In this week's episode of the IMPACT SHOW Podcast, I'm coming at you LIVE from Chapel Service at Christian High School! Every semester, Christian High School invites me to come and fire up the students, speak life into them, and remind them of who they are and what they're capable of becoming. And it just makes my SOUL SING!
This message was one I knew needed to be shared far beyond the walls of that chapel. Inspired by my recent experience at the Pro Football Hall of Fame with my longtime client and friend Drew Brees, I challenge you to think about what it means to live a life worth telling a story about.
Today's podcast is a consortium of my 10-points as I share some of those highlights with you. This includes talking about owning your story instead of letting your past define you, keeping your eyes focused on what's ahead, discovering your purpose, becoming the thermostat instead of the thermometer, surrounding yourself with people who sharpen you, and—most importantly—getting your mind and soul right every single day. This is crucial because your thoughts shape your beliefs, your beliefs shape your actions, and your actions ultimately shape your life. You have gifts inside of you that were never meant to stop with you. They were meant to be shared, used to serve others, and create IMPACT. And that's what this episode is all about.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why you have to OWN YOUR STORY — You may not get to choose every chapter, but you do get to choose your response, your attitude, your direction, and your next decision.
- Why your past does NOT have to define you — Stop living in the rearview mirror and start pressing forward toward what's next.
- How to discover your purpose — Use your gifts and talents to do work you love, produce results that matter, and live a life of purpose.
- Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? — Learn how to stop simply reacting to the environment around you and start setting the temperature wherever you go.
- Why you need to be the leader — Don't wait for someone else to step up. Be willing to say YES and become the leader your team, school, family, church, and community needs.
- Why your circle matters — The people closest to you influence your standards, confidence, habits, choices, and faith. Find the people who challenge you, hold you accountable, celebrate your wins, and bring out your best.
- Who is sharpening YOU? — And just as importantly, who are YOU sharpening? Iron sharpens iron, and we all need people who make us better.
- Why you need to GET YOUR MIND RIGHT every single day — Your mindset isn't something you work on once. It's a daily practice, just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower.
- What you feed your mind matters — What you watch, listen to, read, and consume on social media all shapes the way you think and ultimately the way you live.
- How faith can anchor your mindset — Through prayer, Scripture, affirmations, and staying connected to God, you can continually renew your mind and stay focused on what matters most.
- Why you need to USE YOUR GIFTS — You have unique gifts for a reason. Your talent isn't just for you; it's meant to become your contribution and serve others.
- How to think about the next chapter of your life — You don't have to have the entire map figured out. You just need to know the next step.
- Why you should BE THE LIGHT — Bring positivity, encouragement, confidence, praise, and hope into every room you enter. Your light is meant to be shared.
There's a moment in this episode that really puts everything into perspective. After seeing Drew Brees reach the pinnacle of his football career by being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I also had the opportunity to sit with Steve Gleason, who is battling ALS. One represents the highest of highs in professional sports, while the other reminded me just how precious every single moment of life truly is. That night reinforced something I've said for years: DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE. You are writing your story right now. Your choices matter. Your future matters. Your gifts matter. And if you're not excited about the next chapter, remember—you're still writing the book.
So as you listen to this episode, ask yourself: What story are you writing?
Who is in your circle? Who is sharpening you? Are you setting themtemperature or simply reacting to it? Are you getting your mind right every day? And are you using the gifts God gave you to serve others?
Because at the end of the day, it's not about getting more. It's about serving more. It's about becoming the light. It's about walking into a room and making it brighter because you were there. And it starts TODAY.
If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who needs a reset in their life right now. And if you haven't already, make sure you're subscribed to the Todd Durkin IMPACT SHOW so you never miss an episode. If it fired you up to create even more IMPACT—please do me a favor and do 1 (or all 3) of the following things:
1. Please share/forward this episode to a friend, colleague, or family member whom it might benefit.
2. If you have a newsletter or put out emails to your Community, please consider putting a link to this episode if it would serve them also.
3. Please screenshot this episode, share it to your IG stories or on your Facebook, and tag me at:
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