“The light that’s inside of you must be brighter than the light that shines on you.” In a world obsessed with visibility, this truth cuts against the grain. Spotlights are loud. They sweep across stages, screens, and feeds, briefly illuminating whoever happens to be standing there. When the spotlight hits, applause follows. Attention swells. Validation feels intoxicating. But spotlights are fickle. They move on. They shut off. And when they do, many are left unsure of who they are without the glow. A lighthouse is different. A lighthouse doesn’t wait to be noticed. It doesn’t perform. It doesn’t chase applause. It stands rooted, built from the inside out, shining whether anyone is watching or not. Its light exists for purpose, not praise. Direction, not approval. Safety, not status. The danger comes when we confuse the spotlight for significance. External recognition—titles, followers, applause, achievements—can magnify you, but it can never define you. If your confidence depends on being seen, then invisibility becomes terrifying. If your worth relies on applause, silence feels like failure. But when the light inside of you burns brighter—when it’s fueled by values, discipline, integrity, and conviction—external conditions lose their power. You don’t shrink when the spotlight fades. You don’t panic when attention shifts. You don’t abandon your mission when recognition disappears. Because your light was never borrowed. Inner light is built quietly:• In consistency when no one is watching• In integrity when shortcuts tempt you• In courage when comfort calls• In discipline when motivation fades That light doesn’t flicker with public opinion. It doesn’t dim when applause ends. It doesn’t need permission to shine. Spotlights create moments. Lighthouses create legacy. A spotlight asks, “Who’s looking at me?” A lighthouse asks, “Who needs guidance right now?” The strongest leaders, the most grounded individuals, the most fulfilled lives are not fueled by external shine. They are anchored in internal fire.

There’s a second in every meaningful journey when noise fades and responsibility sharpens. The crowd may be loud. Opinions may swirl. But the moment itself becomes unmistakably personal. The above poster that sits in my home office from the movie Tin Cup starring Kevin Costner captures that instant. A hand raised. A ball suspended. A silent transfer of expectation. It’s not about dominance. It’s about ownership. Leadership doesn’t always arrive with a speech or a spotlight. Often, it shows up quietly—through posture, presence, and the willingness to say, “This matters.” The raised hand isn’t threatening. It’s intentional. It’s a reminder that what happens next isn’t accidental. Someone chose to be here. Someone prepared. Someone must now execute. Empowerment isn’t handed out through comfort. It’s forged in moments where clarity meets pressure. The ball represents more than a task. It represents Trust, Standards and Accountability. It says: You’re capable. You’re ready. And now it’s time to act. -PULL THE PIN- Too often, we wait for perfect conditions—more confidence, more certainty, more approval. But progress doesn’t wait. Momentum doesn’t ask permission. The opportunity is already in front of you, hovering between hesitation and action. And here’s the truth: No one rises by avoiding responsibility. No one grows by staying unseen. No one becomes powerful by staying passive. The most inspiring leaders don’t remove pressure...they frame it. They help others see that pressure isn’t the enemy; it’s the signal that something meaningful is at stake. The above poster reminds us that greatness is rarely loud. Rather....it’s focused, t’s disciplined and it’s decisive. Whatever season you’re in—health, business, family, personal growth—there will be a moment like this. A pause before commitment. A chance to step forward or step back. When the moment is placed in your hands, don’t shrink. Don’t deflect. Don’t delay. Stand tall. Accept the weight. And move with intention.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YGY0PC3ZyC1qHgZeQBCPb?si=200a58ccbe604b47

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3otCbCuKL9Z8CG71nu9Ncl?si=uXkuFd-6T4az2R_mSv1iIg

In a world of Ai creation and suggestions. There is only 1 thing that will forge you the discipline, growth, action, courage, focus and grit....and it's this----TRUTH. You don't have to accept your current situation..but you do need to recognize it for what it is---a starting point. Don't embellish it. Don't make it sound better than it may be. BE REAL. After all...the story of your life will have high points and low points----it's all a part of the journey. If you set targets based upon fiction...you end up in fantasy land that accomplishes nothing. If you set targets based upon fact....and connect the discipline, growth standards, action steps courage, focus and grit to go along with it......THAT is what nurtures a life called Inspired;) Pull The PIn- -D #YouDefineYou