GreatLIFE Community-
FIRSTS! Sometimes you learn something on purpose, other times you’re handed the lesson. Last month, I traveled to California for a conference to learn about what’s going on in the wellness space across the country. I often tell people that these trips are about relationships first. The ideas and innovations are great… but the people are what matter most.
That said, it’s pretty energizing to sit in rooms with individuals who are deeply passionate about their calling. I was able to experience my FIRST robotic massage, strategize about emerging technologies, and reconnect with friends I’ve known for years while also meeting new ones for the FIRST time.
The trip out? Smooth.
The meetings? Excellent.
The conversations? Even better.
And then came the flight home.
While in the San Diego airport, a colleague and I were invited into the Delta Sky Lounge. Yet another FIRST for me! As we walked in, a staff member approached us from about 10 feet away, made eye contact, and with genuine enthusiasm said:
“Welcome to the Sky Lounge. I’m so glad you’re here!”
I actually looked behind me to see if he was greeting someone he knew personally. It felt that genuine.
Throughout our time there, I watched him greet every single person the same way…eye contact, energy, warmth. You could feel it in the room. He was making people feel seen and special.
As we gathered our things to head to our flight, that same voice echoed across the lounge:
“Thanks for coming! See you next time!”
I waved, smiled… and felt prompted to walk back.
After I made my way back through the lounge, I tapped him on the shoulder and told him how much I appreciated the way he treated people. I told him how noticeable his enthusiasm was and how special he made everyone feel.
He lit up.
And then he said something I’ll never forget:
“It’s actually my FIRST day.”
I laughed out loud.
And I told him, “I hope you treat every day like it’s your FIRST day. You’ve made everyone in here feel special. Don’t lose that.”
Then I headed to the gate.
What followed was less glamorous.
Flight delays.
A missed connection.
My FIRST overnight stay… on the floor of the Minneapolis airport tucked under some seats at the gate.
I also experienced my FIRST Chick-fil-A breakfast sandwich at 6:00 a.m. the next morning while waiting to see if the next flight would actually leave on time.
Not exactly how I drew it up.
But funny enough… that wasn’t the part of the trip that stuck with me.
The thing that stuck?
A guy on his first day at work.
Three Lessons Learned:
- Get Into New Environments to Gain New Perspectives
There’s something powerful about stepping outside your routine.
New places.
New people.
New conversations.
They stretch your thinking. They sharpen your vision. They remind you that growth rarely happens in comfort zones.
Whether it’s a conference, a different city, or simply sitting with someone who sees the world differently. Fresh environments create fresh perspectives.
- People Remember How You Make Them Feel
(Treat every day like it’s your first day.)
That Sky Lounge employee wasn’t special because of his title.
He was special because of his presence.
He made people feel welcome. Valued. Seen.
That’s leadership…regardless of your job description.
What if we treated each day like it was Day One?
With energy.
With gratitude.
With something to prove…not to others, but to ourselves.
The danger isn’t losing talent.
The danger is losing enthusiasm.
- When Life Hands You Lemons… Make Lemonade
Sleeping on an airport floor wasn’t ideal.
But as cheesy as it sounds, it gave me a fresh appreciation.
For a bed.
For a safe home.
For food in the fridge.
It made me think about those who don’t have those guarantees.
Sometimes inconvenience creates empathy.
Sometimes discomfort grows gratitude.
Sometimes the “delay” becomes the deeper lesson.
It’s funny what sticks out from a trip.
Not the robotic massage.
Not the innovation sessions.
Not even the breakfast sandwich.
What sticks out the most is a man on his FIRST day at work who reminded me that people don’t necessarily remember what you did, but rather the way they made you feel!
GreatLIFE UPDATES:
- Recovery Space at the Performance Center — Opening This Month
The wait is almost over. Our new Recovery Space at the Performance Center is set to open this month. Designed to support performance, restoration, and overall well-being, this space reflects our commitment to helping you Live. Play. Better. We’re excited for you to experience it firsthand.
- Golf Season is Here (Weather Permitting)
Our golf courses are preparing to open this month, barring any unexpected weather shifts. Weekly course update emails will begin going out to keep you informed on opening timelines, course conditions, and early season details. We appreciate your patience as our grounds teams ensure we open the right way — not the rushed way.
- Join the GreatLIFE Team – Avera Race for the Cure
The Avera Race for the Cure is coming up in May, and we’d love to have you join the GreatLIFE team. If you don’t already have a team, consider walking or running alongside us as we support an incredible cause. You can join our team here: JOIN OUR TEAM
- Winter Improvements You’ll Notice This Season at our Courses
Our teams have been hard at work all winter long. Here are just a few of the improvements you’ll see:
Willow Run
- New cart fleet
- Reshaped #3 fairway to better handle heavy rainfall
- Additional erosion control along the creek on #14
Bakker Crossing
- Erosion control improvements along the pond on #11
- Reshaped back patio for easier clubhouse access
Central Valley
- New cart fleet
- Replaced carpet throughout the clubhouse
Rocky Run
- Removed several trees to improve green visibility
- Began dirt work for a new green on #1
Fox Run
- Various course projects completed
- Updated cart fleet
Worthington Golf Course
- Removed several large ash trees
- Updated cart fleet
We’re grateful for the work of our grounds, maintenance, and leadership teams who make these improvements possible. We can’t wait to welcome you back out on the course.
BOOK CLUB:
This month’s book was How to Work with Complicated People by Ryan Leak. Leak challenges the idea that “complicated people” are the problem and instead invites us to look in the mirror. The book reframes workplace tension as an opportunity for growth, ownership, and maturity. Rather than avoiding difficult personalities, Leak equips readers to lead with empathy, clarity, and personal responsibility.
Three Big Takeaways:
- You Might Be the Complicated One– The fastest way to improve a relationship isn’t fixing someone else, it’s examining your own triggers, assumptions, and blind spots. Growth starts with ownership.
- Clarity Reduces Conflict– Many relational frustrations stem from unclear expectations, unspoken assumptions, or indirect communication. Healthy tension handled directly builds trust.
- Maturity > Avoidance– Avoiding hard conversations only prolongs dysfunction. Emotional maturity like listening well, speaking honestly, and staying steady is what separates average leaders from impactful ones.
NEXT MONTH’S BOOK:
Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
POSITIVE THOUGHT:
Treat today like it’s DAY 1! Come with the excitement, enthusiasm and eagerness you had on your first day at school, your first day on the job or on the day your child was born.
Thanks as always for being part of the GreatLIFE community.
To the journey,
Nick