Reflections from “F1: The Movie,” and a Reminder About the Power of Small Wins
Being big fans of Drive to Survive (The Netflix Series), my wife and I watched F1: The Movie last night. I’m not here to review the film, but the final few minutes left a real mark on me.
As you’d expect from a Hollywood ending, Brad Pitt’s character finally wins the race, completing an achievement that took him 30 years to accomplish. Watching that moment unfold, seeing the wide range of emotions as he crossed the finish line, a thought came to mind.
I thought to myself, I want to feel that.
I am talking about that overwhelming sense of achievement, the kind only a handful of people ever experience. The feeling of an Olympic medalist or a world champion. But right as I was inspired, I also felt a tinge of sadness. Would I ever experience that? Is it too late for me? I’ll be honest, that thought lingered for a while.
Then, something shifted.
I started thinking about the smaller moments of accomplishment that have filled my life lately; the victories that may not make headlines but carry their own kind of magic.
Just last week, our organization hosted our first-ever golf tournament, something I had been both excited and nervous about. It took months of preparation and the experience of a fair share of fear. But as I looked around during dinner and saw nearly every participant still there (which, I’m told, is rare after five hours on the course), I felt immense pride. When I took the podium to share our mission, represented on a simple giveaway hat (the synthesis of the Roman numeral 10,000 and an arrow moving upwards), I realized how deeply people connected to it. That small symbol represents our commitment to impacting 10,000 young lives by 2032.
In that moment, I felt it, not the winning a race kind of victory, but something just as powerful. A sense of purpose. A shared energy. A reminder of what’s possible when a small but mighty team, fueled by belief and community, comes together to make a difference.
So, here’s what I’ve learned:
The big wins are rare, BUT the small wins are everywhere, if we choose to see them.
A word of affirmation from your best friend. That unexpected phone call, the one where someone tells you how much you’ve impacted their life. A community that shows up and believes in your vision. And, of course, the unwavering support of a loving family.
Maybe I’ll never feel the thrill of a championship trophy, BUT I get to experience something even more meaningful: the daily joy of progress, purpose, and gratitude.
And that’s more than enough.
JC
Husband | Father | Founder at myTOD