03/07/2025
Small Interactions, Large Impact
Between 2016-2018 I was in a coaching cohort that access to some very successful speakers, coaches, and marketing professionals. One very prominent name you would quickly recognize is Dr. Eric Thomas ()
I had the opportunity to speak to him not only once but three times along my journey. And every time I was able tp interact wit him, I was able to get exactly what I needed at the time.
1st interaction: was on a coaching call for speakers. I asked ET “How are you able tell your story with every detail and not find yourself caring for what people are saying about you or your people”. For context, I wanted to know this because I knew I had a lot I wanted to tell about my own personal life and was reluctant to share because of what people may say.
ET told me: I tell my story like I do because one: it’s my story and no-one on the earth can tell me whether it’s the truth or not. It’s my truth and it made me into the man I am today. And the second thing he said was: Your story is your testimony and for you to keep it to yourself is a slap in the face of your lord god. He didn’t bring you through all this just to stay quiet.
2nd Interaction: Attended a marriage conference in my city where ET was giving the tips and strategies to a healthy relationship. Once again I took the first opportunity to ask my question… “How do you get your partner on board with the plan you have for the family”. His response was so simple but overlooked by myself.
ET: “The vision and lens you are looking through was for you. Your wife can’t see the world through your prescription and vice versa” the room went quiet and then he finished it off with “ you have to show your wife the vision and then include her along the journey”
This advice changed my relationship and took my marriage into a new direction.
Last Interaction was at a Basketball Camp his Son was head of in Atlanta, GA. At this bootcamp there were a bunch of amazing speakers there. But during lunch….as usual…..I saw an opportunity to get an issue that was challenging me resolved by the only person I found to be adequate enough to answer it.
I walked up and stood in a crowd of 5 people. He had both hands on this one person speaking to him and adding advice to him. In the midst of his conversation he looked and asked if I had a question. I responded “yes, but I can wait”. He removed one hand and set it on my shoulder and said give me one second. I couldn’t move, I felt like I was paralyzed from his touch.
Once he finished with the previous gentleman, he turned, looked me in my eyes and asked me how can I hep you.
I asked him about how he able to forgive his mother for the incidents and feeling of abandonment he speak on from his keynotes and wrote in his book.
He looked me in my eye started asking me a set of questions that helped me come to a personal conclusion about my challenge with my mother and abandonment. ( sorry….I can’t share that conversation with you all. That was personal between me and him)
I say that to tell you all. Proximity will propel you through your life challenges. Go find ways to be in the proximity of high level people who can help you move through your journey.
