By Mallory Mattingly
Denzel Washington drew from a verse in Proverbs as he reflected on the impact positive influences in his childhood still have on his life today.
“One of my favorite verses of the Bible says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,'” Washington wrote for Guideposts, citing Proverbs 22:6.
“They [the words] remind me of how important it is to give children a firm foundation. Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life,” the actor reflected. “I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well, I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor. I’ve had that push in my life, going back as far as I can remember. Here’s how mentors can make a difference.”
The Oscar winner recalled how a man named Billy Thomas who ran the Boys Club Washington would attend as a kid impacts his life even today.
“He made each of us feel like we were something special,” Washington said of Thomas.
“I was so impressed with him that I started to imitate him. I would walk like Billy and try to shoot a foul shot like Billy,” he added. “I would try to sit like him and treat others with respect like he did. I even practiced signing my name like Billy. There was a real flourish to his handwriting and I used to copy it so much I can still see it in the way I sign my own name today.”
Another mentor Washington found came when he got his first job at a barber shop called the Modernistic.
The shop was run by Jack Coleman, who “took me on as a kindness to my mother, I’m sure, but I thought it was the best job in the world,” Washington wrote.
One of the things that stuck out to Washington the most was how hard Coleman worked.
“He wasn’t just the head barber. He was like the Modernistic’s master of ceremonies, presiding over a wonderfully eccentric parade of souls. He was a strong individual and true to his word,” he said.
Ultimately, “Behind every great success there’s someone and often more than one person. A parent, teacher, coach, role model. It starts somewhere,” the TRAINING DAY actor said.
In some ways, Washington has become a mentor to his fans, previously offering a mindset shift that will help anyone wanting to achieve their dreams.
Related: Denzel Washington Gets Candid About His Spiritual Anchor in The Lord
“The first part of your life you learn. The second part of your life you earn. The third part of your life you return,” he said.
@mybestlifeonline Iconic actor Denzel Washington once shared this timeless wisdom: “The first part of your life you learn, the second part of your life you earn, the third part of your life you return.” This isn’t just advice for aspiring actors—it’s a guide for anyone striving to live with purpose. In the first stage, focus on learning—not just from books, but from experiences, mentors, and even mistakes. The media might push you to chase trends or superficial goals, but building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills is how you create something lasting. The second stage is about earning—using what you’ve learned to achieve your goals. But remember, this isn’t just about money; it’s about creating a life that reflects your values and dreams. Finally, the third stage is about returning—giving back to the world through mentorship, service, and sharing the lessons you’ve learned along the way. To truly live your best life, you must put your dreams first. Focus on what matters: learning, reading, relaxing, and improving your craft. Let go of distractions and the pressure to chase what society says is important. When you align your actions with your purpose, you unlock a life that’s not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.✨ What stage of life are you in? Let us know in the comments below! #denzelwashington #mybestlifeonline #quotes #GladiatorII #dreams #inspiration #Real #motivation #selflove #focus #mindset #fyp #truth #realtalk #goodvibes #positivevibes #success #Blessed #faith #Believe #reels #shorts #share #viral #actor #movies #manifestation #life #artist
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More recently he’s used his influence to encourage others to turn to God, speaking to the University of Colorado Boulder’s team earlier this year.
“We all have a purpose in our life, and I’m here to tell you, God did not put you here to play football,” he told the athletes. “He gave you that gift, but that’s not your purpose in life because one knee, one shoulder, one ankle, one Achilles, one concussion can end that.”
“One thing we all have in common is God-given ability,” Washington said, adding, “You don’t have to know it now.”
Mentorship can powerfully change the trajectory of someone’s life. “There’s no reason it can’t start with you,” Washington concluded in his letter to Guideposts.
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