'X' from Dez.....

....except from my daily message to the company

"The meaning is, to 'X' out negative, to truly never give up, to beat the odds, to destroy adversity." - Dez Bryant

As many of you know, having grown up in Denver I am a Bronco fan, even in tough years like this when they get absolutely clobbered by the likes of Buffalo. This weekend, I was watching some of the games and saw Dez Bryant score a touchdown and when he stood up he crossed his arms across his chest. Why was this touchdown so significant for him and the Ravens? It was the first time in 1,106 days since he scored a touchdown. In 2017 he was cut from the Dallas Cowboys, was later signed by the Saints, but blew out his achilles. He received a call this year from the Ravens to try out for their practice squad and actually made the team. His 5 year old daughter convinced him to give football a go again. In the post game he explained the meaning of the 'X' and said his first thought was of his daughter and how he was going to give her the ball.  

Cancel out the negativity, truly never give up, beat the odds and destroy adversity...great words to start the week.  

X out negativity - There is so much negativity in the world right now, you have to constantly put up a positive force field around yourself, otherwise you will be swallowed by it. Focus on the positive and driving positive thoughts that become positive actions. Each day you will become stronger against the negative forces.  

Truly never give up - how many times you get knocked down, get back up, dust yourself off, and keep fighting will define your resilience. Never giving up, never quitting. You will never forget or forgive yourself if you quit, it will gnaw on your brain. Keep fighting. 

Beat the odds - Almost all start-ups have the odds stacked against them. Start-ups are smaller than the giants that dominate the field. They have less resources and finances than the giants. Start-ups are fighting the status quo. All of these before they even begin to play. We will beat the odds, we are beating the odds. We are inevitable.  

Destroy adversity - What constantly impresses me about this team is your ability to continue to bounce back time after time after time. No matter what is thrown at you - pandemic, status quo, etc. You are constantly beating adversity. Don't stop.

I loved hearing Dez Bryant's story of the 'X' and celebrated his success yesterday. Imagine the emotions of that catch and touchdown for him. Imagine how special today was for him and his daughter, and now imagine 25 years from now how special that game ball will be for his daughter with the meaning of 'X'. That is the story that she will remember forever of her Dad - the meaning behind the 'X'.  

Have a great week team and hear Dez's words in your mind this week when faced with adversity. You got this!! 

ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!!

Joe