Reader:

I was given an opportunity, but not the one I wanted

🎥 Watch today’s 2:41 Morning Minute:

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Entering the 9th grade, I joined the high school band.

Because I played trumpet, I was placed in the “B” band—which I expected.

Near the end of the year, the director asked if I would stay there.

I thanked him—but respectfully declined.

I wanted to grow.

The next day, he offered me a different path—switching to French horn.

I accepted.

Three years later, I made All-State band on the French horn.

Here’s what that experience taught me:

• Appreciate the opportunity you have
• Be clear about where you want to go
• Put in the work consistently​
• Respond with respect—even when you disagree

Appreciation doesn’t mean you settle.
It means you earn the next opportunity the right way.

Great organizations look for people who:

• Appreciate their opportunity
• Work diligently to improve
• Respond with respect—especially when things don’t go their way

Because those are the people who grow.

As my friend and mentor Dave Anderson said:
👉 “Hire for attitude. Train for skills.”

If your goal is to grow into a leadership role, remember:

Your appreciation, effort, and respect will separate you from others.
Because how you respond often determines the opportunities you receive next.

👉 Where do you need to push for growth—while staying grateful for what you have?

🔹 Quick Update

I’ve been recruited to work with a firm partnering with AI platforms like Meta, Tesla, and OpenAI—helping these systems communicate in a more human and effective way.

As this progresses, I’ll share what we’re learning.

If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out.

If you’d like help developing this kind of performance within your team, let’s connect.

And remember:
​Information without Transformation is wasted energy.

Please feel free to share this message with anyone who may benefit from it.
You can also use this message or video as a discussion starter for your team.

🔹 More Morning Minutes (If You Found This Helpful)

• Values, Behaviors, and Actions Drive Performance​
• Who Is Your Toughest Opponent?​
• Investigate Before You Escalate​
• Own Your Time – Stop Being Overwhelmed​

📘 Recommended Resource

Want to give a graduate—or new team member—a strong start?

​Work With Me Not For Me is a practical leadership and team-building guide designed to help individuals transition successfully into the professional world.

Please pray for our people serving in the Armed Forces—both here and abroad.
​

Their service protects us and makes us proud.

Stay focused. Stay intentional.

Larry A. Bonorato
📞 864-630-2625
📧 lab@larryonlearning.com​

(published by the Bonorato Creative Group, LLC; all rights reserved)

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