Everywhere Spirit

Vision Quest was a coming of age movie from 1985 during the golden age of teen movies. It is about a High School wrestler Loudin Swain played by Matthew Modine that attempts to lose 20 pounds in order to wrestle an in-state rival for the championship. The movie goes on to detail the trials and tribulations Loudin faces while trying to train for the championship while simultaneously studying for exams and losing weight. It is during his struggles that his teammate Kuch, who pretends to be a Native American, describes the construct of a Vision Quest and ultimately the premise of “Everywhere Spirit.”

In previous blogs, I’ve referenced the idea of “weather reports” — tools like statistics, performance data, and cash flow analysis that I’ve relied on for nearly 25 years to guide business decisions. For the most part, they’ve served me well. But what happens when the numbers aren’t enough? When the data runs dry or fails to capture the full picture? How do you move forward with the next project, the big decision — the burning of the ship’s moment?

My last blog centered around Faith, Confidence, and Belief. This one is about Belief. For me, belief shows up in many forms. It’s more than optimism — it’s a grounded conviction rooted in purpose. The connection I have with what I do, and why I do it, creates an undercurrent of trust that somehow, someway, everything will be all right. Lately, that idea has been tested.

Since transitioning to a fully virtual practice, we’ve encountered more than a few moments that forced us to question whether the pivot was right. There’s no manual for leading a business into uncharted territory, and doubt occasionally creeps in — whispering questions about timing, strategy, and outcomes.

And then, the phone rings.

A new patient from Nebraska is on the line. A local Union President calls to share that one of their injured workers finally got their claim approved — and more importantly, their pay has been reinstated. In those moments, belief is affirmed. The mission is reaffirmed. Not through spreadsheets or projections, but through people. Belief, it turns out, isn’t a destination. It’s a decision — one that must be made again and again in the face of uncertainty. It’s the quiet force that carries us forward when logic alone isn’t enough.

I also stated, in a previous blog, that I have invited all of the decisions and the associated feelings surrounding our decision to pivot. And I have leaned into all of it. However, it isn’t devoid of some second guessing, I might add. Sometimes in business, you have to shake things up a bit and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Technology has been the biggest driver in regard to our shift. And this in turn will create a more nimble and efficient system to provide care for the patients that need us most.

I share all of this for two reasons.

First, the worst decision is indecision. Some — or maybe all—of us are stuck in something: a job, a relationship, an unspoken fear. Just make a move. Any move, however incremental, creates a shift toward something bigger. Second, a life lived unrealized is the greatest loss of all. We are all meant for something more. Recognizing that is the first step toward personal growth, fulfillment, and the quiet confidence that comes from living on purpose. So tap into that Everywhere Spirit. Trust yourself. And just start. Wishing you a great workweek — and an even better summer.