A Conversation with William Downie on Productivity and Success

William Downie grew up with both parents and an older brother and sister in a typical, small midwestern town. He attended public elementary schools until he went on to a smaller, well-respected private middle and high school in the larger nearby city. There he played tennis and swam, but also enjoyed skateboarding and playing drums in a band with friends.

William Downie went on to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics, graduating Cum Laude with University Honors. He joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and still has lasting friendships from that experience.

Following his undergraduate studies, William Downie received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry, graduating with Highest Distinction Honors, tied for first in his class.

From there, he went on to practice dentistry for a little over eight years, first in his father’s practice, then in his own practice. Ultimately, dentistry was not meant to be his path in life. However, he certainly gained valuable experiences and knowledge from those years.

It turns out his path in life has led him to a passion for working in the mental health field.

Being of service to others and making a positive impact on how people view themselves and the world around them is what drives William Downie today. A spiritual door of recovery has opened in his life, bringing out his true altruistic and empathetic personality. This is the result of living a sober lifestyle based on the 12-step principles.

He is a firm believer that his higher power has and continues to give him amazing things in his life so that he can strive to be of maximal service to others. He’s always willing to tell his own story so that others may be the best versions of themselves that they can be.

William Downie practices progress, not perfection, as well as the principles of honesty, willingness, and openness in all his affairs. He utilizes both his past experiences and the strength and hope that he has acquired from being active in recovery to add value and positivity to all aspects of this life.

He believes in taking care of himself and enjoys playing recreational beach volleyball and running. He’s currently training for a marathon that he will be completing with his sister in February of 2022. He is very involved in service commitments that he participates in as a result of being highly active in 12-Step programs.  He is a loving son, brother, and “Uncle Will” to his niece and nephew.

Being in recovery, he has connected with the spiritual aspects of life. He leans on a higher power of his understanding to help guide him down his path, doing the next right thing and humbly reminding him to always have acceptance and to be grateful for the second chance at life that he has been given.

We had the opportunity to talk with William Downie about daily productivity and what makes him successful.

What are you most excited about?

 I am most excited about being of service to all people in my life from my family and friends to future clients in the mental health field that I can help.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I wake up around 6:00 am and the first thing I do is get on my knees and pray at my bedside. This is a great way to start the day on the right foot as it reminds me that I don’t run the show and have a power greater than myself doing that.

Shortly thereafter I get my morning run and/or cross-training workout in. If I am fortunate enough, I exercise with a close friend who is also training for a competitive race. Then I get in an efficient, focused anaerobic weightlifting session to help continue strengthening not only my body but also my mind, preparing for what the day brings.

Afterward, I go to work, always thinking about how I can best do my job that day and how I can be of service to others and maximize my productivity on all fronts. Around noon, I will take a lunch break where I make sure to call my 12-step sponsor. I will also take calls from the men I am sponsoring, doing my best to offer experience, strength, and hope whenever and wherever I can.

After work, I take care of housekeeping chores and maintenance activities before attending a 12-step meeting.

At night I prefer to relax by myself or with a loved one by watching a Netflix show or reading an interesting book. I work on homework from my Masters’ classes, get on the phone with members of my sober network and before I know it, it’s time for bed! I put an emphasis on getting 8 hours of sleep a night whenever possible.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Bringing ideas to life only happens after the successful implementation of new actions and behaviors.

After figuring out a new idea that I would like to implement at work, I talk it over with my superiors and begin to do the legwork; “the action” necessary if you will, to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

I must not be afraid to try new things and take chances in life. Deep down I know things will work out as they should. My role is to put in the effort and action necessary to bring an idea to life.

What’s one trend that really interests you?

Cryptocurrency is very exciting to me. A good friend of mine got me interested in it after explaining how it works and the positive impacts it can have.

I’m learning as much as I can about cryptocurrency and how to incorporate it into my financial portfolio.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

It is a combination of a core belief that I am the only person getting in my own way mixed with an attitude of gratitude that makes me successful.

I have learned how to appreciate the many blessings in my life, fearlessly tackle tougher challenges, and achieve goals that I set because I know at the end of the day everything will work out one way or another!