NEVER GIVE UP DAY has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change by promoting resilience and determination. The core message of NEVER GIVE UP DAY encourages individuals to persevere through challenges. By inspiring resilience, the day empowers people to face difficulties with determination and a positive mindset. The day also raises awareness about the importance of mental and emotional well-being, as well as the struggles that many individuals face. The day brings people together who have overcome challenges and those who are currently facing them. This sense of community provides emotional support and a platform to share experiences.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alain Horowitz.
Alain Horowitz, Mr. Never Give Up, is a motivational speaker and author. He is the founder of NEVER GIVE UP DAY. Millions of people worldwide celebrated “Never Give Up Day” last August 18th. Over 100 cities in the US & Canada, including Houston, Austin, San Jose, Kansas City, Louisville, Memphis, Virginia Beach, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and more proclaimed August 18th as NEVER GIVE UP DAY.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’m proud to be called “Mr. Never Give Up!” NEVER GIVE UP DAY, a nationwide observance celebrated annually on August 18th, has become a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to conquer challenges, embrace perseverance, and demonstrate unwavering strength in the face of adversity. The factors that influenced my choice of career path are mainly my personal experiences. While I have no background in psychology, counseling or coaching that naturally lead many others toward careers that involve motivating others, I have overcome significant challenges in my life that led to my strong desire to share my journey. Another important factor is my entrepreneurial spirit which inspired me to develop this global celebration day.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
The most interesting aspect of the journey leading up to the creation of NEVER GIVE UP DAY is the global response and engagement. I initially started back in 2019 with a small local initiative and the idea spread rapidly across different countries and cultures. Stories of triumph over adversity flooded in from people of all walks of life and this movement gained traction among celebrities, influencers, and motivational speakers, who lent their voices to amplify the message. Now in 2023, millions of Americans and 100 cities across North America commemorated this special day. We witnessed an outpouring of hope and support, as individuals from every corner of the nation come forward to celebrate the power of perseverance and encourage one another to overcome life’s challenges.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
NEVER GIVE UP DAY has the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change by promoting resilience and determination. The core message of NEVER GIVE UP DAY encourages individuals to persevere through challenges. By inspiring resilience, the day empowers people to face difficulties with determination and a positive mindset. The day also raises awareness about the importance of mental and emotional well-being, as well as the struggles that many individuals face. The day brings people together who have overcome challenges and those who are currently facing them. This sense of community provides emotional support and a platform to share experiences.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
A day like NEVER GIVE UP DAY has a wide-reaching impact, offering support, encouragement, and inspiration to various people. Whether people dealing with personal, professional, or health-related challenges, they can all benefit from the positive energy and inspiring stories generated by NEVER GIVE UP DAY where they can find a renewed sense of hope through the messages of resilience and perseverance. Beyond the celebrations, the impact of NEVER GIVE UP DAY is reflected in the altruistic endeavors taking place across North America. Charitable initiatives, volunteer drives, and community support efforts are flourishing, as people channel their collective energy into making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Whether it’s related to health, education, social issues, or any other concern, it is essential to raise awareness, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment and create safe places where those affected can share their experiences.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is about leading by experience. Nothing tops experience.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Thank you for those kind words. I would inspire a movement to empower others to lead a purposeful, resilient, and impactful life that not only brings good to themselves but also to the world around them. In that context the quote “Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime” holds a profound lesson. By embodying that spirit, I would play a pivotal role in guiding people toward lasting empowerment and transformative change.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Sometimes Life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you” — Ray Lewis.
To me, this quote highlights the uniqueness of an individual’s dreams and aspirations. It encourages others to value their own vision, regardless of whether they align with societal norms or the expectations of others. Believing in your dreams, even when others can’t see that vision, requires a strong sense of self-belief and determination.
This quote reminds me to trust my instincts and persist in the face of challenges. I believe that by pursuing your dream with dedication, you might be leaving a lasting legacy that reflects your vision and values. Happy Never Give Up Day!
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Lunch with Mark Zuckerberg. Let me know where I can book a table!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Your readers can visit the NEVER GIVE UP DAY website, http://www.nevergiveupday.com, or follow-us on social media via FB: https://www.facebook.com/NeverGiveUpDay/; Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nevergiveupday; or IG: https://www.instagram.com/nevergiveupday/
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Alain Horowitz of Never Give Up Day Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.