Has It Really Been 10 Years?

The memory popped up on Facebook the other day: July 25, 2016. The day I was inducted into the NSA National Speakers Association CPAE Hall of Fame.

Over the past few years, I have had the honor to introduce on their big night, a few of my very close friends receiving the CPAE as well, including Jeff Civillico, Clint Pulver, and posthumously, the late great Mark Eaton.

It is a life-changing event to receive such an honor.

I’ll never forget where I was when the call came that I had been inducted, in March 2016.

In a stairwell, just before a gig, at a Courtyard Marriott, listening to the secret welcome from a stranger on the committee, who told me I couldn’t tell anyone, but that he was thrilled for my inclusion.

I crumpled to the floor and cried my eyes out.

It was 4 months before anyone would know, and the speech I’d get to give, as one of the youngest to ever be inducted.

I was 37 years old, and felt like I was in my seventies, due to the wear and tear on my body by pushing so hard to succeed over 15 years.

Here I am 10 years later. Life is different now. When I was inducted, my children were little, now most are leaving the nest. I look at photos of myself back then and am astounded at how dark my hair was, since I now look like my own grandpa. Silver fox is a generous term, I think I look more like a Canadian mountain man who got lost in the tundra and hitchhiked back to civilization, but I’m pleased with my beard, glasses, and the physical shift that happens over time.

Tami calls me a fine wine, even though we never drink.

From within there have been many iterations and changes over a decade, most good, and some not so great. Decisions, ideas, projects, working relationships, friendships…so much has transpired, it often feels like decades (plural), not just one.

What is best over the last 10 years? My family. I have an incredibly strong bond with my wife and children, and that’s what has been my #1 priority and promise for a decade.

What has your last decade looked like? Are you feeling happy with where you have been, or excited about what lies ahead? What changes can be made to ensure it’s better than the decade before? These are all important questions to consider.

Remember: what happened last decade and your definition of success very well can change as you move into the next. No need to judge the difference. Not necessary to compare and contrast your 30’s with your 40’s, when standards, age, and perspective shift over time.

Reflection is required, growth is relative, consume now what you will become next.

For fun, if you’ve never listened to my acceptance speech, here it is. It’s pretty decent, looking back on it, and I remember I just jotted down a few names to not forget, all of this speech was off the top. I don’t generally recommend doing that, but it seemed appropriate to not write anything out word for word.

If you have seen this speech, I want you to closely watch the brilliant introduction by Scott Halford, CSP, CPAE, who completely crushed this, as he reveals my name to the surprised audience. Luckily, Scott was also in charge of that particular conference, along with Stephen Shapiro, CSP, CPAE, another dear friend. They had allowed me to be one of the opening keynotes that year, so everyone had just seen The Raptor that Scott decided to intro me with.

I have just returned from Influence, our annual NSA meeting of speakers from around the world. The meeting was in Austin, TX and smaller than years past. The industry is having its struggles, as are so many others, and I wish you, if you’ve been affected by the current happenings, all the best.

I was encouraged at this conference by the care our association took to make it a special one, and especially the love I saw so many offering each other.

We got to hear from Ross Bernstein, CSP, CPAE, keynoting about how surviving stage 4 cancer relates to our speaking careers.

It was all about relationships, showing up for the client, even after radiation treatments weekly that were slowly killing him inside, and his absolute bravery in the face of such an ordeal. It was about creating the life you want to live intentionally and with purpose. One of the most inspiring talks I’ve ever heard.

So many high points from the conference – friends inducted in the Hall of Fame who were long deserving, peers earning the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), breakout sessions that could be main stage keynotes… I am implementing so much of what I learned and discussed with others into my work, and you will notice them in coming months.

Here’s to past accomplishments and doing all we can to continue to be worthy of them. Here’s to you, and all you are aspiring to, may your dreams come true, as you choose wisely what to focus your time, and thus, your life, on.

Mostly, love one another, make and keep the right promises, and hold those closest tight – time sure doesn’t slow down.

Man I sound old!