The Email That Stopped Me in My Tracks

At 72 years of age, I’m still learning.
 
I’m still changing.
 
And I’m still improving.
 
Perhaps the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that no matter how experienced we become, there is always room to grow.
 
Recently, I had the privilege of delivering my Mental Resilience Masterclass to the staff at West Nottinghamshire College as part of their Staff Wellbeing Day.
 
A few days later, I received an email unlike any I’ve received since I started my speaking business. What made it special was that it was unprompted and unexpected.
 
I rarely share emails like this publicly, but this one reminded me why I continue to do what I do. I’ve included it in full at the end of this blog.
 
 
Reading it was incredibly humbling.
 
What made it even more special was that it reflected the feedback from so many of the delegates. One person described me as “Living proof that with the right level of resilience, anything can be achieved.”
 
Another said the session arrived at exactly the right time during one of the toughest periods of their life.
 
It made me stop and reflect on just how much my life has changed.
 
Only a few days earlier, I’d driven past one of the houses I decorated fourteen years ago.
 
Back then, I was living with my mum, carrying huge debts and earning £70 a day as a painter and decorator after losing almost everything.
 
There were many times when giving up seemed like the easiest option.
 
Then, just as life had begun to improve, COVID arrived, and my speaking business disappeared almost overnight. At the age of 66, I found myself starting all over again.
 
 
Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful that I didn’t quit.
 
Today I have the privilege of delivering keynote talks, masterclasses and executive coaching across the UK and internationally, helping people develop greater mental resilience and productivity at a time when the world seems to need those skills more than ever.
 
I’ve come to realise that success isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about continually improving.
 
Every masterclass teaches me something.
 
Every coaching session helps me become a better coach.
 
Every question makes me think differently.
 
Even constructive feedback helps me raise my standards.
 
Only last week, someone suggested that I should include more recent research and more UK-based examples in one of my masterclasses.
 
Rather than feeling defensive, I felt grateful.
 
She had a valid point.
 
I’ve already started updating the presentation.
 
That’s the mindset I hope I never lose.
 
Because the moment we think we’ve got nothing left to learn is probably the moment we stop growing.
 
 
Three Key Takeaways 

• Never stop improving. Experience is valuable, but continual learning keeps us relevant.
• Welcome constructive feedback. It often provides the roadmap to becoming even better.
• Don’t give up. Your greatest opportunities may still be ahead of you. 

 
Thoughts for the Week 

1. What could you improve by just 1% this week?
2. What piece of feedback could help you grow if you embraced it?
3. What future might you never discover if you gave up today? 

 
An Inspirational Story You May Not Know
 
Few people realise that Grandma Moses didn’t become a recognised artist until she was 78 years old.
 
When arthritis made embroidery too painful, she picked up a paintbrush instead.
 
She had no formal training, yet she became one of America’s most celebrated artists and continued painting well beyond her 100th birthday.
 
She once said:
 
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”

 
I love that quote.
 
At 72, I don’t see my age as a reason to slow down.
 
I see it as a reason to keep learning, keep improving and keep finding new ways to help people.
 
Because I’ve learned one lesson above all others:
 
You are never too old to get better.
 
And whatever challenges you’re facing today…
 
Don’t give up.
 
You never know what your future holds if you keep believing, keep learning and keep moving forward.
 
After all… it’s not how you start in life that counts… it’s how you finish.
 
 
The Email That Inspired This Blog
 
Hi John
 
We just wanted to say a big thank you for the fantastic sessions you delivered during our Staff Wellbeing Day on Tuesday.
 
We’re in the midst of evaluating the day; however, the initial responses from staff have been overwhelmingly positive – to quote a couple of members of staff when asked, “What was the most valuable part of the session for you?”
 
“All of it. John’s wisdom and calm delivery, combined with advice on how to improve your own situation, really does get you thinking and feeling confident to apply to your own personal situations.”
 
and
 
“Everything was informative, real life stories and scenarios. I enjoyed every single aspect of this talk.”
 
Staff really appreciated the chance to step away from their usual routines, focus on their wellbeing, and try something new, and your sessions played a big part in that.
 
Thank you again for sharing your time and expertise.
 
Lindsay, Sara, Vicki and Steve
Organisational Development Team
Vision West Nottinghamshire College
 
I hope this blog encourages you to keep believing in yourself. No matter where you are today, never stop learning, never stop improving, and above all… never give up.
 
Well, that’s it for this week.
 
Have a wonderful week ahead.
 
Warm regards

John

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