Gratitude Focus: Giving Young People a Glimpse of the Future

Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

Today, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give young people a glimpse of what’s possible. We hosted the Missouri State University basketball coach and several of his players at our home. These young men are talented, driven, and focused on the game. But many of them are just beginning to think beyond the court—and honestly, some are behind in thinking about their future.

We talked internships. Career paths. Life after college. Because most college athletes aren’t going pro. I told them if they put half as much energy into their future as they do on the court, their outcomes would be extraordinary. I wanted them to leave our home not just with a check to support NIL, but with full vision—vision for what their lives could look like if they do the work.

I love this University because it pulls in kids who are rural and those who are urban—those who are white, those who are Black, and everything in between—who are often the underdog. I love the hunger of these young men and the DNA of the University. I pray vision for the new president as he leads during what is an unprecedented time in higher education.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” —Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Who in your life needs to see a glimpse of what’s possible, and are you showing them?

Question for Reflection

 

Hi, I’m Orvin Kimbrough, volunteer, board director, chairman, and CEO. I help professionals move from feeling stuck to being strengthened by reshaping how they think, lead, and live. My work focuses on confidence, leadership, and influence through mindset shifts, expanded networks, and bold, values-aligned action. My perspective is rooted in lived experience, from growing up in foster care to leading complex institutions as a CEO and shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep belief in human potential.

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Books for Every Stage

Twice Over a Man

A memoir often described as a leadership guide wrapped in an honest, relatable story of perseverance, healing, and growth. It explores how pain can be reframed into purpose and how ordinary people build meaningful lives through courage and clarity.

More Than a Conqueror

Written for teens and young adults, this book encourages confidence, resilience, and identity formation during the years when self-belief is being shaped.

Ward and the State

A children’s book that gently introduces big ideas like belonging, courage, and hope, helping young readers see themselves as more than their circumstances

INTRODUCING: The Thriver’s Path™

This blog is part of The Thriver’s Path™ — a growing ecosystem of writing, courses, reflections, and community designed to help people of all ages reframe their thinking, reclaim their agency, and take their next meaningful move.

→ Ready for your next move?

Explore more writings, resources, and ways to engage at orvinkimbrough.com, or join the conversation inside the Thrivers Club™ community.

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Tags: Gratitude