Harvest, sports and contemplation: October feels so good

This time of the year the Midwest is filled with scenes of the harvest. Driving through rural Wisconsin, we passed fields buzzing with combines harvesting soybeans and corn. Seeing farmers out harvesting is a powerful reminder of the amazing machinery and people that keep our communities running. Thanks to all of you who help our farmers get access to this critical equipment.

And of course, this month brings a cornucopia of sports. October is synonymous with the World Series, both NFL and NCAA football move into high gear (yea Game Day!), NCAA basketball starts its journey to March Madness, and NHL pucks start dropping. The real-world drama and competitive spirit of sports is something we look forward to watching every October night in our family.  

Then there are the colors of autumn. The leaves trigger another part of every October – contemplation. How did this simple trail become so beautiful?  Why are the oaks redder than the maples this year? Why do some leaves turn yellow, some turn red, and what makes one year more colorful than another? Is this week going to be peak week?

The fall season also brings contemplation at work as companies start preparing for the next year. It’s a month of review, analysis and strategy. Hockey Hall of Famer Jim Craig talked strategy this year at NEFA. As a member of the team who many think accomplished the greatest victory ever in sports, he had a lot to say about playing to win. He talked about how the 1980 Olympic gold medal hockey team developed a mindset and culture singularly focused on each player being their best and winning. Craig spoke bluntly – “If you aren’t winning consistently, you aren’t your best yet.” This time of year is dedicated to strategy, and strategy is figuring out how to be your best, compete and win consistently. There is much to contemplate.

Enjoy the season. Celebrate the harvest with family. Watch a few sporting events – enjoy the performances of the best athletes in the world. Venture out to enjoy and wonder about fall leaf colors and spend some time thinking. Contemplate the why and how you are going to be your best and win.