Tag Archive for: determination

The Cost of Forgetting

After picking up Emerson Randle and her mum Lindsey, from Edinburgh Airport, we took the tram into town, heading for Princes Street and onto the Military Tattoo.
Most of the way we were deep in conversation, so much so that when we got to our stop, I stepped off without a second thought and the tram pulled away.
That’s when I realised: my backpack was still on board!
Suddenly, I realised that it had everything in it…
Car keys. House keys. Wallet. Passport. The works.
I didn’t even think. I just ran.
I took off along Princes Street like I hadn’t in years, dodging pedestrians and trying to keep the tram in sight.
Luckily, the tram hit two red lights, which was just enough time for me to catch up and frantically try to get the driver’s attention through the glass.
I must have looked a wee bit ridiculous as I mimed through the glass, but thankfully she seemed to understand.
She held the tram at St. Andrew Square long enough for me to jump back on and grab my bag.
Back on the platform, I sat down, completely exhausted, my legs like jelly, but so relieved.
Reflecting this morning, that moment has stayed with me.
Not just because of the panic or the running, but because of how quickly I dropped everything to chase after what I’d lost.
That backpack wouldn’t have meant much to anyone else, but to me, every one of the items inside really mattered and I had to retrieve it there and then.

The Lesson

It made me think of the parables in Luke 15, the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son.
In every story, something of great worth was missing.
And in every story, someone goes looking.
They search.
They don’t give up.
There is even some running.
And when it’s found, there’s relief, joy and even celebration – I certainly experienced all three!
It’s a reminder that what’s lost still matters deeply, because it’s not just something, it’s someone’s. It belongs.
How quickly do you act when something of real value slips away?

Shoulder to Shoulder

Life is complex and human beings are complex.
In my lifetime, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life and from a host of different nations and cultures.
Subsequently, in the various professional and voluntary roles I’ve enjoyed, I am a witness to the happiness and joy life can bring for many, along with the problems and challenges that come along too.
In so many ways, our life can be good, great even – and then in an instant, it can be filled with disappointment, grief, anguish, misery and pain.
There is one thing I know for sure, and that is life will intermittently bring challenges to each and every one of us, arriving when we least expect them, in good times or bad.
We all experience difficult times in our lives, and then we must endure for a while.
Yet, in the trials, there are frequently many opportunities for growth and learning.

Coaching and Leadership

That’s where coaching and leadership come in.
As John Wooden said, “A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.”
I’ve seen this in action countless times, not just on playing fields, but in workplaces, communities, congregations, and moments of personal crisis.
One of my most vivid memories was sitting quietly by a dear friend’s side in hospital.
I didn’t have the right words, and maybe there weren’t any.
But I listened. I was present.
And in the stillness, they turned to me and said, “Thanks for being here, you give me confidence.”
That moment reminded me that leadership isn’t always about grand gestures, rather, it’s often about showing up, holding space, and helping others believe in their own strength.
Coaching is about helping people find clarity in the fog, and strength they didn’t know they had.
Leadership is about creating an environment where people can thrive, even when the road is rough.
While we can’t always control what happens, we can control how we respond and with the right support, people are capable of amazing resilience.
Life’s challenges are inevitable.
But with guidance, encouragement, and shared purpose, they can become the very stepping stones that carry us to our next best chapter.
Who in your life right now might be waiting for you to simply show up, listen, and help them believe in their own strength?

Step by Step

An old proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
To achieve something, you need to start with a small step.
In preparation for the walk with Mary’s Meals in May, for some months now I have been putting in many daily steps.
Recently, I purchased a new pair of walking boots and whilst breaking them in, one boot caused some discomfort around my right ankle.
Starting a new adventure often comes with initial discomfort or challenges.
In life, we progress on our journey by taking each day one step at a time, repeating the process consistently until we arrive at our destination.
I love this verse found in the holy scriptures – “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” Mosiah 4:27
In other words, we don’t need to rush; we just need to keep a steady pace and head in the right direction.
Likewise in life, our focus should be on doing our best, taking one step at a time.
Each step, no matter how small, moves me forward.
Some days, the journey feels effortless, and it is no problem at all.
Other days however, progress is slow, and the weight of the steps press down on me.
But what matters most in those moments, is that I keep going.
What felt like a long distance some weeks ago, now seems much easier indeed.
Training for the walk with Mary’s Meals has reinforced this lesson for me.
The cumulative effect of daily effort builds resilience, strength, and an inner confidence that I can succeed.
Small, consistent actions, whether in physical endurance, spiritual growth, or personal development, lead to meaningful results over time.
This principle applies to all aspects of life.
Whether we’re striving for a personal goal, strengthening relationships, or deepening our faith, steady, deliberate effort brings lasting change.
So, as I prepare for the miles ahead, I remind myself that success is not found in speed, but in perseverance.
Every step taken with purpose can bring each of us closer to where we want to be.
Take that small step towards your success.
What small steps can you take today that will lead you closer to your goal?

