Much like last year and every year before it, I set aside time around the holidays to reflect and take stock of the previous 12 months. Something about this small ritual has always helped me assess and appreciate the previous year for its triumphs and challenges. It also assists me in preparation for the fresh beginnings that the new year brings.
2020 was no exception, though admittedly reflecting on such an exigent year was not easy. As the saying goes though, there is beauty in ashes, and the time spent quietly revisiting the year led to my revelation that three of my worlds collided in a way that no one could have ever expected.
It’s no secret that Medix is a purpose-led organization. We live, eat, sleep, and breathe our Core Purpose of Positively Impacting Lives, and there isn’t one single employee at the company who doesn’t know the importance of purpose in everything we do. I’ve written about purpose in multiple blog posts, and dedicated my book, Won with Purpose, to the concept because I truly believe that purpose is the key to success.
I’ve also written about football, both on this blog and in my book, as football was and continues to be a huge aspect of inspiration in my life. Football afforded me the opportunity to pursue a college degree, introduced me to many of the most significant mentors in my life, but most importantly helped me find the confidence I needed to succeed.
Then there’s family, another topic I’ve written about time and time again. I’m so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing support system of a family both at home, at work and in my community, and I truly believe that family is everything.
In an unbelievable twist of fate this year, my family was incredibly fortunate to see my oldest son sign his letter of intent to play football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the same school I just wrote about in September for their incredible commitment to purpose and tradition with the “Iowa Wave.” For those of you who haven’t witnessed the Iowa Wave, the tradition began three years ago. At the end of the first quarter of every home football game, the fans in the stadium, along with players, coaches and officials, turn to the overlooking University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and wave to the kids battling various illnesses. My son spent his youth football days honoring Caitrin, and gathering with his team around Caitrin’s rock, and now he gets to spend his college football days honoring other boys and girls like Caitrin. It’s a perfect, and purposeful trifecta portraying three of my worlds, purpose, family and football, coming full circle in such an incredible way.
As we head into the new year, I hope you’ll find time to discover your purpose as there are so many amazing possibilities and opportunities awaiting those who pursue and lead with purpose.
Wishing each of you a Happy New Year in the days, weeks and months ahead!