Steve Maloney, Director of Training at MACNY, shared his reflections on gratitude and perspective during Thanksgiving week. He highlighted personal experiences from the previous year, including both challenges and moments of joy.
Maloney recalled November 2024 as a time marked by both difficulty and happiness. He described facing uncertainty in his career and preparing for his son’s brain surgery while also celebrating the birth of his first grandchild. This period led him to consider advice from leadership expert John Maxwell about maintaining perspective.
“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,” Maloney said.
He referenced Anthony Trucks, a speaker at this year’s Live2Lead event who overcame significant obstacles to become an NFL player. Maloney shared several quotes from Trucks’ talk:
“Successful people trust the vision and doubt the fear.”
“We are our own worst enemy.”
“What you create creates you.”
Reflecting on these messages, Maloney expressed appreciation for his family relationships, friendships, new role at MACNY, and personal growth opportunities.
“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,” he stated.
Maloney concluded by encouraging others to focus on important aspects of life and embrace upcoming opportunities for growth: “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.”
