Great Thoughts Lead to Great Actions

By Fawn Davies, Communications Director

“I truly believe in starting every day with a great thought. What we think about expands,” began Dr. John Gaines as he delivered the opening keynote presentation at the June 2025 SWAN/IL Summer Statewide Meeting. His words came with a challenge as well: “Focus on solutions this morning. It’s difficult work, but I hope I inspire you today.”

Dr. Gaines’ presentation, entitled Just One 'I Believe in You' Can Change a Kid’s Life, was designed for professionals in the audience to rethink their habits and their hearts to better serve the children on their caseloads. Every act of service unto yourself is an act of service to others. “Selfishly,” he said, “while I’m here encouraging you, I’m also encouraging myself.”

Dr. Gaines wove his own story of loss and struggle into his message. Recalling his early years with his mom, he experienced the profound trauma of finding her deceased at the age of seven. “Our stories are shaped by the people who care for us,” he explained. His sister-in-law, who was a teacher, had a significant influence on him, always believing in him and even giving him his first speaking engagement in her school. She said, “John, you have a powerful story that needs to be told. Where you go, things get better.”

This underscored a belief in himself that could not be shaken and which he seeks to pass on to others. “When I step into a space,” he said, “I know someone needs me to be great.” Dr. Gaines emphasized sharing your story and being your authentic self. When you set an example for others, they will see that they can do it, too.

He taught that “I believe in you” can show up in different ways. Sometimes it’s a hug, sometimes it’s encouraging a colleague, and sometimes it’s encouraging yourself through affirmations and wellness practices. When his teacher said to him, “I believe in you,” what HE heard was a deeper message: don’t quit; don’t give up; you’ll fall but you’ll fall forward; your pain will turn into purpose. The power in these words can help someone achieve their full potential, increase their resilience and support a positive self-image.

Closing with a story about his aspirations to become a football player, Dr. Gaines recalled being challenged by someone to run the stairs at his school. He ran the stairs and, in doing so, didn’t just prove his conditioning in that moment but also his determination to meet his football goals. Dr. Gaines reminded the audience that when you tell a kid you believe in them, you’re not just speaking to who they are today, you are speaking to the person they can become. “I believe in you.” Who will you affirm today?