What Truly Matters
Steve Maloney, Director of Training

In addition to Thanksgiving week, my granddaughter Ivy just celebrated her first birthday, so how can I not focus on gratitude and abundance this week?

Flashback to November 2024 and I felt like I was in the book A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. It was the best of times and the worst of times. On one side I was depressed, struggling to determine my next career move, and preparing for my son’s brain surgery. On the other side, my first grandchild was born, and we had great joy and jubilation at the news of her arrival. This experience provided me with the opportunity to heed John Maxwell’s advice to keep things in perspective. What perspective would I focus on—the scarcity mindset or the abundance mindset? How would I approach my circumstances?

You don’t need to be a natural-born optimist to do the work of perspective monitoring. Be real and take stock of each perspective, recognizing that you can always find good in life, no matter the circumstance. I’m sure you’re thinking, “Steve, you don’t know my situation.” I get it and fully understand, however taking positive action despite your challenges is really your only good option and that is what will shift your mindset.

This reminds me of one of this year’s Live2Lead event speakers, Anthony Trucks. What a great example of overcoming so many obstacles on his way to becoming an NFL player. Here are some great quotes from his talk:

• “Successful people trust the vision and doubt the fear.”
• “We are our own worst enemy.”
• “What you create creates you.”

When I reflect on my life, each of the above quotes resonates with me and shines the spotlight on the many blessings in my life. I look at my wonderful marriage of 28 years, my adult children that are making good choices for their lives, my friends that have been by my side since diapers, my new adventure of being a grandpa, and finally my new job at MACNY, and I quickly realize that I am living out a purpose and mission that fulfills me each day.

Yes, I was going through a rough patch, but that didn’t define my path forward or stifle my future growth opportunities. I am so grateful I didn’t remain stuck and started moving forward. I focused on what truly matters in life, and positive actions and progress were the result.

There is so much to be thankful for, especially the growth opportunities we all have ahead of us. Stay focused on what truly matters and enjoy the journey!