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When you meet Terrence M. Porter—affectionately known as Mr. I Believe In Me (I.B.I.M.)—it doesn’t take long to recognize his gift. His presence radiates both humility and power, his words landing with the weight of lived experience. A motivational speaker, husband, father, and community leader, Porter has built a movement around a simple yet life-changing truth: belief starts within.

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia and raised in Washington, D.C., Porter’s journey reflects resilience in action. He speaks openly about resets and setbacks, describing them not as endings but as catalysts. “At first, leaving D.C. for Texas felt like a setback,” he told me. “But I learned the power of resilience and the beauty of a reset. Just like rebooting your phone brings it back to life, sometimes God uses a reset to position you for something greater.” That mindset defines Porter’s approach to life and leadership. In 2010, after relocating to San Antonio with his wife, an Air Force servicemember, he birthed his Mr. I.B.I.M. persona. Co-founding I Believe in Me, LLC, he began organizing school drives, fitness boot camps, and speaking engagements. What started as a response to hardship grew into a calling—and eventually a movement.

The Noise and the Seed

One of Porter’s recurring themes is potential. When asked why so many people struggle to embrace theirs, his answer is direct: the noise. “It’s a lot of outside noise along with fighting internal noise,” he explained. “You’re looking around, doing comparisons, worrying about criticism. But you’ve got to do it afraid, do it when you don’t feel like it, even when you don’t fully believe anymore. The seed was given to you—so you water that seed by still pushing forward.”

His philosophy is practical as much as it is inspirational. His book, Seven Keys to Unshakable Belief, takes these principles and translates them into daily action. “Something as simple as making your bed in the morning sets the tone,” Porter said. “That’s goal number one, already accomplished. Then you build on it with small steps that lead to bigger ones.”

Family First

For Porter, belief is not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle that extends into his home. With five children, he has had to balance fatherhood with a demanding speaking career. A defining moment came when his oldest son handed him a handwritten letter, pleading not to move again. “Even through all the misspelled words, we knew exactly what he was saying,” Porter recalled. “He finally had friends and stability. That letter changed everything—we decided my wife would go where she was stationed, and I would stay with the boys. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.”

That decision reflects a pattern in Porter’s life: choosing what is hard but right over what is easy. It also connects to his parenting style. “I speak life into them daily,” he told me. “They may roll their eyes or say, ‘Dad, I don’t need a motivational speech,’ but I know they’ll thank me later. I didn’t have my dad to do that for me, so it’s even more personal.”

The Human Side

Despite the strength he projects, Porter doesn’t shy away from showing vulnerability. “People would be surprised to know I cry more than they think,” he laughed. “I teared up just watching Friday Night Lights the other week, and I’ve seen it a million times. That might be the Pisces in me.”

Even his comfort food is refreshingly relatable. “Definitely a burger,” he admitted. “Not fast food—something quality. A good, juicy burger I can sit and enjoy.”

These glimpses of everyday humanity are part of what makes Porter’s voice resonate. His social media reach has surpassed 10 million views, but his videos are never about perfection. Instead, they carry the raw honesty that makes strangers feel like family.

When I asked what advice he’d give his younger self, he paused before answering. “Two things: focus and grace. I should’ve focused earlier, but I also needed to forgive myself. Grace and focus will take you far.”

Protecting the Messenger

Of course, being a vessel for inspiration has its weight. Porter shared that many of his DMs are not what people imagine. “Some say, ‘Thank you, I appreciate you.’ Others say, ‘Your video today saved my life. I was ready to end it all.’ That’s heavy. I had to learn to protect myself and to set boundaries. I still create, but I also take time to reset—whether it’s walking, working out or just shutting the phone off.” It’s this balance—being available without being consumed—that sustains his ability to keep pouring into others.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Porter is preparing to launch his podcast, which is still in the incubator stages but already has a clear mission. “It’s going to be more about believing in yourself but also coming from a practical standpoint of what’s really going on in life,” he explained. “There are a lot of men out here right now going through some tough storms, and when I talk to men across different ages, I hear the same themes. That tells me a lot of men are hurting but not expressing it. I want to be a consulate, a door—somewhere men can have a safe space to open up and talk about what’s really going on with them.”

The podcast will also invite women into the conversation. “I want to hear from our women so we can learn how to connect and communicate better, how to be what they want us to be without losing who we are,” he said. “It’s about figuring out how we can make this thing called life work—and do it together.”

In addition to the podcast, Porter is working on a new book that digs deeper into his personal journey. “People see the wins, but not enough speakers share the downs,” he admitted. “And the truth is, there were more downs than ups for me to get here. The downs build you.”

A Legacy of Belief

Whether speaking to college students hungry for guidance, creating daily digital affirmations, or raising his own children, Terrence Porter’s message is consistent: belief is the key. “At the end of the day,” he told me, “It starts and ends with you. You are the common denominator. Nothing works until you believe in yourself.”

And if his signature opening line is any indication, his timing is always divine: “If you came across my page, you need to hear this today.” It’s not just a phrase—it’s a calling card that instantly draws people in, making them feel seen and spoken to in that very moment. His words arrive like a mirror at just the right time, offering confirmation, clarity, or comfort in ways that feel personal and purposeful. Whether it’s a quick reminder to trust the process, a heartfelt push toward self-belief, or a truth that cuts through the noise, he has a way of delivering exactly what his audience didn’t even know they were searching for. And in my opinion, that’s what makes him such a powerful light—not only to his immediate community but to anyone his message reaches. His voice stretches far beyond a single platform and sets an example of what it means to lead with both conviction and compassion.

Quick Fire with Terrence Porter

Before we wrapped up, I asked Terrence a few lighthearted and fun questions to get to know him beyond his national speaking platform.

• If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be… “A full-time personal trainer, training stars, celebrities, athletes.”
• The last show I binged… “Snowfall. Even better the second time around.”
• The first thing I do in the morning is… “Give thanks to God for waking me up, for my wife, my children, and my family.”
• The best advice I ever got… “‘What’s for you is for you — nothing can stop that.’ That advice came from my mentor, Robert Antoinin. And ‘Don’t sweat the small things. If it’s not your health or your family, it’s small stuff.’ That came from Tim Hart, another mentor I had in my early twenties.”

Connect with Terrence Porter

For more on Terrence Porter and the I Believe In Me movement, visit his website at
mribelieveinme.com
You can also follow him on social media to stay inspired:
– Instagram: @mribim
– Facebook: Terrence M. Porter – Mr. I Believe In Me

Pictures are Credited to: Guarionex Diaz-Valdez