The Book

You never know what life is about to throw at you. The unexpected has a way of stopping you in your tracks—or knocking you off your feet. How do you beat the odds and keep going?

In Fit for the Fight, Art Kimbrough offers a timely, timeless antidote to our culture of anxiety. Art’s story is the tale of a modern-day Bible character Job. He has persevered through nearly eight decades of social, cultural, economic, technological, and personal change.

This isn’t so much a how-to book , but life as Art Kimbrough has lived it, infused with his approachable wit and indefatigable spirit. Art’s innate optimism doesn’t give us a sparkling, soft-focus view of the world. He’s real about his low moments. Yet, his resilience, faith, hope, and determination shine through this true-to-life epic. His lessons learned provide a prescription for preparing oneself to face any challenge and a Roadmap for Recovery when life knocks you down.

Find all the inspiration you need to get Fit for the Fight—experiencing life to the fullest no matter what comes at you!

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  • “This book is a masterpiece in the art of optimism. Art Kimbrough uses his immense talent as a storyteller to bring to life the power of positive thinking. This is an inspirational story of a life well spent growing and overcoming challenges with optimism, attitude, and a smile.”

    Josh J Auer
    CEO Rise Services Inc and Acumen, Inc

  • “As a cancer surgeon, I’ve stood at the threshold between life and death on many occasions. With unflinching honesty and deep humility, Art reveals how life’s greatest adversities—even death—can become crucibles for transformation. Fit for the Fight is a masterwork of the human spirit—a profound testament to our capacity to adapt, endure, and evolve. This book doesn’t just offer inspiration; it unveils a path to joy under tremendous pressure and the subtle, powerful beauty that can emerge on the other side.”

    Dr. R. Alex Harbison, MD, MS 
    Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, St. Louis, MO

  • "The true sign of a true champion is an individual who is down for the nine-count, gets up and wins the fight. This is Art Kimbrough's story. Kimbrough has penned an inspirational story of a man who has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and refused to accept defeat. Fit for the Fight is a must read for readers, both young and old."

    Robert L. Shook, author of 60 books, five New York Times best sellers (3 Number One NYT best sellers)

  • "Art's story of adaptability is both inspirational and motivational. Learn how he became such an effective leader of leaders by staring down a multitude of adversity. As he says, 'Everything we experience can be used to prepare us for what comes next'."

    Adrian Cronje, PhD., CFA
    CEO Ballentine, LLC

  • "An inspiring story of how perseverance, fueled by a "never quit, never give up" attitude can overcome adversity, disappointment, and life's setbacks. Art Kimbrough has thoughtfully, and clearly, laid out lessons learned from his personal challenges that can serve as a guidepost for us all."

    Maj. Gen. (ret.) David A Morris
    Unites States Army

  • "This is a riveting account of a man's ups and downs through life, that will inspire you to never give up, even when faced with a life-threatening event. After reading the opening pages, it was impossible to put FIT FOR THE FIGHT down."

    Brig. Gen. James W. Hart, Jr. USAF (Ret)

  • “Life is a journey and over the course of this journey, there will be good times and bad times. Through his book, Art shows us that how we perceive these challenges – as obstacles or as opportunities – reveals our true character ... If you revel in stories where the good guy is defeated by overwhelming odds, do not read this book. If you seek inspiration in the midst of life’s greatest storms, Art’s book is living proof of how mental, physical, and spiritual fitness lifts us up to see the path to our true purpose in God’s great plan."

    Edward San Juan
    CEO, E.F. San Juan, Inc.

  • “Everybody has a story to tell, and Art’s is an inspiring one. Show me a great salesperson, and you will find a self-motivated and driven individual. From Musician to Funeral Professional! (And it would seem like everything in between) I found Art’s story inspiring and motivating to push on! As the book mentions…Take Action! Start doing something”

    Jake Johnson
    CEO, Johnson Consulting Group

  • "Fit for the Fight is a testament of faith, grit, and resilience. Art Kimbrough’s story will challenge you to lead with courage, adapt with grace, and never stop believing."

    Cindy L. Hesterman
    CEO, Vistage Florida

  • “My friend and fellow VISTAGE chair Art Kimbrough wrote this book about his resilient life and recent victory over cancer. He claims it’s a combination of a healthy lifestyle, positive mindset, strong relationship with God, and great community among other things that allowed him to thrive. I’ll throw in a good dose of luck too.”

    Les Whitney
    Master Chair, Vistage International, Author     “Cancer’s Gifts”

  • “If you have served in The Army, you are familiar with the term ‘When the going gets tough, The Tough Get Going’. That is Art Kimbrough. He is the embodiment of overcoming obstacles with a smile and courage when others fail and falter.”

    Rolfe Arnhym, Chair, Vistage Florida

  • “Having known Art first as his pastor, then as a friend, and ultimately as a mentor, I've witnessed firsthand how he embodies the principles he shares. His guidance, particularly through insightful questions, has helped me navigate major decisions with wisdom and intentionality. Art's personal experiences have honed these principles, and his ability to articulate them makes this book a valuable resource for leaders at any stage of their journey.”

    Kevin Yoder
    Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity, Marianna, FL

  • "Told with humility, humor, and raw honesty, Fit for the Fight is more than a memoir, it’s a roadmap for anyone who wants to live with purpose, overcome life’s punches, and stay strong through every round. Whether you’re facing your first fight or your final test, Art’s story will remind you that it’s never too late to stand tall, dig deep, and stay fit for the fight."

    Jason B.A. Van Camp
    US Army Special Forces

  • “As Art says in this book, "We all face difficult situations and pivotal events in life. Figuring out how to handle them so we aren’t overcome by them and move forward with a positive outlook is our biggest challenge." In this book, Art shows us how, sharing his journey through the battle of cancer with honesty and hope. Through practical insights and personal stories, he guides you to build the spiritual, relational, emotional, and physical fitness needed to face life’s toughest moments with resilience and courage.”

    Paul Smith, Senior Pastor
    Rivertown Community Church

  • "In his storied life, Art Kimbrough has recalibrated the definition of resiliency. His life story illustrates the importance of understanding that it isn’t what happens to us that defines our life; it is how we react, recover and move forward! Art also shows us when we have the man upstairs on our side, anything is possible. With his adaptability, attitude and perseverance, Art turned the impossible into certainty."

    John Asher BS MSA, Age Reversal Scientist, CEO Asher Strategies

    CEO Asher Longevity, Captain US Navy (ret.)