Living The Red Life – Founder of Making Choices, Inc.: The Long-Game Mindset Behind Lasting Success

Host: Ray Gutierrez (guest-hosting for Rudy Mawer)
Guest: Rachelle Brooks Blue
Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Living The Red Life, Ray Gutierrez sits down with Rachelle Brooks Blue, founder of Making Choices, Inc. The conversation dives into Rachelle’s journey from educator to entrepreneur, the importance of a long-game mentality, and how building autonomy and resilience through personal setbacks fueled her drive to empower others. The episode is rich in personal reflection, practical inspiration, and candid advice for entrepreneurs and changemakers, especially those facing adversity.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Roots in Education and Family Legacy

[02:04-04:00]

• Rachelle shares her background: originally trained as an educator, following in her father's footsteps.
• Her father, an African American man who became a teacher in the 1960s, inspired her with his commitment and integrity.
• Reflects on generational shifts in education, noting her father's era emphasized discipline and respect, while today's classrooms feel less structured due to technology.

Quote:
"Education was big, you know, because my dad taught English... you think about an African American male who came from a single family home... he was intuitive enough to take it a step further."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [03:38]

2. The Evolving Nature of Education

[04:59-05:49]

• Ray and Rachelle discuss the decline in the perceived status and structure of teaching.
• The heavy reliance on technology is seen as eroding traditional teacher-student relationships.
• Contrasts American classrooms with the education-culture in China, where education is seen as a core value.

Quote:
"The romance between the teacher and the professor and the student is long gone... If you look across the pond in China, the education system there is far different. It's part of the culture."
— Ray Gutierrez, [05:17]

3. The Power of the Long-Game Mindset

[06:01-06:23]

• Rachelle urges listeners to "play the long game" for lasting results, not just chase short-term wins.
• She acknowledges the ups and downs but emphasizes persevering through challenges.

Quote:
"The long game is going to take you further. The short game... you may have some results temporarily, but they're going to soon fade."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [06:01]

4. Building Autonomy and Navigating Change

[06:56-08:15]

• For Rachelle, autonomy and flexibility are at her core. She now schedules her life around family, health, and faith.
• Emotional maturity and adapting to inevitable change have been key to her growth.

Quote:
"Everything in its own time. I don't think I was the same person I was 20 years ago... Nothing stays the same. Change is inevitable."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [07:36]

5. Resilience Through Adversity

[09:01-10:05]

• Rachelle details a turning point: being terminated from a job, experiencing divorce, and becoming a single parent.
• Her drive to provide for her son and not be defined by her circumstances motivated her to return to school and start Making Choices, Inc.

Quote:
"Just because my circumstance should not dictate my lifestyle."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [09:59]

6. Life Principles: Fitness, Faith, and Service

[10:12-14:36]

• Fitness is a daily commitment—she’s deeply involved in a CrossFit-style community, which keeps her accountable and energized.
• Her faith and church involvement are vital, shaping her mission and connecting her to service roles like facilitating discussion groups and counseling.

Quote:
"I love my gym friends, my gym family. You know what's so remarkable is that they're going to be watching this and rooting you on."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [12:43]

7. Empowerment Without Bounds

[15:02-15:18]

• Rachelle’s mission is to empower anyone her story can help, with no limits on who can be inspired or supported.

Quote:
"Anybody that it applies to... there's no bounds... it's limitless."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [15:05]

8. Parenting with Purpose and Legacy

[16:00-17:12]

• Reflects on raising her son as a single parent, instilling the value of education and the courage to chase dreams.
• Her son's achievements—a recent graduate aiming for a career in professional golf—are a point of immense pride.

Quote:
"Chase your dreams. Because a lot of people don't say that and seriously say it. But I believe everybody should have a chance...to chase your dreams."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [16:40]

9. What's Next: Growth Amid Uncertainty

[17:34-18:32]

• Rachelle embraces uncertainty and the necessity of action—progress comes with setbacks, and growth often brings pain.
• Stresses the importance of continued striving and not letting adversity stop you.

Quote:
"Everything is not going to just come forth. It's going to be some things that you're going to, you know, it's going to be some setbacks, but that's okay as long as you keep going."
— Rachelle Brooks Blue, [18:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Play the long game, not the short game. The long game is going to take you further.”
  — Rachelle Brooks Blue, [00:12] & [06:01]
• “Just because my circumstance should not dictate my lifestyle.”
  — Rachelle Brooks Blue, [09:59]
• “Stack up your dreams and chase after one another. Every decade should be at least one main dream.”
  — Ray Gutierrez, [17:12]
• “You have to make. You have to do something, though... You have to put it into action. ...Expect failure, expect hurt, but from that you grow.”
  — Rachelle Brooks Blue, [17:38]
• “Bruce Lee said it himself, learn how to be water. Just be water.”
  — Ray Gutierrez, [18:32]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Rachelle’s Origin Story & Family Education Legacy — [02:04–04:00]
• Education: Changing Times & Challenges — [04:59–06:01]
• Mindset: Playing The Long Game — [06:01–06:23]
• Building Autonomy & Adapting to Change — [06:56–08:15]
• Turning Adversity into Entrepreneurship — [09:01–10:05]
• Fitness, Faith, and Community — [10:12–14:36]
• Mission of Empowerment — [15:02–15:18]
• Parenting & Legacy — [16:00–17:12]
• Outlook on Growth & Overcoming Setbacks — [17:34–18:32]

Conclusion

This episode spotlights the mindset and values behind lasting success: resilience, continual growth, and service. Rachelle Brooks Blue’s journey from adversity to empowerment, rooted in family, faith, and a relentless long-game approach, offers inspiration and actionable wisdom for entrepreneurs and anyone seeking deeper purpose through life’s transitions.

Find Rachelle Brooks Blue:

• Website (linked via show notes)
• Email: rchllblue@mail.com
• Office: (910) 4A3-2002 (Fayetteville)