Cole Payton
COLE PAYTON
Why did you become a CrossFit Instructor?
I was searching for something different, something to get out of bed for, regardless of the hour. Something to be excited about, but never satisfied. CrossFit welcomes a diverse group of individuals and encourages change and opportunity. I took this leadership position to provide hope and possibility to my community. That’s what led me to becoming a CrossFit Instructor.
What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?
The most rewarding part of being a CrossFit coach is to see an athlete overcome an obstacle they never thought possible. It’s an amazing moment you are so blessed to be part of.
How long have you been coaching for?
I’ve coached many different sports but discovered CrossFit in March of 2013 and earned my CF-L1 in December of 2013 and my CF-L2 in December of 2019.
What is your background (include all): education, sports, and fitness?
I played sports from a young age and throughout High School; including baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, golf, and tennis etc.
After High School, I pursued an education at a local technical school. After receiving two years of credits, I accepted a full-time position at a local health club, where I managed a sales team for two years. It was at that point, I needed something different. I was introduced to CrossFit in 2013 and never looked back. I began coaching and had a dream of owning and operating a facility of my own. In March of 2016, CrossFit Higher Ground was born. We’ve been extremely blessed with the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community.
Early 2019, I re-opened my textbooks to finish my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and ACSM (American College Sport’s Medicine) certificate.
What are your goals in life and in fitness?
My biggest goal is to become the person the lord knows I’m capable of becoming. That person is strong, relentless, persistent, encouraging, and loyal.
Other goals are to read more often, specifically at night before bed. I’m currently reading Brain Wash by Dr. David Perlmutter.
How do you hold yourself accountable?
The community we have built at Higher Ground will do the majority of the heavy accountability lifting. It’s because of our community I’ve become the person I am today. I set goals, achieve them and celebrate the small victories. I don’t set myself up for failure with long term, unrealistic goals. It’s important to have weekly, monthly check-ins with your goals to ensure you are staying on track. It’s helped me tremendously.