Month: October 2024

“The best thing to do when you find yourself in a hurting or vulnerable place is to surround yourself with the strongest, finest, most positive people you know.”—Kristin Armstrong

You see the caliber of people with whom you have surrounded yourself when you at your lows—not when you are on top. People always gather around the winner, but who is there when you lose?

My young son was handed his first defeat last night in MMA. He had an off night. He was slow to come out into the crowd who had come to support him. He had hoped he had gathered his emotions. They were impossible to contain.

Of course, he had the support of mom and dad. That should be expected. I watched the wonderful young lady who so visibly loves him as he loves her wait patiently as he spilled his emotions on my shoulder (multiple times) and his mother’s. When it was her turn, she looked at me as if to ask my permission. She didn’t say a word. She just held him.  She just let him feel. She is, what my dad would have called “a keeper.” After another hug from me and a long hug from his mom, I watched as a teammate came over, hugged him, and told him how much he is loved by his team. (There is an incredible bond among these very tough men. MMA is an individual sport, yet none of these athletes compete in isolation.) I watched the friends who came out to watch him offer my son the same love and support they shared in his two victories. I am grateful for his coaches who see the future in my son and who give me no reason to doubt that they have is long-term success and (more importantly) his well-being in mind.

While disappointment is hard, it is sometimes necessary for one’s long-term growth. Moreover, it is the light that reveals our true friends and supporter.

Defeat is sometimes a greater source for a parent’s pride. Of course, I will boast when my son wins (and there will be many more victories to come), but there is a greater sense of pride in seeing how one’s child handles disappoint. Moreover, there is greater sense of satisfaction in seeing the impact said child has on others. Seeing my son allow his vulnerability to show and to see his friends and teammates rally to fill the void was heartwarming.

Our “best” today may not measure as “success”, but these are the times that the best in others reveals itself. My son got a taste of how blessed he is last night. Such friends, coaches, and teammates are hard to come by.

Find this people in your life. Be these people in the lives of others

Thank you to the few such people in my life and to many who show up for my son.

God bless.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!!

“Resilience is distinct from mere survival, and more than mere endurance. Resilience is often endurance with direction.”—Eric Greitens

“Endurance with direction.” I like that. We often think of resilience as merely surviving—hanging on—in times of hardship. Resilience requires a sense of Purpose. Resilient people see not only that there is light at the end of the tunnel. They proceed with confidence knowing that there is a destination at the end of the tunnel.

“Direction” is the key to resilience. Carpe momento means taking each step—no matter how difficult—with a sense of Purpose and direction.

What is challenging you in this moment? Are you asking, “Why me?” or “Why not me?” Are you seeing opportunity or a barrier? Resilience is a matter of attitude or, as I prefer to say, grattitude.

Resilience doesn’t make hardship easier, but hardship does make resilient people stronger.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!!

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives”—Jackie Robinson

Bam! What an insightful statement by the great Jackie Robinson. Having a positive impact on the lives of others is one of my key values and a part of my mission statement. When an activity—job, volunteer activity, relationship, etc.—begins to lose its impact, it is time for change.

We all reach moments when the things that once felt meaningful start to feel mundane. Maybe it’s a career that no longer lights that inner fire or a friendship that has become routine rather than enriching. Recognizing this shift is critical because the ripple effect of our actions extends far beyond our immediate surroundings. Each connection, each opportunity to share knowledge, encouragement, or even kindness, adds to the collective well-being of our world.

When I find myself questioning the impact I’m making, I use it as a signal to evaluate where I am and where I want to go. This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities at the first sign of frustration but reflecting deeply on the why behind my actions. Am I growing? Are the people around me thriving? Is this relationship, career, or pursuit serving not just my needs but contributing positively to others?

For me, the answer to these questions dictates the next steps. Whether it means pivoting to a new project, seeking out ways to reinvigorate a current role, or even learning to let go of things that no longer serve a higher purpose, this process of reflection allows me to live with intention. Living intentionally means recognizing that time is a limited resource and that how we spend it—who we spend it with—matters greatly.

The courage to embrace change is a key part of maximizing impact. This is not about chasing fleeting goals or abandoning ship at the first sign of struggle. Instead, it’s about aligning your efforts with your mission: to lift others and leave the world better than you found it. Jackie Robinson wasn’t just talking about grand gestures or world-changing moments—he was speaking to the small acts of kindness, guidance, and mentorship that transform lives in ways we may never fully comprehend.

When you live with purpose and intentionally seek out opportunities to positively influence others, you create a legacy that outlasts you. It’s not just about being busy; it’s about being impactful.

So, next time you feel the weight of stagnation creeping in, ask yourself: Is this still where I make my greatest impact? If not, it’s time to shift course and create a new path toward meaningful influence. In doing so, you will….

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!!