IM GOING TO WIN

Strength. Leadership. Power. Authority. Guidance. Patience. These are not merely traits men are born with—they are sacred gifts from God. Gifts not meant to be abused or hoarded but cherished and stewarded with humility and wisdom. In a world where manhood is often misunderstood, it is time to return to the essence of who we are called to be.

This morning, I prayed to become a better listener. Honestly? It didn’t go so well. But that’s the truth of being human—we stumble, we fall short. The important part is getting back up. Again and again. Because we weren’t made to quit. We didn’t come this far just to break down now.

Yes, I’ve stood high on the mountaintop. I’ve seen blessings, favor, and success. But the air up there? It’s thin. And lonely. People often see the glory but don’t know the story. They see the success but don’t feel the solitude. That’s why we must ground ourselves, not in the heights we reach, but in the why that drives us.

DESIRE IS GOD’S SIGNATURE

There’s a desire deep in your heart. That itch to do more. To be more. To help, to grow, to earn, to serve. That desire? It’s not random. It’s God’s proof—His signature in your soul—that you are meant for something greater. Desire is divine evidence, sent in advance, telling you: It’s already yours. Go get it.

You are either somebody or you’re nobody. The line may sound harsh, but it’s a call to wake up and recognize your identity. You were not created to float through life. You were born with purpose. Aspire to make a difference. The world needs your light.

But desire without action is just a dream. And dreams without goals will only break your heart. Without commitment, you’ll never start. And without consistency, you’ll never finish. That’s the truth. It’s not easy—if it were, everyone would be doing it. There’d be no Kobe. No Oprah. No Denzel.

KEEP STRIVING, KEEP RISING

You fall seven times, you get up eight. That’s the code. Keep striving. Keep learning. Keep growing. Ease has never been the friend of greatness. In fact, ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. Let that sink in. Growth hurts. Progress challenges. But they reward those who don’t give up.

And yes, it’s frightening out there. It’s a cold world. But it’s also full of opportunity. Full of purpose. So give it everything you’ve got—your time, your talent, your prayers, your resources. Take the risk. Not just in your career but in your mindset, your relationships, your faith.

To get something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done. And to do that, you must be open—to people, to new ideas, to falling flat on your face and trying again.

FALL FORWARD

The idea of “falling forward” is not just motivational fluff—it’s a strategy for life. Think about it: Reggie Jackson struck out over 2,600 times, more than anyone in baseball history. But we don’t talk about his strikeouts. We talk about his home runs. Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times before inventing the light bulb. You only remember the success.

So don’t be afraid to fail. In fact, fail big. Fall forward. Because every failed attempt is another step closer to breakthrough. Every “no” is training for your “yes.” So don’t just fall—fall forward.

DREAM BIG, BUT SET GOALS

It’s okay to dream. Dream huge. But don’t stop there. Write down life goals. Yearly goals. Monthly goals. Daily goals. Even if it’s as simple as, “Today, I won’t curse anyone out.” Every goal is a seed, and when you water it with discipline and consistency, it grows.

Not just once a week. Not just when you feel motivated. Every. Single. Day. Motivation fades. Discipline endures.

Hard work works. It’s not about fancy ideas. It’s about daily decisions. And remember, you’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. You can’t take material things with you. It’s not how much you have—it’s what you do with what you have. Your time, your influence, your kindness, your wisdom—that’s the real treasure.

LIVE SELFLESSLY—AND WATCH YOURSELF THRIVE

Some of you will become doctors, lawyers, scientists, educators, leaders, preachers. But no matter what you do, the most selfish thing you can do… is help someone else.

Yes, selfish. Because the joy you receive from lifting someone else up—the warmth, the purpose, the fulfillment—is unmatched. No luxury car, no diamond ring, no mansion can compare.

So when you succeed, don’t just celebrate—reach back. Pull someone else up. Each one, teach one. That’s how legacies are built.

MOVEMENT IS NOT PROGRESS

One last thing: just because you’re doing a lot doesn’t mean you’re getting a lot done. Don’t confuse movement with progress. My mother used to say, “You can run in place all day and never get anywhere.” So check yourself. Are you truly advancing, or are you just busy?

Progress requires purpose. It requires reflection. Are your actions aligned with your goals? Are you chasing meaning or just motion?

YOUR LIFE BEGINS NOW

Today is not just another day. It’s the beginning of the rest of your life. Don’t wait. Don’t play small. As Nelson Mandela said, “There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

You only live once. So live fully. Boldly. Passionately. Take chances. Think outside the box. Love deeply. Work diligently. Serve generously. And when you fall—as we all do—fall forward.

Because you, my friend, are a winner.

And winners never quit.