Hello Reader,

Nice to see you here in the ole inbox again. Thanks for checking in.

I've got two mantras that I hope will inspire you today—one classic and one soon to be.

Here's the classic:

Don't give up.

You've probably heard that a million times, but it's fresh on my mind because I just announced that I'm kicking off the Toastmasters International 100th Annual Convention this summer in Anaheim, CA!

As I celebrate 25 years in the speaking business (this month!), it's a huge honor to join forces with an organization that's been a cornerstone in public speaking for a century. Yes, they've been around since before sliced bread!

Flashback to 2016, though, and you'll see why the classic mantra came to mind today. That was the year I almost hung up the mic.

After a much-anticipated (by me) session in Ohio where only 7 people showed up, I ended the day bored with myself. It's bad news when you can't even keep yourself entertained.

Maybe speaking isn't the right path for me, I thought.

While I was tempted to give up, I didn't.

I kept going, because I couldn't not do it.

Later that year, I crossed paths with a brilliant content consultant who helped me develop a new keynote from my never-before-seen writings. I still remember when she first showed me the keynote script and I thought, "Wow! Where did this come from?!"

The next year, I did my first mainstage keynote.

The next year, I did my first half-day workshop... requiring that I mine even more content from my writings. (That was the day I told ​the Knight Rider story​ for the first time!)

It was also the first time someone said to me, "Love your stories!"

Year after year, event after event, I just kept learning and growing and aiming to be better.

Fast forward to my recent closing keynote in Reno where someone said I was "one of the top 10 motivational speakers" they had ever experienced.

(To balance it out, someone else said "[S]econd-hand smoke causes cancer. [L]oud noises like this man and the microphone can cause hearing loss. We had to endure 90 minutes of both.")

Very creative, sir. Well done.

Another thing I've learned in my 25 years in the business: You're neither as good nor as bad as they say you are.

What if I had given up in 2016, though?

There wouldn't have been a Reno. There wouldn't be a Toastmasters. What else wouldn't there be?

No need to ponder that for long, but here's what I do want you to ponder:

What I've shared here isn't just my story—it's ours.

Whether you're riding high or facing the tough decision to keep going, remember:

This is part of it.

There's your new mantra.

That seemingly "failed" gig I had in 2016? It wasn't the breakthrough I thought it was... but it was a necessary step on the journey to today.

That seemingly "blah" event or undesirable experience you're having right now? It might just be the stepping stone to your big break.

This—this very moment—is part of it—that goal, outcome, or breakthrough you're dreaming of.

When things get tough and you wonder if the universe is punking you, what if, instead, you think of it as the universe saying, "Hang in there, I'm just checking if you're really serious!"?

What is the "it" yet to be born for you and for me?

Who knows.

But don't give up. You'll never know what's waiting around the corner if you do!

Up we go—

P.S. Wanna join us at the Toastmasters event in Anaheim? You can! Get all the details here.

Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. ​Inspiring Keynotes: Looking for an energizing, empowering speaker to help your team rise above disruption and come back better than EVER? My "Adapt & Thrive" and "Beyond Resilience" keynotes are just what the doctor ordered. Call The Speakers Group at 615.526.6600 or click here to tell us about your program. I’d love to support you.
2. ​Rock the Reboot: When you're feeling lost or uncertain in the midst of one of life's "reboots," my signature 5-week online intensive workshop will help you find your footing and get on the road to coming back better than EVER. Guaranteed.
3. ​Quick Guide to Adapt & Thrive (PDF): Adapt & Thrive offers a practical approach to finding calm, clarity, courage, confidence, and community in times of change. Equip yourself with timeless strategies to turn challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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