In December, I was awarded the Rising Star Award from the Wisconsin chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA-WI). Here’s the skinny on the award:
The Rising Star Award was created to recognize an individual who has achieved great success in the speaking industry early in their career and who has shown great dedication to NSA Wisconsin and the speaking industry.
Aw shucks. I personally know some of the past recipients and I can certainly say that I have some mighty big shoes to fill.
For the record, I tend to downplay my accomplishments. My dreams are pretty big, and I have a habit of looking forward to the next big thing. But I’m often scolded by people who know me best for not celebrating little victories along the way. So here I am writing this post.
And it feels icky.
I wrote a post a few Marches back about being named an “Up and Comer” by Madison Magazine, and the sentiment still fits. There’s a certain pressure to live up to the award. As I wondered in that previous post, will the people who nominated me say, “Yep, we called it. We knew this guy would be huge.” or “Who’s this bum? What were we thinking?”
Either way, I truly am honored. I guess it is a good sign that I’m on the right track to NOT being a used car salesman in Poughkipsie.
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Congratulations! It’s much, much better to be a “Rising Star” than a falling star, even though you CAN wish on the falling stars! Don’t worry about the expectations – we’ll like you whatever you do in the future.
Congrats!
Thanks guys! And yes, I will count my blessings that I did not have to report my designation as “Falling Star of the Year.”
That’s cool! Way to go. It’s always nice to be recognized once in a while.
Congratulations, Jason! That’s awesome!
A very deserved award for you Jason! Congrats my friend! You are well on your way to go beyond Rising Star and will be a Super-Duper-Star soon! You already are in my mind! :)
Jim says that you’ll really have your work cut out for you if your next speaking engagement is to used car salesmen in Poughkipsie :D
And, hey, CONGRATS!!
“I tend to downplay my accomplishments. My dreams are pretty big, and I have a habit of looking forward to the next big thing.” I hear ya.. but it seems like every time you talk to a start that as rose, they say things like “enjoy the ride” and “It’s the getting here that was so fun”, and other priceless words of wisdom that are hard to heed.
Congrats! and take a minute to reflect on all you have created from nothing. Turns out it’s quite a bit ;)
You all humble me. Muchas gracias.
Congratulations, Jason. I am sure there will be more accomplishments to follow. Pat