Courage to Change

12.31.09

Many people feel that the Christmas holiday season is the best time of the year.  However, after all is said and done, we are sometimes left with the guilt of having eaten too much. What comes next? A new years resolution! I have been many times with thoughts of "come January 1st, I will be a new man!", only to fail just a week later.

The Scenario described above is a playful scenario many of us have at some point or another probably went through. As serious, or not so serious as it may sound, it offers a platform for us to think about a much more in-depth question; is it really hard to change? Many of us see the calendar year ending as a chance for a new beginning in the next year. The truth is that our many failures over the years are not just tied to breaking a promise during every first week of the year. It goes deeper than that. It is just highlighted more during this time of year because of the importance we place on it January 1st of each year. 

Change is something we need not feel is effective only at the beginning of the year. The problem with new years resolutions is that once we fail, we feel it isn't worth trying again until next year. The key to changing is perseverance. Almost all of us have heard the phrase: "If at first you don't succeed, try again." This simple statement holds so much power. Think about some of the day-to-day things we take for granted that were invented. The light bulb, electricity, and the telephone..... those who invented each of these did not succeed on their first attempt. Determination was a trait each possessed that saw them past the many failures they encountered along the way to success. They recognized what could be achieved if they were successful and they knew they would receive a great reward (as inventors and financially) for their work. These were more than likely the thoughts that helped them to remain focused during every setback. 

As you look to make changes now and in the future, know that you possess what is needed to be successful. Success is not measured by your failures along the path to attainment. The desire to eat that cupcake or skip that morning workout might never go away, but your will to overcome it even after you mess up is what matters. Winston Churchill said it the following way, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."


Comments (13)

Danny, I just met you this last tuesday withyour radio tour that was in Omaha. It was great to meet you and your band everyone enjoyed the interviews with Steve, Craig and Gina the DJ's, especailly your new music.Just a great morning we hope you felt the same. Looking  forward to volunteering with Sophia's Heart  in the Omaha area in the future. XO ..Sharon. 
Posted by: Sharon
Posted On: 01/30/10 at 12:24:28 PM

Dan,

Could you please tell me how you can order a t shirt.  I have tried and it will not let me finish the process...it takes me to a blank screen.

If you could email me at ptucker1953@gmail.com and let me know how to get the t shirt.

I think you are a great singer and I love listening to your music

Peggy
Posted by: ptucker
Posted On: 01/21/10 at 08:09:33 PM

Dan, You and my son could pass as twins.  I just love what you are doing.  God Bless you.
Posted by: fishanni45
Posted On: 01/21/10 at 07:16:08 PM

Thank you for your help in coordinating donations for the relief effort in Haiti.  It is reassuring to know that your donations are going through an organization that you know and trust!  I know the donations will get to where they are needed. This is the time to reach out to help others in need, not just in your backyard, but in other parts of the world.  So glad Sophia's Heart Foundation is helping children in need around the world! 
Posted by: mkeforyou
Posted On: 01/18/10 at 06:10:35 PM

Danny -you are such a true inspiration! I have followed you on Idol and my heart was touched so much by you. My son has a congenital heart defect and he has had 3 heart surgeries. He is married now, but the memories are still there. I appreciate your passion to make a difference and your love for the Lord. I wish you God's best and pray that as you succeed the Lord will stay first in your life!


Posted by: Peyton1017
Posted On: 01/13/10 at 12:37:12 PM

Hi Danny!
I just wanted to tell you that you are an inspiration in my life. It is a tough world and a tough industry for people to stand up for their christianity, but you make it look so easy. I hope my son will grow up following in the footsteps of someone like you. You are a positive role model for us all, and I thank you for it!
You were awesome at the Grand Ol' Opry! I was however a little disappointed you were up there such a short time. I love your new song and can't wait for the new album. May the Lord bless you beyond measure. Keep rockin it, Danny!

-Melissa
Posted by: mcgeemelissa83
Posted On: 01/13/10 at 10:13:08 AM

Hello Danny,
You are back in Milwaukee this morning as I write.  It is really good to see so many good things happening in your life right now and to be able to look back on a year since AI. 

