When Life Hits Hard, Do You Have the Mindset to Push Through?

We live in a time marked by uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. As the world emerges from the pandemic, many are facing unprecedented setbacks, burnout, and a loss of direction. The challenge of maintaining purpose and perseverance has never been more critical. But what if you had the mental tools to push through obstacles, embrace adversity, and finish stronger than ever? What if you could cross the finish line, no matter the challenge in front of you?

Matt's Keynote 

In today’s world of uncertainty, fear, and burnout, resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential. People are struggling to find purpose, navigate challenges, and overcome the weight of setbacks. But no matter what you’re facing, you have the power to push through, persevere, and achieve a greater victory.

I know, because I’ve been there. On September 11, 2002, my life took a turn I never expected. That day, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer that had spread to the fluid around my brain. Doctors told me that survival was unlikely—but against all odds, I lived.

Not only did I conquer cancer three times, but I also relearned how to walk and underwent a bone marrow transplant to reclaim my life. From that moment on, I decided that I wasn’t just going to survive—I was going to thrive. So, I set out to test my limits, and in the process, I completed eight marathons on eight continents, including Antarctica and the newly discovered Zealandia.

Now, I dedicate my life to sharing the Marathon Mentality—a mindset of endurance and resilience that empowers individuals and teams to push through the walls of negativity, setbacks, and limiting beliefs. Whether in life, work, or business, everyone is running their own marathon, and I’m here to help them cross their finish lines.

 

A Message of Hope, Grit, and Transformation

This keynote is not just a speech—it’s a call to action. With the same determination and grit that carried me through three battles with cancer, a bone marrow transplant, and eight marathons on every continent, I inspire audiences to see challenges as opportunities and embrace the power of resilience to achieve victory.

"It’s not what happens to us that defines us—it’s how we perceive it."

No matter how tough the journey, there is always a path forward. My goal is to leave every audience energized, hopeful, and equipped to face their personal and professional marathons and cross their finish lines.

What Makes My Keynote Unique?

This keynote is more than motivation—it’s a lifeline. Having faced the unimaginable—three cancer diagnoses, cancer in my brain, and being told I wouldn’t survive the night—I bring more than words to the stage. I bring a message of authenticity, hope, and transformation. Audiences connect with the raw vulnerability of my story, and they walk away inspired to conquer their own marathons, no matter what they face.

Why Choose My Keynote?

  • Custom-Tailored Message: Every organization has unique challenges. I work closely with teams to align my keynote with their specific goals and objectives—whether it’s building resilience, fostering teamwork, or inspiring personal growth.
  • Engaging Storytelling & Real-World Takeaways: With humor, vulnerability, and real-life illustrations, I captivate audiences while delivering practical strategies they can apply immediately.
  • Positive Psychology for Growth & Well-being: Rooted in Positive Psychology, my talk equips participants with tools to develop optimism, mental strength, and lasting endurance.

Marathon Mentality: A Mindset to Overcome and Achieve Victory

At the heart of my keynote is the Marathon Mentality which is not just a story—it’s a framework for resilience. Life’s journey is full of unexpected challenges—setbacks, fear, and moments when giving up seems like the only option. But with the right mindset, you can find meaning in your struggles, push past obstacles, and achieve a greater victory.

In my keynote, I share how individuals and organizations can develop the mental toughness needed to overcome life’s “walls”—whether it’s burnout, fear, or personal challenges. Just like a marathon, life requires endurance, grit, and focus. Through captivating stories and practical strategies, I equip participants to:

  • Visualize their victory—because the first step to achieving any goal is believing it’s possible.
  • Take action—because progress comes when we move forward, even if it’s one step at a time.
  • Elevate their attitude—because how we perceive challenges defines how we overcome them.

Key Outcomes of the Marathon Mentality Keynote

  1. Resilience to Overcome Setbacks: Discover how to develop mental toughness and keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
  2. Marathon Mindset in Action: Learn to push through the walls of negativity and fear to reach personal and professional goals.
  3. Practical Tools for Positive Change: Leave with actionable strategies to cultivate optimism, well-being, and sustainable growth.
  4. Inspiration to Achieve Greater Victory: My story motivates participants to find meaning in their struggles and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

A Proven Speaker Across Industries

My message of resilience and victory has inspired audiences across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Finance & Insurance
  • Real Estate & Property Management
  • Government & Public Safety
  • Education & Non-Profits
  • Engineering, Construction & Technology

Whether addressing a corporate conference, non-profit event, or leadership retreat, I tailor my message to resonate with any audience, encouraging them to embrace challenges, foster resilience, and achieve greater victory.

Book Matt 

Speaking isn’t just something I do—it’s my passion and calling. From conquering cancer to completing eight marathons on eight continents, I’ve learned what it means to push through adversity and come out stronger on the other side. It would be my utmost honor to share my story with your group, helping them find strength within, embrace resilience, and achieve greater victories in their own marathons.

“Matt Jones is a top-notch speaker who brings great value and an unforgettable story of the triumph of the human spirit. His story of running a marathon after relearning how to walk and surviving cancer was a great fit for the nearly 2,000 attendees. He was a much-added benefit and provided real value for our members.”

-Reed Pew, CEO and President, American Academy of Professional Coders