Ask Yourself | What's Your Bigger Purpose?

Hello Difference Makers!

Inky Johnson, a former University of Tennessee football player, had a bright future in front of him. From breaking free from one of Atlanta's roughest neighborhoods to being projected as a top-30 NFL draft pick, Inky was on top of the world.

As a child, the odds were stacked entirely against him, yet he never let that define him as an individual. Inky was the son of a 15-year-old mother. On top of that, he lived in a two-bedroom home with 14 people living under the same roof and gang members outside on the street. All 8 of his uncles were in and out of prison, yet Inky knew that was not the life for him. So, as a child, he made the decision to put in the effort and hard work with the goal that one day, he would play for the NFL.

Yet, in a moment, EVERYTHING changed.

As cornerback for a Division 1 football team, Inky had just 9 college games left to play before becoming an "instant millionaire."  Late in the fourth quarter of a game his team had "already won," Inky was tackled and sustained an injury so severe that it not only knocked him out of his chance to play in the NFL but almost cost him his life.  In a matter of seconds, Inky went from being a force to be reckoned with on the football field to losing everything he had worked so hard for.

That did not stop Inky.  Instead, he found a new purpose in life.  He quotes,  "Things that happen to us are not designed to stop us. They are designed to reposition us."

Inky focused on his driving force: his mother, siblings, cousins, former classmates, friends, and neighbors, who were still living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Atlanta. In Inky's eyes, they needed a role model, a shining light of persistence and perseverance. This new reality was not about him but about using the opportunity to "turn lemons into lemonade."

"If every decision and choice you make in life is just about you, at some point, you're going to hit something tougher than you that's going to make you quit because you don't have a driving force that makes you do what you do." - Inky Johnson  

Inky's dream to play in the NFL was shattered that day on Neyland Field, but his mission to make a difference in his family's life remained clear and constant.  Inky used his "situation" and turned it into an "opportunity." Naturally, he continually faces challenges, but Inky doesn't quit. He's never let quitting become a habit.

According to Inky, "Quitting becomes a habit that doesn't just affect you. Later, when you get a wife, a kid, or a family, it's going to come back to haunt you because one day it will affect them!"

He used his journey to propel him in a new yet different direction. Inky demonstrates what he teaches:

"When you have a person who is attached to a purpose and mission, not too many things are going to stop him."

Are you connected to your bigger purpose? Inky speaks to his personal driving force, but his purpose is not about him; it is about serving others and helping them to find their purpose and passion in life.

What drives you to do what you do as a facility administrator?

Yes, the position pays the bills, but think about the impact you get to make on every single individual's life, whether it's your staff, team, or residents.

Just think, because of you and your skills, you provide a safe place for your residents to live. You ensure they are nourished, their medical needs are met, and your facility (and staff members) provide them with special events and experiences to brighten their days. Every smile, hello, and kind gesture is exponentially more impactful and meaningful to your residents than the average person on the street.

Yes, your role as a facility administrator requires you to stay up to date on current laws and policies, manage the budget, guide your team, and juggle the day-to-day tasks, but there is a greater purpose to what you do.

You are not a quitter when times get tough. Let your driving force fuel your purpose and passion. And remember, you are a difference-maker to those around you!

To watch Inky Johnson recount his powerful story, click below. It'll certainly touch your soul and reignite your passion.