On a recent trip to Louisville KY to attend the Optimist International Annual Convention, many of us took time to visit the Muhammad Ali Center.  This impressive, multi-story building contains everything you ever needed to know about the life story and passion of this extraordinary man.  I was most fascinated by his mandate that we must “TRAIN TO WIN”.  We know that Ali went to the ends of the earth to win and to earn the title of the Greatest Heavyweight Boxer in history.

This concept quickly settled into my innermost being.  It was one of those ‘aha’ moments that just begged to be turned into something useful!. Take that back to your club, your Zone or your committee and watch great things unfold.

How could I transform this newly-found statement into an Optimist ideology?  As I pondered on this, it became clear to conceptualize that when we start our next Optimist journey – as a new member/position/office, etc., the only way to do it, is to TRAIN TO WIN.   Why would we aspire to only go halfway?  To only scratch the surface? To only make ‘sort’ of a difference in the life of a child, our community and in ourselves?  Unthinkable!

We can start out this brand-new Optimist year reinforcing what you can know, what you will know and what you must know.  The breakouts that are offered at each MI District quarterly meeting are designed with you in mind – providing tools and support so that you too, can TRAIN TO WIN. It may inspire in you, the idea that you can step out of your comfort zone and grow your ideas into reality.  It has happened to many MI Optimists and certainly happened for me!

Ever so quietly, as you prepare for today’s successes, you are laying the groundwork for your next step as Optimists.  We will be watching as you hit your goals and cross those Finish Lines!