Sometimes when putting together a new presentation, I visit the archives of great speeches done by others in search of useful perspective and maybe a quote or two. Such is the case today, as I work on a presentation for a group of health care professionals.

Tipped off by an email from Brett Stevens, founder and President of The SearchLogix Group, I wound up reading President Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural address, given a little over 28 years ago. As usual, the Gipper didn’t disappoint, and I came away with some helpful hints for my speech that will be given in Louisville, in about a month.

But I got something else, too. In his email piece, titled “Going for It”, Brett highlighted a quote from the aforementioned speech that is as relevant and useful to today’s America as it was the day the speech was given. I thought I would share it…

“I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing. So, with all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope. We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who say that we’re in a time when there are no heroes, they just don’t know where to look.” –Ronald Reagan

Make today an excellent day.

A thought leader in the arena of leadership and employee engagement, Bill Catlette is a seminar leader, keynote speaker, and executive coach. He helps individuals and organizations improve business outcomes by having a focused, engaged, capably led workforce. For more information about Bill, his partner Richard Hadden, and their work, please visit their website at www.contentedcows.com