Life is always changing, just like today’s economy.

A clinical psychologist and renowned motivational speaker, Wayne M. Sotile, Ph.D., feels that those who attend his upcoming presentation will walk away energized and better prepared to face life’s challenges.

Sponsored by The Foundation of FirstHealth and free to the public, “Thriving in the Second Half Amidst Massive Change” on Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Cole Auditorium will showcase the life strategies Sotile and his wife have developed over thirty years of counseling high-performance individuals.

“A high-performing person is someone who does the best they can everyday, whether they’re at work, at home or out in the community,” said Sotile. “As your life changes, performing at a high level is all about letting go of what is holding you back.

Sotile attributes part of his unique motivational attitude to being brought up in rural Cajun country.

“I have always kept in touch with that same group of 30 people that I went through school with. I know from experience how important it is for the members of a small community to recognize that they are very important to one another, and that their community roles and relationships are not just a gift but a responsibility.”

Sotile’s presentation will include a discussion on individual planning for the financial future led by a panel of four local experts in the field.

John Hutchinson, Senior Vice President and Financial Officer at Wachovia Securities in Rockingham, and one of the discussion’s panel members, feels that the presentation will offer a good, general education for anyone looking to secure a sound financial future for themselves and their family.

“There are ways for people to turn assets that they already have into income,” said Hutchinson. “And ways for them to plan and maximize their giving to the local community, whether they’re giving to the hospital, hospice, local schools, or their own church.”

Sotile believes that true character is most evident during tough times.

“Anyone can be gracious and generous in good times,” he said. “But tough times are when heroes really shine through.

“Folks in the big cities don’t have the kinds of connections that people in small town have even if it seems like they have everything all figured out, they don’t.”