Grit

It’s been over 7 years since Talmage last walked through our front door with his missionary companion.
This time he had a different companion, his wife Marianne.
Together they’re enjoying a belated honeymoon in Scotland.
Over the years we have kept in touch sporadically and so it was truly delightful to reconnect at the weekend.
Reflecting upon our time together and our discussion, I was reminded of Angela Duckworths book “Grit, The Power Of Passion And Perseverance”.
In her book, grit is defined as “passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals”.
When you have the inner strength of grit, you don’t give up on the things that you want.
Possessing grit has become an increasingly rare yet invaluable trait.
Someone who embodies this quality, coupled with determination, perseverance, and resilience, is a beacon of inspiration.
And that is Talmage – in a nutshell!

Podcasting – but more!

Talmage’s passion is podcasting.
But he is not just a podcaster.
He is a storyteller, a learner, and a teacher.
It was clear that his love for podcasting goes beyond mere enjoyment.
Talmage has a commitment to his audience and to his craft.
As he shared some stories it was evident that true success is not measured by numbers but by the impact he creates, with his guests, one episode at a time.
Podcasting, with its unique blend of storytelling, education, and entertainment, is no easy feat.
For someone who loves this medium, grit is not just an advantage; it is a necessity.
It demands consistency, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
It is this kind of grit that fuels Talmage’s determination to tackle the technical challenges of recording, editing, and producing content week after week.
His perseverance was evident in the consistency with which he produces content, always striving for improvement, no matter how many obstacles he faces along the way.
He regularly interviews returned missionaries and other guests who share insights and stories of struggle, success, and self-discovery.
Look up and enjoy his next episode of “𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅” wherever you pick up your podcasts.
Enjoy Scotland the pair of you – and come back soon!
How can you stay gritty?

Motivation

“Do you have time for a game President?”

This question has become a regular one whilst I’m in the office once a week.

This week was no exception.

I do enjoy a game of table tennis.

I think my very best days are well behind me now though.

As a teenager growing up in Scotland, many an evening was spent at the local community centre with school friends, fine tuning my table tennis skills.  Mum and dad were pretty good too.

I was always very competitive.  Although, I could never beat dad.

It wasn’t until I was 16 that I had a breakthrough and won a match against him.  Growing older, I’m not actually sure if I beat him, or he actually let me win, in order to encourage me further!

These days the goal is a simple one….. “To beat President!”

They have an extremely strong motive!

There are several good players amongst the missionary force at the moment.

Two of them are regularly in the office when I am in too, namely Leif Andersen and Atticus Snow.

Week in, week out – they ask me the question.

And week in, week out – I am still managing to hold my own and win – just!

Both are definitely improving.

Practice is an important way to improve skills.

It is repetition of skills during practice that enables you to learn from mistakes and become a much more confident player.

My practice time is extremely limited and won’t be changing anytime soon.

Their motivation is high, and their practice time is much higher than mine!

For the moment, I’m enjoying the victories whilst they last!

My conclusion – my days are numbered!

What is your motivation to succeed?

