I AM a TEDx Speaker! - I Can See Myself There

When I was a little kid my babysitter said to me, "How could someone so little, have such a big mouth?" Little did she know, little did I know, that I was practicing for my future. A future where I get the opportunity to stand up in front of an audience and encourage them to live lives beyond ordinary.

In 2011, I got a chance to watch some of the great orators of our time. I watched Lou Holtz, Krish Dhanam and General Colin Powell grace the stage and inspire thousands of people in the San Diego Sports Arena. As I watched with great intent, I thought to myself, "I can see myself there." I could see myself standing in front of thousands of people and running my mouth like I did as a child. Just the thought, puts a big smile on my face.

Ever since that day I've made it my life's purpose to learn how to speak and share a message that would inspire others to live Extraordinary lives.

My high school wrestling coach, Jose Campo, always says, "If you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it."?

After coming home from that event, I had my cousin AJ place my picture onto the ticket so that I could physically see myself there.

And over the past 8 years I've listened to over 20,000 hours of speeches given by pastors, motivational speakers, and thought leaders. I've studied at Toastmasters, volunteered to speak at networking events and have accepted countless opportunities to speak at the local churches. I've put in countless hours studying my craft because one day, I'll see myself there. On stage telling jokes, sharing stories and offering a message of hope.

As of late I've been dreaming of speaking on the TEDx stage. TEDx is a platform for thought leaders to share their ideas to the world. So inspired by the idea that I placed myself standing on the TEDx stage so I could see myself there.

As you can tell I'm not as good with photo shop as my cousin AJ.

Have you thrown in the towel on your goals? Have you stopped dreaming? When asked, "What's new?" Do you say, "Same thing, different day."

It's not too late to dream again. What's your goal? What's your vision? Look through your old journals. Remember what you were once striving for. Put it down on paper, write it down in present tense (example I AM a TEDx Speaker) and then take the necessary steps to get there. Because if you can see it in your mind and believe enough to wake up everyday and chase after it, one day you will see yourself there.

To a Life Beyond Ordinary!

Orlando Javien Jr.

Below is my latest talk I shared with the Kiwanis, Poway