 I am looking forward to see how the music ministry comes about in the foundation, the possibilities have to be many, very exciting and encouraging. Music does reach many kids and you are so correct they open up evan the teenages, it is a common ground.

You may have been nervous at the Opry do not think anyone  knew, if they did believe they understood.  You did a very good job, your songs sounded great and the opporunity to be asked and do the Opry is so huge. You were very humble in your speaking of  and about the mother church. I am hoping you were able to make new contacts with Sophia's Foundtion during the Sound and Speed part of the weekend.

Very excited and proud of you, blessings for a wonderful 2010 year. I understand March 2 is the release of the album that is coming fast and looking forward to it!

 Sharon


Posted by: Sharon
Posted On: 01/12/10 at 12:28:26 PM

 So true, Danny!  I tell my students all the time that the only way to learn a language is to make a lot of mistakes without fear - just jump in and try!  That's how children learn everything.  Trial and error.  

Do you remember me, Danny?  I'm one of your homies, Valerie.  We've met several times, tho I'm sure it's next to impossible to remember everyone you meet these days!

This beautiful column inspired me to pull out my book of quotes and I found these for you that I really like:  

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Alva Edison

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy

I don't believe in failure. It's not failure if you enjoyed the process. - Oprah Winfrey

One of the most inspirational things about you is that you are the kind of person who enjoys the process...who dares to fail greatly (and achieves greatly)...You are not afraid to be yourself and stay true to your ideals, morals, goals, and HEART!

I started following you the day I heard a homeboy from Milwaukee was on Idol and I just prayed you had the goods!  OMG, did you have the goods - and I'm not just talking MAD TALENT, to quote Randy!  As you keep growing through your journey, you make Milwaukee (and the world at large!) prouder and prouder.  Your kindness shines in everything you do and it inspires people to be better.  I don't know of any greater achievement than inspiring others to be better, to be their best, to love more.

With a heart full of love and a smile as wide as Lake Michigan, I want to wish you all the happiness in the world for this year and always.  I know your life is going to continue to be an amazing ride for you!

And, yes!  I'm going to the gym!  lol  No turning back!

Abrazos,

Valerie





Posted by: I believe
Posted On: 01/01/10 at 04:47:15 PM

You definitely have a way with words! As this new year begins I just want to say thank you for 2009! You have inspired so many people, myself included!! And through you, so many people have come together and built many new friendships!! Thank you for all you do and being so amazing through everything!! I truely believe that my best days are ahead of me. Thank you for making me see and believe that!!

Good Luck in all you do this coming year, and all the years to follow!!

I wish you and SHF a great a successful 2010!!

Happy New year!

With Love,

Becky!


Posted by: bwarner7
Posted On: 01/01/10 at 10:59:07 AM

Your writing it's so beautiful, so true, so inspiring... Thank you Danny for all that you have made, you have been changing people! :)
Love from Portugal
Happy New Year

Posted by: Claudia
Posted On: 01/01/10 at 10:27:13 AM

Amen. Good Job in church tonight.
Posted by: jestine
Posted On: 12/31/09 at 10:25:59 PM

Thank you, Danny , for these words. It is so true, to succeed is not measured by how many times you fail...it is determined by your perseverance & your determination to continue in the face of some failures. One shouldn't be afraid of failure...it is how we learn and how we grow.

Thank you for being such a positive role model for so many. You have inspired so many people to fulfill their dreams just by reaching for your dream.

You are truly a Blessing, Daniel J. Gokey, and that is why we love you.

Happy New Year to you and yours.  
Lori
Posted by: lacastilleja
Posted On: 12/31/09 at 06:59:25 PM

Danny, thank you for this.
Lately my thoughts have been all about change.
I'm scared of it, and run away from it, when I should look it in the face and take it on.
After reading this, I'm not so frightened by change, I welcome it.
So my door is open, and so is my heart.
Love,
Coryn. xoxoxo
Happy New Year Danny.
<3

p.s. electricity was a discovery, not an invention, but i get your point. ;P

Posted by: OpenHeart
Posted On: 12/31/09 at 06:49:00 PM


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