Okay, MiTL Nation, I’m seeing a lot of chatter about “tigers opening day 2026” and all this talk about future plans. And that's beautiful. We all need something to look forward to, something to build towards. But I want to lean in here, just for a moment, and ask us all: what are we doing *today* to make sure that future, whatever it looks like, is rooted in joy?
It’s easy to get caught up in the anticipation, the strategy, the execution of "the plan." I get it. I’ve lived it. But if joy isn’t your COO, if it’s not informing every single decision, every interaction, then what are you really building? A house of cards? A perfectly efficient, completely joyless empire?
Remember, joy is not a soft skill. It is a strategy. It's the most powerful operating system you can have. And it’s not about ignoring the challenges – goodness knows, we all have them. But it's about finding that grounded, resilient center that allows you to face anything, to lead with a full heart, even when you're laughing through tears.
So, as you look toward your "opening day," whether it's 2026 or tomorrow morning, ask yourself: where is joy in your strategy? Where is it in your day? Are you performing leadership, or are you living it?