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I have always appreciated the wisdom of old-time Florida “Crackers” like Mr. Woody Tilton. He had a way of delivering humor that made you laugh first and think later. His definition of an “X-Spurt” was one of those moments. Beneath the humor was a valuable reminder: not everyone who speaks with confidence speaks with knowledge.

This quote highlights the often significant gap between intentions and actions. It serves as a reminder that while it is easy to discuss plans and make promises, executing those plans requires hard work and commitment. Frequently, we witness this disparity in the political realm, where promises made by politicians may not always translate into meaningful action, leaving constituents questioning the sincerity of those promises.

Zig Ziglar's words remind us that success is rarely accidental, it comes from intentional direction and clearly defined goals. Goals give our efforts focus and purpose, helping us move forward with clarity instead of drifting or reacting to circumstances.

There are many groups and organizations that do not support our industry. Some even work tirelessly to end animal agriculture altogether. When I hear about their efforts to disrupt the livelihoods of cattlemen and women, through protests or unreasonable legislation, my thoughts always return to this verse.

I’ve always believed that anyone can do anything, they just have to want it badly enough to figure out how to achieve it. But the mere thought of achieving a goal won’t get it done. Once your vision is in place, you must act.

In today’s world, self-promotion often overshadows teamwork. On social media and sometimes even in our personal and professional lives, the desire for recognition can become a distraction from meaningful progress. I’ve seen firsthand how jealousy and the pursuit of credit can damage relationships, reduce productivity, and hinder forward movement.

“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that it will not work.” This quote, often attributed to Thomas Edison, is one of my favorites. It speaks to perseverance, resilience, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity—lessons that are not only relevant in our personal lives but especially applicable to our work in the cattle industry.

“We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” – Benjamin Franklin, 1776 This powerful call for unity was crucial during the founding of our nation—and it remains just as relevant today. As I mentioned last month, one of my primary goals this year is to grow our association’s membership.

Our annual convention in Marco Island continues to deliver—this year was no exception. It was a memorable gathering, filled with...