OU’s John Locke and James M. Rink share how purpose, values, and discipline empower athletes’ lives.

In this episode of Purpose NIL, host James M. Rink and guest University of Oklahoma Football’s John Locke discuss the importance of defining one's purpose and how it can empower athletes in their personal and professional lives. They explore the process of creating a personal purpose plan, identifying core values, setting goals, and the significance of living one's purpose in action. John shares his experiences and insights as he prepares for his upcoming college internship and football season, emphasizing the need for discipline and the importance of pruning distractions to focus on quality outcomes. Takeaways • Purpose is essential for athletes to define their personal brand. • Living your purpose requires action and discipline. • Values play a crucial role in building trust with brands. • Creating a personal purpose plan helps in aligning goals with actions. • Missions are seasonal and should reflect current opportunities. • Setting specific goals is vital for achieving success in any mission. • Pruning distractions is necessary for focusing on quality outcomes. • Continuous learning and adaptation are key to personal growth. • Social media presence can enhance an athlete's NIL opportunities. • Regularly updating your personal purpose plan is important for staying aligned with your goals. Sound Bites • "Values are essential in your NIL." JMR • "I want to Maximize my platform." John Locke • "Goals are a dream with a deadline." JMR Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Purpose NIL and Personal Branding 01:56 Defining Purpose Statements and Their Importance 03:39 Living Your Purpose: Intentional Acts and Community Impact 06:00 Values and Their Role in Personal Development 08:04 Creating a Personal Purpose Plan 08:53 Identifying Missions and Goals 10:12 NIL Opportunities and Building a Personal Brand 13:25 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations Recorded on April 25, 2025 John Locke in Norman, OK James M. Rink in Nashville, TN PNIL 007