Limitations

This week, the word that continues to resonate with me is “Limitations.”

Last weekend, I concluded an eight-week Youth Leadership Program in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.  My counterpart and I started with 10 young adults, with seven graduating from the program.

The three that dropped out had various reasons, mainly because they decided it was too much of their time, considering it was only one hour on Sunday from 3 PM to 4 PM.

As I stood watching and listening to the speeches of the seven, it was a powerful moment in time.  These seven went beyond what was expected of them.

They didn’t allow time as a limitation or factor for not completing the program.

Instead, they put in the time, and the results were beyond anyone’s expectations.

If you were there, you would have seen the practice and rehearsal before the grand finale, where they gave their 4–6-minute speeches in front of their parents, grandparents, and friends.

Today, each of us knows the limitations that are holding us back from achieving our own greatness.

I’m reminded of David in the Bible, who followed his purpose and became the King of Judah and later the King of Israel.

David had many opportunities to think about his limitations and pressed forward.

I continue to receive plenty of my inspiration from the Bible.

This past week, we finished celebrating Thanksgiving, or did we?

I know that Thanksgiving may only be one day on the calendar: however, for me, it’s every day.

I’m grateful for many things, especially all the youth who decided not to limit themselves.

In addition, I have several members in one of my Toastmasters clubs that I serve as President who have worked extremely hard completing their level 1 projects, which equate to five speeches and serving as an evaluator.

They didn’t allow limitations to get in their way either.

As the year begins to wind down, I will take a week or two and look back over projects or tasks I’ve done this past year and review what I could have done better as I prepare for 2026.

Knowing that we all have the same twenty-four hours in the day, and how we use them is up to us.

My question is, are there areas in your life that are holding you back that have become a limitation on your life?

I know we all can do better, and it’s a matter of prioritizing specific events on our calendars for projects or tasks we want to accomplish.

You and I can’t afford to feel sorry for us and must just get it done without any procrastination.

These two quotes below that are tied to yesterday ended last night are my reminders that even the best have found a way to get beyond their failures.

“Don’t start your day with broken pieces of the past. Yesterday ended last night. Today is a brand-new day, and it’s yours.”  Zig Ziglar

“For years, I kept a sign on my desk that helped me maintain the right perspective concerning yesterday. It simply said, ‘yesterday ended last night.’ It reminded me that no matter how badly I might have failed in the past, it’s done, and today is a new day.”   John C. Maxwell

Because being limitless is something that I try to incorporate in my life daily, I’m reminded of the quote by Jim Kwik, “If you fight for your limitations, you get to keep them.”

The Secret to Limitless FOCUS | Jim Kwik

Just remember, “Where your focus goes, your time and your energy flows.” Tony Robbins

Today, I challenge you to think about the question that I asked, which was “Are there areas in your life that are holding you back that have become a limitation on your life?”

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/limitations/

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Looking Back

This week, I’m preparing mentally and physically to spend some time in reviewing tasks and objectives while looking back at the various things that I had set out to accomplish in 2025.

Last week, I wrote about limitations, and you can consider today’s topic a deeper dive into that specific word.

On a recent drive to Birmingham this past Thursday, while driving up I-65, I witnessed a license plate that read MKDREAM.  The car was a Pink Cadillac, and yes, the letters MK stood for Mary Kay.

I immediately thought to myself: “What does it take to get a Pink Cadillac from Mary Kay?”

“Approximately 1.5% of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants reach the status of Independent Sales Director. Approximately 10% of Mary Kay Independent Sales Directors earn the use of the iconic Pink Cadillac.”

Mary Kay Career Car Program

The Mary Kay Pink Cadillac just made a shocking turn

As I rode behind it for several miles, I said internally, The driver is living their dream.

It was a reality that the driver of the car was also where they wanted to be today, based on the age and model of the Pink Cadillac from Mary Kay.

The question needing an answer is, are you where you expected you to be in 2025?

Did you meet the goals you envisioned that you wanted to accomplish this year?

How focused were you in accomplishing those goals?

It’s that question that I will be asking myself in doing my review of 2025.

One constant thing is that each of us has the same 24 hours in a day to accomplish what we need to accomplish, except some are better focused on getting the job done.

I’m reminded of two books I’ve read many times over, which are “A Sense of Urgency and Leading Change by John Kotter.”

Within Leading Change, there is also an 8 Step process which I have added a link to download the 8 Step E-Book.  I have no ties to John Kotter except being an avid reader of his books.

The 8-Step Process for Leading Change | Dr. John Kotter

For years and still today, I remain a subscriber to his newsletters.

I subscribe to Dr. John Kotter’s newsletters because I consider him a thought leader, and every book that I have read by him has continued to make a difference in my life.

