It was 10 years ago this month when I first shared the words, “this moment matters,” with a live audience–at the annual convention of the Independent Community Bankers of America at the Gaylord Opryland Resort right here in Nashville. Oh, how far we’ve all come since then!
Getting in front of that audience was a big, bold move for a young man who was once the shyest kid in school, but when people lined up after the session to tell me how impactful it was for them, I knew I was on the right path. Even now, when fear or doubt comes up before an event, I refer back to something a woman named Beverly wrote to me after that first event:
“Attending this program at the recent convention was one of the most meaningful… being able to truly connect with others and fully enjoy each moment is a gift we’ve all been given but need to be reminded to embrace in our daily lives.”
Beverly (attendee at first presentation in 2012)
I knew what I was sharing had been transformational in my own life and I couldn’t not share it with others… so to know that it actually “landed” with the audience, too, was beyond gratifying.
“This Moment Matters”–the foundational principle of Mastering the Moments–is a phrase that came to me when I was facing some big challenges personally and professionally. It was a reminder that “life happens here,” and also that no matter how big the challenge you face, no matter how big the goal you’re pursuing, “all that matters right now is right now.” We reach our ultimate destination one moment at a time, one step at a time, “one foot in front of the other,” as a dear friend reminded me along the way.
10 years later
There was no way I could know exactly how the journey would unfold over the next 10 years, but what a ride it has been. Personally, I’ve seen the lows of divorce and bankruptcy since that first event. And professionally, of course we’ve all been affected by the global pandemic, but with a business that was 98% driven by live events… let’s just say that the “one moment at a time” principle has been no less relevant to endure.
Through it all, I’ve seen the power of continuing to “just show up” as authentically as possible, trusting that ultimately, “life is good” and leaning on the words of my little guru Brody: “Something amazing is about to happen.”
In late 2021, inspiration for a new keynote titled “Beyond Resilience” came to me while writing in my journal, just as “This Moment Matters” came to me all those years ago. New bookings began to roll in and I’m so very grateful to say that we’re now in the midst of our busiest first quarter ever in terms of speaking events.
When I reflect back on the last 10 years, I’m reminded of something author and teacher Joseph Campbell shares in his book, The Power of Myth. He speaks of students who would come up to him, contemplating career choices, and ask, “Do you think I can be a writer?” His response:
“I don’t know. Can you endure ten years of disappointment with nobody responding to you, or are you thinking that you are going to write a best seller the first crack? If you have the guts to stay with the thing you really want, no matter what happens, well, go ahead.”
Joseph Murphy, The Power of Myth
So, you’re saying it’s going to take resilience? Yes. Yes it is.
I’m a walking example of it. And so are you. The fact you’re here reading this is proof that you have an undefeated track record against every challenge you’ve ever faced. Maybe you’re in the midst of a battle right now. But you’re still standing. You’re unstoppable! (If you haven’t done it in a while–or ever–how about you throw your fist in the air right now and say with confidence and conviction: “I am unstoppable!”)
Let us begin… again
Here’s the thing: If you’re still breathing, that means your story is still being written. This is not the end. As a matter of fact, maybe it’s just the beginning… of your next decade.
Look at where you were 10 years ago compared to now. Then just imagine: Where might you be 10 years from now? What might be possible?
No one knows… but I know it all starts with a moment. This moment.
And if life has been feeling a little nutty… a little out of control… a little overwhelming… (Or maybe a lot of all those things…) Then perhaps this message from 10 years ago (the first 15 minutes of a recording of one of my rehearsals getting ready for that first event) will speak to you still today:
This moment matters. Still.
