You Are The Big Day

Dear friend,

So it happened again. For the 15th year in a row, the HoganTaylor Firm Meeting somehow turned out better than the year before, even though it was completely different. Our theme this year was Big Days (       ), with the space intended to be filled in by each person. What defined a "big day" for them. It was a nod to the CEO, Randy Nail who for the last 15 years has been signing off all his communication with "Big Days Ahead."

His role is shifting before next year's firm meeting, so there was plenty that we incorporated to honor him, while still creating a uniquely dynamic experience for all those involved. We maintained the rotating breakout sessions, which were such a variety of cool. The one about "alignment" was learning how to line dance. It was hilarious and fun.

The other big thing that hadn't been done before was that I got to keynote the event. I've always been deeply embedded in our small creative team and hosted the day, but this was the first time I got to deliver the keynote. It was quite an honor and incredibly fun.

I like consistency. Even with all the innovating, adapting and attempting there is something reliable about this meeting. We take numerous creative risks each year. The trust we've built is a strong foundation for experimentation. The repetitiveness also offers assurances. I'm a creature of habit. We all are.

My cute wife can tell you I'm the same in private. I could eat her pumpkin muffins every single day of my life. I do. I just pulled another container out of the freezer. In about two weeks she'll need to make another batch. Randy still makes fun of me for ordering the exact same thing at Jason's Deli week after week and month after month - when we used to dine there back in the day.

INNOVATIVE IRONY

Isn't it ironic that the conditions which enable us to take our biggest risks are rooted in having the most stabilized, consistent, repeated reality. Add to the paradox that that very environment hinders us from being willing to attempt the audacious. Navigating the new is a battle with the old. Fight the good fight.

On more than one occasion in my life the only option I had was to "let go." In the last few days before the meeting, Lindsey who is genuinely the heart and brains of our creative team started saying "let go and let God." It wasn't so much a statement of faith, as it was a resignation that there were still so many dangling details she just couldn't, even with her enormous force of will, make it all happen. #LGLG

MINDSHIFT

What if you're not attempting big things because you haven't stabilized your foundation? Do that. Then let go and attempt something amazing!

YOU ARE THE BIG DAY

We opened the entire day with Matt, the CEO of Wealth Management, telling his story about battling cancer. I won't even try to tell you the details. He was told he had up to two years to live 12 years ago. He reminded us that often we don't get to choose our big days, they choose us and redefine our life. He was poignant, profound and powerful.

Randy wrapped up the day in his keynote offering a moving truth - that each person in the room IS the big day. Their life, their love, their relationships - THAT is what defines a big day. I was holding back tears in this corporate meeting! It resonated so deeply with me wanting to build a life out of the most meaningful relationships. It's not what I do in life, but who I do it with. That's the adventure I'm pursuing.

MINDSHIFT

What if your most difficult days are also the most defining? Will they define you as resilient, strong and rich with character?

BEST SENSATION

This was the culmination of an era. A 15-year run that generated some of my most treasured memories. In the early days I would drive to the four locations (Tulsa, OKC, Little Rock & Fayetteville) and shoot funny videos. Lincoln, who was in middle school at the time, would go with me as the camera operator and then edit all of them.

It's no wonder the firm meeting has been one of my all-time favorite big days every year. The creative challenge and freedom, the pressure to surpass the previous, an anticipating audience - doing it all with people I care very much for and who care for me. It's the best sensation.

Be the Big Day for your family, team or an individual. It means a lot.

This philosophy aligns nicely with my theory of today being the best day of your life. They aren't interchangeable. Some days are bigger than others. Of course, when we live like this day is the best one, we may just have a few extra big ones. I'm counting on it.

SHIFTING

I hope this week you let go and let God, when it comes to all the things you can't make happen on your own. I hope you cherish your relationships well and contribute to a solid foundation, so wild ideas, radical imaginations and creative endeavors can be launched. You are the Big Day! #ShiftAway