It’s where the magic happens, where goals are achieved, and where the impossible becomes possible.
I believe everyone has a special purpose, and those of us called to healthcare finance have a unique role as we are met each day with the challenge of reimagining and transforming what we know into what patients and their families need and deserve. It’s a calling to stewardship of lives, relationships, and resources, and it allows us the privilege and honor to serve others every day in both small and big ways. As a result, we are blessed to see the impact of our work in—and through—the lives of others.
Some days, however, the worries and demands of an endless list of challenges can get in the way of living our story and making our mark. At such times, it’s important to find ways to reignite our sense of purpose and sustain our passion for what we do. That’s why my goal as HFMA Chair is to encourage my fellow healthcare finance professionals to find their “sweet spot”—that place where passion meets purpose.
Pursuing one’s passion, however, is not for the faint of heart. It’s an endeavor that demands our best and requires an internal fire, a fearless perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to doing whatever it takes to make our goals and visions a reality. It also requires us to be present, innovative, and grateful—and to never forget why we do what we do.
An important benefit of being driven by passion and purpose is that it allows us to leverage the “power of one.” A single person, event, conversation, or encounter has the power to impact someone’s life. And by tapping into that power, we can multiply our impact by influencing and inspiring others who then turn around and do the same. Just imagine what we could achieve if our industry were full of passionate, purposeful people! My vision is to make that our reality and our legacy.
I’m profoundly grateful for this opportunity to serve as Chair of the HFMA Board of Directors, and I look forward to further exploring these and other ideas and issues with you over the next 12 months. In the meantime, I hope you’ll take some time to think about your own story. What motivates you, and what kind of mark do you want to make? Answering such questions can put you on the path to your own “sweet spot.”