, can be a catalyst for growth. Sometimes, the sacrifices you make in the present set the foundation for future success.
Manifesting Success: The Power of Hard Work and Belief
Throughout the podcast, one theme consistently emerges: Steve’s refusal to be a victim of his circumstances. From a tough childhood to military service, to near-death experiences, and the challenges of fatherhood—Steve has continually chosen to rise above. One of his key principles? The power of manifestation and belief.
At one point, Steve describes a transformative moment when he was encouraged by his mentor to visualise success. “I had goosebumps head to toe for 10 minutes,” Steve says, as he vividly imagined himself becoming a millionaire. Since that day, Steve has never had financial worries. He emphasises that while hard work is essential, so is belief. “Manifestation works,” he asserts. “But you have to back it up with action.”
Takeaway: Manifestation is powerful when coupled with hard work. It’s not just about believing you can achieve something—it’s about putting in the hours, making sacrifices, and consistently moving toward your goals.
Steve’s Key Lessons for Readers
Steve’s story is filled with valuable lessons that anyone can take away, whether you’re facing personal or professional challenges. Here are a few key strategies from Steve’s journey that can help you in your own life:
1. Build a support system: Having someone in your corner, whether it's family, friends, or mentors, can make all the difference.
2. Push through adversity: Use life’s challenges as fuel for growth. Whether it’s bullying, trauma, or financial hardship, you can choose to rise above.
3. Practice self-reflection: Regularly assess where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. Self-awareness is key to personal development.
4. Don’t be afraid of hard work: Success doesn’t come without effort. You need to be willing to put in the time and energy, even when it’s hard.
5. Believe in yourself: Manifestation isn’t just about dreaming—it’s about believing in your own abilities and backing that belief with action.
Final Thoughts
Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that we are all capable of overcoming immense challenges and achieving great things. Through hard work, resilience, and self-reflection, Steve has not only survived but thrived, building a life filled with purpose, success, and most importantly, love for his daughter.
If Steve’s story resonated with you, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey. What challenges have shaped you, and how can you turn them into fuel for your personal growth? As Steve’s story shows, life’s hardships can often be the very things that lead us to our greatest strengths.
Work with Self Reflections
If you're interested in taking your self-reflection and personal growth journey further, Self Reflections offers a variety of services designed to help you thrive, no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you’re looking to connect with your authentic self, build resilience, or work through your own personal challenges, our range of offerings is here to support you.
Visit our website at selfreflections.com . You are not alone. Your journey of growth, healing, and self-reflection can start today.
Join the Conversation
Do you feel inspired by Steve's story? What steps are you going to take to turn your challenges into opportunities for growth? Remember, like Steve, you can decide to take control of your circumstances, put in the hard work, and manifest the life you desire.
If you have any questions or would like to continue the conversation, feel free to comment below or reach out to us directly through our social media channels. We love hearing from our community and are here to support you in any way we can. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, stories, and blogs.
Until next time, keep reflecting and keep growing.
Warm wishes,
Klaudia Gebert Self Reflections
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