Honoured to win awards, being proud is even more important
By Luke Newman, founder/director of ‘For Men To Talk’
It’s not about winning awards, it’s about doing your best and being proud of what you have accomplished. It’s about setting goals for yourself and working hard to achieve them, whether or not you receive recognition for it.
In December 2019, when I founded ‘For Men To Talk’, I didn’t do it as a business and I didn’t do it for accolades. My one objective or goal was to provide a platform for men to simple be able to discuss their feelings.
Three years later, ‘For Men To Talk’ has been recognised by many individuals and organisations by fulfilling that goal.
In September 2022, I was personally awarded a BBC Three Counties Radio ‘Make A Difference’ Award. The ceremony recognises remarkable people, marking their achievements and contributions to lives in their communities.
Then in November 2022 at The Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards, I was firstly awarded the ‘Role Model of the Year’ then the ‘Winner of Winners’ on the night. It was celebrating the unsung heroes of the community and applauding those that that seek to make the lives of others, easier, happier and more fulfilled.
I know that it’s also important to remember that success looks different for everyone. Some people may find success through winning awards, but others may find it through personal achievements or relationships. I define success with ‘For Men To Talk’, with my passion and dedication, in seeing the improvement in the mental health of every single attendee who has come to any meeting that I have hosted.
Ultimately, it’s not about winning awards, it’s about being true to myself and striving to reach my full potential as the founder of ‘For Men To Talk’ to help all the men who have taken the brave and huge step in talking about how they are feeling.
That doesn’t mean that I am ungrateful for being given these awards, because I feel privileged. I am extremely honoured, humbled and proud of these recognitions, I’ve worked extremely hard. But what I also get from these awards is the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that has come from striving to be the best version of myself, for the last three years, to make a positive impact in the world, especially for mens mental health.
Whether or not you receive recognition for your efforts in any aspect of your life, the most important thing is to be proud of what you have achieved and to continue working towards your goal. I certainly am proud of myself and everyone associated with ‘For Men To Talk’.