As I continue to be inspired by various thought leaders who are also shaping my faith, business, and life, I can’t forget about the ones in my circle of concern and circle of influence that Stephen R. Covey talks about as well.

“Rooted in proactive psychology and popularized by Stephen R. Covey, it distinguishes between what we care about (the Circle of Concern) and what we can directly influence.” “You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside.”

Take a moment to watch the video that supports this conversation.

The Circle of Influence—Focus Here and Watch Your Problems Dissolve | Stephen Covey Principles HQ

Therefore, we must all try and become effective at what we are trying to accomplish.

Therefore, this year, I’m grateful for those in my circle of influence who continue to pour into me.

It’s a matter of being proactive.

“Looking back, we see with great clarity, and what once appeared as difficulties now reveal themselves as blessings.”  Dan Millman

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.”  Steve Jobs

This week, I challenge you to look back and think mentally and physically about all the various things that you had set out to accomplish in 2025, and ask the question: “Did you come close to doing what you expected to accomplish?”

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/looking-back/

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How Motivational Speakers in Huntsville, AL Drive Growth and Breakthrough Results

At the heart of every thriving organization lies a spark — a catalyst that moves teams from routine to remarkable. That spark often comes from the right speaker, delivering the right message at the right moment. As a provider of Motivational Speakers in Huntsville, AL, we understand that mindset, leadership, and emotional resonance can transform an event into a turning point for companies, schools, nonprofits, and communities.

Why Choosing the Right Speaker Matters

Many organizations plan events, conferences, or retreats hoping for a “nice talk” — but the difference between a forgettable presentation and one that triggers real change is profound. A skilled motivational speaker can ignite renewed enthusiasm, encourage collaboration, and help individuals rediscover their purpose. With tailored talks rather than generic speeches, your audience leaves not only inspired, but equipped with actionable takeaways.

This is especially true when you engage with professional Motivational Speakers in Huntsville, AL who bring proven expertise, real-world experience, and deep understanding of local and organizational culture. Their relatable stories — often grounded in overcoming adversity, leadership under pressure, and teamwork — make the impact immediate and personal. When attendees see someone who understands their context delivering messages rooted in authenticity, the result often goes beyond applause — it becomes a shift in perspective.

Driving Organizational Growth Through Motivation

Boosting Morale and Engagement

In many workplaces, motivation wanes over time — deadlines pile up, stress grows, and performance can plateau. Bringing in a motivational speaker gives employees a mental reset. A powerful address — focused on resilience, purpose, and growth — can rekindle energy, hope, and drive. People leave with renewed energy, ready to contribute more meaningfully to their teams and goals.

Fostering Leadership and Teamwork

Whether you represent a corporate team, a nonprofit board, or a local organization, strong leadership and collaboration are key to success. Experienced Motivational Speakers in Huntsville, AL shine when they tailor their talks to emphasize leadership development, accountability, communication, and trust-building. When individuals embrace these values, the whole organization moves toward more cohesive performance and better results.

Aligning Vision and Goals

Organizations often struggle not because of lack of talent, but because people aren’t aligned around a shared vision. A well-delivered motivational session can crystallize that vision, helping team members understand not just what they do, but why it matters. This clarity fosters purpose-driven work — and that purpose fuels long-term growth, innovation, and commitment.

Encouraging Growth Mindset and Resilience

Change, uncertainty, and pressure are constant across industries. Motivational speakers adept at addressing challenges — drawing from real life, from military background, entrepreneurship, or personal hardship — help audiences build resilience. When your team learns to view setbacks as growth opportunities and challenges as stepping stones, they become more adaptive, innovative, and forward-focused.

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What Change Looks Like After an Event

Organizations that engage with motivational speaking often report: renewed energy, clearer focus, stronger team cohesion, and a surge in productivity — especially in the weeks following the event. Individuals feel more confident to take on challenges, lead initiatives, and support one another. Departments communicate better. Goals feel more tangible. The culture becomes more positive, growth-oriented, and aligned.

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How to Get Started

If you are seeking breakthrough results — whether for a corporate event, a nonprofit gathering, or a community workshop — consider bringing in experienced speakers who know how to engage, challenge, and motivate. Tell us about your audience, your goals, and your desired outcomes. We will recommend the right speaker, craft a tailored message, and coordinate everything to make the experience seamless.

Let your next event be more than a moment. Let it be the start of transformation. With focused, passionate leadership, your audience can shift mindset, build resilience, and unlock the growth your organization deserves.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthought.wordpress.com/2025/12/03/how-motivational-speakers-in-huntsville-al-drive-growth-and-breakthrough-results/

 

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