Josh's Weekly Insights - October 1, 2025

“There is no better life than a life spent laboring at love - exerting effort not because we have to, but because we believe that what we are bringing into being is valuable and we want it to exist. Yet because our culture tends to misunderstand the nature of labor and of love, we tend to undervalue both.”

-Moira Weigel

I had the opportunity to go to the last Red Sox game of the regular season at Fenway Park on Sunday. While we were there, the crowd tried to start “the wave” multiple times. My wife, Brittany Collins, leaned over and mentioned that what they were attempting was a labor of love. When their effort finally paid off, it circled the stadium 4 times and created energy within the fan base.

I started thinking about how often as leaders we need to take that same approach. If the energy on our team isn’t there, will we be the fan counting down to then yell “Woohoo” as we throw our hands up in the air over and over again until we get the crowd to commit. That person may seem crazy at first, but once the wave happens, everyone has experienced something full of joy that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

As leaders, we typically focus on metrics, goals, and outcomes. We rarely ask the question, “Are we having fun along the way?” However, how much more readily would our team commit to meeting those same metrics and goals if they enjoy coming into work every day? I know goals are important but joy is also an important part of being human. To share a laugh with others can create positive connection and momentum across the team. A desire for shared success that creates a multiplier effect for our teams.

Recognize that when we love what we are doing, we want to bring our best self to the endeavor. When that happens, 2+2 equals 5 because we are creating synergy and alignment between outcomes. Positive momentum for the organization, teams, and customers we serve.

So how will you be a multiplier this week? Where will you exert effort, not because you have to, but because you want to bring something positive into existence?

Now get out there and crush your week!