Never Give Up
I have been trying to think of an idea for this month’s article for the last several days. I had thought about topics such as tips for picking out frozen entrees, tips for dining out, or better yet, suggestions for how to make the most of eating at fast food restaurants. All of these topics sounded okay, but I was not overly thrilled with any of them. (Feel free to let me know if you were, and I can write about that topic soon!)
But then today, when I had just about lost all motivation, inspiration came and hit me in the face.
I am a member of the Speaker Coop, a group formed to support and promote professionals who speak to grow their business, and I was the spotlight speaker at last month’s luncheon. Local news reporter, author, and speaker Jeff Crilley is a member of the group. He came over to talk with me about my speech and suggested that we get together to have coffee so that he could help support me in growing my business and career as a speaker.
We met today for coffee and then I followed to hear him speak to a local Rotary Club. His dynamic, humorous, interactive speech, coupled with the time, praise, and support that he gave to me today, re-lit my fire. Just when I was thinking it was time to give up on helping people help themselves through my speaking and coaching, Jeff reminded me that my journey had just begun. If he believed in me and my passion, how could I not?
I challenge each of you reading this column to do the same. Never give up on yourself or your goals, no matter the struggles or obstacles you may face. Keep the faith in yourself and in your ability to reach the goals that you set for yourself.
Adding thirty minutes of exercise into your daily routine, cooking dinner a few nights a week, or reminding yourself to eat less when you are feeling down and want to overindulge may cause you to feel a sense of overwhelm or defeat. But do not give up on yourself. My father may now fall out of his chair, but I want to quote the words of the great sage Hillel, “If I am not for myself, who is for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I?”
With all of the other responsibilities and commitments that we have each day, it is easy to put our health and well-being off until tomorrow. However, as time goes on and we keep putting it off, we will no longer be healthy enough to fulfill those obligations. And then what do we have to work for? If we are not “for ourselves,” we will not be around to support and care for those dear to us.
Of course, using a Coach to help support us in reaching our goals can be highly effective and encouraging. Today reminded me of the importance of maintaining my business coach and support system, so that I can continue to be effective in coaching others to reach their lifestyle and weight goals.
By giving a few minutes of his valuable time to me, Jeff Crilley reminded me not to give up on myself and my career. It may take a lot of time and patience, but as I grow and am able to share my message with more people, both individuals and large audiences, it will all be worth it. And I better keep exercising and eating well in the meantime, or I won’t have any message left to share!
If you have a group for which you would like me, Jeff Crilley!, or many others to speak, feel free to contact us or read more at
www.speakercoop.com.