How a $15k Celebration...

My wife and I had just landed a $15,000 contract, and the only logical way to celebrate was with ice cream from Handel’s!

Just two giddy adults, one WILD child (seriously, you should have seen her after she had a few bites), and a tub of our favorite Ohhh… Dough!

After placing our order I turned around and froze.

The family behind us was familiar… in a split second I recognized the husband. I’d trained him in ChatGPT in the beginning of 2024. Then he became the guy who always volunteered to record my sessions.

He had told me stories about using ChatGPT to create stories with his daughter. (I’ve shared some of those stories in my emails!) He was an AWESOME dude. Big smile. Heart forward. Always serving. The sort of person you never forget.

After I got his attention, a MASSIVE smile spread across his face and he said:

He didn’t say it quietly either!

While I did my best to prevent our daughter from destroying the Handel’s ice cream parlor he explained how that AI training had changed everything.

He was in a new job, using AI every single day, working with a nonprofit in EdTech that’s actually teaching teachers and principals how to use AI for impact. His energy was electric, proud, unstoppable.

I walked in to celebrate one win, and walked out remembered for something much bigger.

Not the deal. Not the money. But the ripple effect of showing up, sharing what you know, and caring enough to give your best even if you don’t see the impact right away.

Sometimes, the universe smacks you with the reminder of the greatness you’ve done for others.

And in those moments the only thing you can do is be GRATEFUL for the reminder.

If you’re reading this and you’ve stuck with me for this long:
I am grateful.
I am grateful for your support. Your attention. Your thoughts. Your prayers.
I am grateful for the life God allows me to live. The service I’m allowed to provide.
I am grateful for my family: Lindy, and Ada.
I am grateful for the people I have been blessed to serve, who have been able to take what I gave them and do AMAZING things.

What are you grateful for?

Sterling Long!

P.S. My friend Benoit and I are working on an incredible tool to help experts like you turn their knowledge into books. If you want to write a book, build a legacy, and boost your authority and credibility… reply to this email. We would be BEYOND grateful to help you turn it into a reality!