What is "Gratitude"

Last week I had the privilege of attending the National Sales Conference from Capital One Commercial Card. I must say this is the most amazing organization I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of. We had many presentations by top executives and the overall level of humility and selflessness was something I've never witnessed. Speakers shared their stories of success, but more importantly their failures. We all fail, but what you do with that failure determines if the failure was beneficial or a missed opportunity. One after another they shared how they’ve stumbled in their lives and the impact made during those challenging times (professional and personal). I couldn't help but connect and relate as I too have gone through similar dark times. It was very inspirational and I was honored to be there. 

Part of the week featured a presentation by Navy Blue Angels Lead Solo Pilot John Foley. In the "Blues" they have a mantra of Glad to Be Here. During flight conversations such as debriefing individual feedback was followed with "glad to be here boss". It is a mantra of gratitude, humility, and vulnerability to their peers. It was such a fantastic message and fit our Capital One culture so well. Plus, he showed us many jaw-dropping cockpit videos. Incredible stuff!

However, during the presentation (and following days since the event) I couldn't help but reflect on my personal failures. What did they teach me? Did I actually learn from them? Fortunately I answered 'yes' to most of those questions, but in all honesty there were a few I think may have slipped by.

When I was 18 I had the opportunity to join the Navy with the full intent of being a fighter pilot. In fact, my friend and I were going to go buddy-system. It was such a bitter-sweet presentation because I appreciated all the lessons and guidance, but at the same time I felt like maybe I had missed a huge opportunity in my life to do exactly what John Foley was sharing with such energy and pride. His enthusiasm was infectious...but I let fear stop me from realizing the very dream HE was sharing. I had the enlistment pen in my hand....and I walked away. It was kind of a heartbreaking moment.

As the week continued, it really nagged at me - deep down. I am not saying I would have had the opportunity to be a Blue Angel pilot, but who knows. Even just flying a fighter jet would have been a dream come true. I felt a level of disappointment for not going after my dream. In fact, as I am watching a presentation by John Foley, my friend is now retiring from the Navy. Let me tell you....it's sure can be a punch in the gut to look at decisions you would like to change so many years ago.

But, it isn't 1989 anymore. I can't go back and re-write history. I made my decision. What I can do is use that lesson to hopefully teach others. I have two amazing boys to whom I constantly preach to dream HUGE and that life has so many amazing things in store for them if they are willing to go after them. Don't let fear and uncertainty be your guide - let your heart be your guide. Recently one of my son's made a decision to go after something which I think in his heart he was afraid of. But he did it. He followed his heart and for that I am truly grateful.

At the end of the day, maybe that decision in 1989 may have helped my son be bold and take a chance. Maybe there was a grand-plan for my decision. Maybe your story will help some other kid be bold enough to do something they were afraid of as well.

This Holiday season I hope you each have the opportunity to express gratitude for all the gifts we've been given. I know this will be one of my most appreciative holiday seasons in many years. 

#gladtobehere John Foley. Thank you to Capital One for such an inspirational event.

Happy Holidays.

www.gladtobehere.com