Attitude – The Little Engine That Could

“Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir men’s souls”, said Spencer W. Kimball.
Some years ago, I considered my own plans and questioned if I had set my sights to low?
Have you?
Perhaps doubts and fears kick in, along with feelings of inadequacy. You may even resign yourself to living a life of mediocrity and dissatisfaction.
Have you been there?
On occasion, I know I have. But what is really possible?
As a child I recall the story of “The Little Engine That Could.”
Remember the story of the engine that broke down…..
A big passenger engine, the freight engine and then an old engine passed by, but none of them would pull the train over the mountain. Then a little blue engine came by, she was not very big, and was only used in the yard and had never been over the mountain, but she said to herself “I think I can, I think I can.” So, she hooked herself up to the train and with all her might and determination, eventually climbed to the top of the mountain, then going down the other side said to herself “I thought I could, I thought I could”
Thomas S. Monson frequently stated that “Attitude determines altitude.”
Simply stated, fulfilling our potential in this life, depends primarily on our positive attitude, and the inner belief that we really can make a difference.
We can put our trust in the Lord and be positive.
Yet, our faith is often tested.
Choosing faith requires strength, not weakness.
With the help of Jesus Christ and as we exercise our faith in Him, I believe we can overcome any challenge and raise our vision higher.
I love this scripture from Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will lift wings like eagles; they will run, and they will not tire; and walk, and do not faint.”
We must learn to hope, to dream big, to set goals and to take action.
Begin today – you will never regret it!

Self-Belief

Q. When does a draw feel like a victory?
A. When you are massive underdogs and filled with self-belief!
This was a different Scotland side that took to the pitch at Wembley, than the one at Hampden Park a few days earlier.
The stakes were high.
From the roar of the tartan army filling the streets of London, to the passionate rendition of The Flower of Scotland, from the outset, it was clear that each member of the team were ready to leave everything they had on the pitch.
Massive underdogs, they approached the game with gritty determination and self belief.
Self-belief is that positive feeling you have deep inside that you are capable of anything. Last night there was oodles of that on show from every member of the Scotland team. They were by far the better team on the pitch, running themselves into the ground and so nearly won!
It is empowering, it fills you with confidence and as each of the team believed in themselves – anything was possible and the magic started to happen.
So it is with confidence and self-belief.
What can happen when you believe in yourself?

New beginnings

I know I can’t turn back time, but this I do know…… it’s never too early and it’s never too late for a new beginning.

“Four young men sit by the bedside of their dying father. The old man, with his last breath, tells them there is a huge treasure buried in the family fields. The sons crowd around him crying, “Where, where?” but it is too late. The day after the funeral and for many days to come, the young men go out with their picks and shovels and turn the soil, digging deeply into the ground from one end of each field to the other. They find nothing and bitterly disappointed, abandon the search……

…𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿.”
– As told by Benjamin Zander in “The Art of Possibility”

Perhaps now is a good time to refine your plans for future harvests.

Is it time to start and dig a little deeper perhaps?
What new beginnings lie ahead for you?

Don’t Give Up!

Tuesday morning my brain was completely fried due to the complexity of a piece of virtual #facilitation.

“My, oh my, this is tortuous!” I thought.

Then came feelings of self doubt, fear, anxiety and a resignation that I simply couldn’t get my head around what was expected. I became a little grumpy….(well maybe a big bit!)

Consulting with a few other virtual facilitators, they felt exactly the same…(even more scary, and now even more grumpy too!)

I persevered.
Then I persevered a little more.
And still even more.

With a little more effort, a little more #patience, a little more #persistence and some practice & experimentation thrown in too for good measure, eventually…it started to make a little more sense.

By Wednesday afternoon, I’d cracked it! I was overcome with a huge sense of relief and started dancing around the living room.

This morning, as I get back online for the last rounds of the virtual facilitation, I am actually looking forward (and just a little excited too) about the day ahead. And I’ll have a bit of fun too!

Being taken of your comfort zone into your stretch zone, can be very painful at times – I can testify of that! Yet, strangely it also brings a great sense of accomplishment, once you achieve the goal.

Have you been stretched recently?

Determination

And then it changed.

In our virtual session, all of the participants were viewing images representing different experiences or emotions connected with 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. Each participant was to select an image that really resonated with them personally.

I asked the session producer to select one of the many images and asked participants to identify themselves if they had selected that specific image. The producer randomly chose one of those participants… and then it began.

The image chosen – 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

I asked the participant why this image resonated with her. She then shared a portion of her life story that had been filled with adversity, physical challenge and major setbacks. Yet there was a determination not to let those setbacks get in the way of her own ambitions. In that moment, we all listened intently, in wonder and awe – each of us touched by her emotional testimony. I’ve tried hard to imagine what her life may have been like.

No matter whatever life had thrown at her, she chose to carry on enjoying the challenge of life with optimism, a positive outlook and a gritty determination.

Resilience is a choice, we can all develop much more.

What is your reaction in the face of adversity?