Beyond the Bank

It’s easy to feel stuck in the monotony of routine. Experts often recommend building habits and structure—but what happens when your daily routine becomes too comfortable? Do you feel stagnant or lack motivation at home or work? Are the usual tasks—getting up, heading to work, managing afterschool activities, winding down with Netflix—starting to feel unfulfilling?

That’s where I found myself this past year.

Despite having a beautiful family, a loving wife, and a fulfilling career at Fidelity Bank as Director of Community Partners, I felt like I was missing something. I was grateful—but also craving more opportunities for learning, growth, and adventure.

The Challenge That Sparked Change

I remember the exact moment something shifted. My wife Ashley made a surprising offer: if I completed an Ironman Distance Triathlon, I could earn a tattoo. For context, she’s always been anti-tattoo—as has much of my family, especially my dad. But that challenge sparked something in me.

What kind of tattoo would be meaningful enough to wear for the rest of my life? And more importantly, was I really ready to train for a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon?

At the time, I wasn’t an athlete. I didn’t exercise regularly. But something about this challenge inspired me to break free from my comfortable routine and embrace something extraordinary. Looking back, I knew I would regret it if I didn’t step up to this risk or try something new.

This became my Big Crazy Goal (BCG)—a goal so ambitious and out of character that it couldn’t help but shake things up. And once I said it out loud, it became real.

Finding Strength in Community

I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I needed support. So I found a community—and a coach.  I highly recommend finding a community of like-minded people who can share advice, encouragement, and camaraderie as you start any new adventure at home or at work.  Jeff Nicosia, an experienced Ironman athlete and coach, helped me understand what I was getting into. Our first conversation in October 2023 opened my eyes to the rigorous training plan ahead that would test my family and my limits.

I was also fortunate to have several supportive coworkers at Fidelity Bank who trained with me on weekends. That camaraderie made a huge difference. We grew closer—not just as colleagues, but as friends.

I realized this journey would not just be about earning a tattoo; it would be about setting an example for my children (ages 12 and 14), showing them that anything is possible when you step outside your comfort zone.

Life and Career Lessons from Ironman Training

Training for an Ironman isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a metaphor for life. I learned to embrace the sacrifices required to achieve my goals. Yes, there were moments of discomfort and embarrassment —like slipping into skin-tight racing gear or navigating the overwhelming world of cycling equipment. But each challenge was a steppingstone toward transformation. There were several lessons that became apparent to me that I’ve been able to apply to my career at Fidelity Bank:

1. Goal Setting

Set and pursue meaningful goals. Break them into manageable steps. I’ve become more intentional about setting goals at work and finding fulfillment in achieving them.

2. Commit Fully

If you’re going to do something, be all in. Whether meeting with a client or spending time with family, I’ve learned to be fully present in the moment.

3. Overcome Obstacles

Every part of Ironman training presented a challenge—from early workouts to race-day nerves. Like my work life, any training I can receive increases my ability to navigate obstacles and adapt.

4. Master Time Management

Balancing work, family, and training forced me to improve how I use my time. Prioritizing and planning has made me a more effective leader.

5. Embrace Failure and Celebrate Wins

You won’t always succeed on the first try. Whether it’s a missed workout or a tough project at work, failure is part of the journey. But that failure can be a stepping stone to success. Completing an Ironman is a significant accomplishment that deserves celebration. At work and home, it’s crucial to recognize failures and celebrate milestones. Both deserve attention.

More Than a Race

My training taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of embracing both the challenges and triumphs that I can now apply to my work life at Fidelity Bank as Director of Community Partners. While finishing the race was the ultimate goal, the training journey itself is where my profound experiences, lessons, and growth occurred.

This experience wasn’t just about crossing a finish line. It was about reigniting my passion for life—at home and at Fidelity Bank. It was about inspiring my family to dream bigger, reach higher, and embrace the “extraordinary” in their lives.

The tattoo? I earned it. But more importantly, I earned a new outlook.

If you feel stuck, it’s never too late to change. A midlife transformation is possible. Take a leap. Challenge yourself. Chase your own Big Crazy Goal. Embrace discomfort. You have the power to create a life filled with excitement and fulfillment.

The journey may be tough—but the rewards are immeasurable.