Inspiration & Motivation With James Breen

“Everyone here is saying they want more out of life just by being here.”

That’s what Motivational Speaker and Positivity Activist James Breen told our Guests and Colleagues today as he spoke about overcoming obstacles on the journey to finding and obtaining employment.

“We could be home, on our parents couches,” he said. “That’s comfortable. It’s easy. But it get’s you no where.”

Breen went on to explain that people need to go after their goals in life. He told the audience not to wait for things to happen for them, but to make them happen.

“I just know that there’s something greater for everybody. If you keep working for it, keep moving forward, you can make it happen,” he said.

Breen knows a thing or two about making things happen. This 23-year-old from Scituate, Mass. has cerebral palsy, though, as he states in his blog bio, “I walk using a walker however, I mostly get around using a wheelchair. I’m writing these words, speaking into a microphone, not typing them. Despite that, I’ve earned a college degree, I’m a championship wheelchair basketball player. I’m learning to drive a car. And I’m launching a career.”

Breen’s words really struck a chord in many of his audience members.

As he told the audience of the goal he’s currently working toward, getting a license, many nodded along. When asked how many had the same goal, several hands shot up.

“It really does take commitment to make things happen in life,” Breen said. A few audience members said they felt their goal was more within reach after listening to him.

Breen asked the crowd to share more of their goals.

Wilfredo Jaiman shared that he hopes to go to school to become a comic book writer, while Crystal White said she’s been hoping to land a job at a local pet shop.

Breen asked Crystal to describe how she’d feel if she was offered the job. “Like the happiest I’ve ever been, because I really love dogs,” she replied. He told her to hold onto that feeling the next time she applied, and to send him a picture of herself on her first day when she does land the job.

Another Guest, Angel Gonzalez, told Breen of his dwindling confidence after struggling to find a job. Breen told him to never stop trying. He talked of facing his own obstacles but continuing to focus on his goals.

“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will,” he added, noting that Angel’s smile could light up a whole room.

Breen closed his inspiring speech, stating “I hope this starts a conversation with momentum. I hope it helps you build momentum towards what you want to do.”

The crowd applauded, filled with new inspiration.

Check out James’ take on his visit here.

To learn more about James or to contact him, visit his blog. To learn more about American Training and coming events, click here.