On this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes author Theron Simmons to talk about his book, Get Serious Level One: Stop Negotiating with Yourself.

Simmons shares an unusual path to writing a practical self-help guide. He began restoring his family’s farm in Naugatuck, Connecticut, and patiently and steadily spent 35 years piecing its original 81-acre property back together. He and his wife, Mary, also ran Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, while Simmons built a career as an entrepreneur, construction business owner, mechanic, and heavy equipment operator. His years working with people helped shape what he learned about why some thrive while others struggle.

The book isn’t presented as a magic fix. Instead, Simmons says it helps readers notice the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. He describes fear as information rather than an enemy, and encourages readers to understand what is holding them back.

Simmons explains his transformation arc: awareness, or honest self-reflection; stabilization, quieting inner conflict; activation, directing attention and imagination toward a goal; and resilience, using pressure for refinement instead of resisting it. He also contrasts discipline as controlled behavior with alignment as behavior that flows from purpose.

The conversation touches on present-moment awareness, inspired in part by Simmons’s experience with horses, and how a clear system can make intimidating goals feel more manageable. He recounts outlining the book during a business conference challenge and points listeners to theronsimons.com or Amazon to find the book and learn about his services.