A Most Meaningful Work Anniversary

Recently, I had a conversation with a baby boomer about a relative of his who has risen in the ranks in the world of finance. While proud of his kin, he mentioned that the product this person produces is money to make rich people richer. He lamented that there was a time not long ago when people in his family 'made' more substantive things and provided a service to people in need or those seeking something other than more money. Those, he said, are the ones we should salute for a job well done.

I've been thinking about this conversation a lot this season, leading up to today, my first anniversary at Aaptiv. One of the underlying messages you come across while working for a fitness app is the idea that you can do whatever you put in the time and effort for, and little is impossible. I considered that last week when this story of transformation ran about one of our members. I thought about it again this weekend when I participated in our '5K Your Way' run and read afterward on our company's Facebook community page about what this virtual run meant to them. Access to that page is frequently cited by my colleagues as one of the best daily perks of working for this company.

I've had jobs, and have served in similar roles, elsewhere. But never have I felt so deeply the pride and pleasure that comes with serving those looking for a clean slate, for a new beginning, for an alternative solution, for a different outcome. In a communications role, I get to help tell their stories. For this work, I've always lived by the credo that what intrigues me will impress reporters, and in turn will delight readers. Nearly every time I read a post on our community group, or speak to a member on the phone about what drives them, I sense that there's a story there. I must be selective about which ones we turn outward -- and when -- however it's a very good problem to have so many compelling narratives to choose from.

So while I'm not designing the product or setting the vision, I am involved with establishing the tone for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and motivations to believe in themselves and to hold themselves accountable for small changes in their behavior that could lead to big impacts on their lifestyles.

It's usually the first few workouts, and weeks, that are the most challenging. You build to something more significant. After a longer period of time, such as a year, you can reflect on where you were then and how far you've come. Then, and other then, you will sleep well knowing that you've put in the effort to get to where you've always wanted to be.