President Message

Greetings, Fellow Members and Operators

by Mike Norris

Since my last article, we have seen rain across this great state. Flooding in some areas and other areas are still in need of abundant rains. Please continue to pray for rain for the areas that remain in need. I am encouraged that the long hot days of summer have passed or will soon.

As I draw near the end of my term as President of TWUA, I want to thank the regions for their hospitality. I consider myself blessed for the experiences and opportunities that are afforded by representing TWUA. Thank you.

“You bring about what you think about.” Success in life is whatever you define it to be. For some titles and promotions, define being successful. For others’ families and health. For others, education and personal accomplishments. Perhaps it is career advancement? What does success mean to you ?

“Being successful doesn’t necessarily make you great. What makes you great is when you reach back and help someone else become great – Joel Osteen.” Practical experience has shown me that we all need to slow down and enjoy our successes. Sometimes it is hard, but at the end of each day, we should find at least one thing to be thankful for. Perhaps it is something your spouse did or said. Maybe your child accomplished a difficult task. It could be something as simple as dinner. Perhaps you received an outstanding review or accommodation at work. Maybe you completed a complex project. Find one thing in your day that makes you smile, and use that to build on for tomorrow.

If you need a little more assistance, begin with a vision of something you truly desire. Then determine what goals you will need to maintain momentum. What strategy will you need to develop and maintain? What action are you willing to take? What are you willing to forgo? Are your current friends and those you associate with successful? Will your success require radical change(s) on your part? Confucius said, “if you are the smartest person in your group, then you are in the wrong group.” Stop believing you are the next lottery winner. Some Saudi Prince is not looking to bless you. You have to be willing to put in the work. Success will not happen overnight. To be successful, you must define what success means to you.

Start by developing better goals. Something like – I want to make a ton of money is not a goal. Try something like, I want to become a Public Works Director, and I am going to start by advancing to the “A” operator license level and begin taking management classes at the university.

Celebrate little moments. Success is nothing magical, and your desired future is not going to fall into place overnight, miraculously. Understand that you are in charge of your future and whether or not you are successful depends on your commitment, hard work, and how badly you want your dream.

Studies and experts have said that being a successful or unsuccessful person doesn’t only have to do with your motivation; it also depends on how you think. Your brain fires off countless thoughts and interpretations every second. Your thoughts influence your feelings, then your feelings influence your actions and interactions with people around you. If you’re not in the right frame of mind for success, you’ll never get there.

Hope to see you in Corpus Christi on September 26th – 28th, 2022. Remember, things are starting on Monday, and there are no events on Sunday.

If you cannot make Annual School, perhaps the East Texas Regional School in Longview can assist with your training needs. October 10th - 13th

Knowledge and Experience are beautiful things.

I pray that 2022 brings good health, prosperity, and purpose.

TWUA President Mike Norris