In American subculture, the “jock” is considered a derogatory term for sports fanatic. When people utter the word, the image of an arrogant bully often comes to mind. We (Julian, Oliver, Chris, and Crisanto) are far from this definition of a “jock.” In fact, the closest any of us came to sports stardom was seventh grade kickball.
However, as JOCCs, we do share one main commonality with our sports-loving counterparts: we are both athletes. And though we may not wear Letterman jackets or date hordes of cheerleaders, we certainly train vigorously to win. The game we “play” has no painted sidelines, no penalty kicks, and no shot-clocks. It begins, simply, with you and an empty court. No cheering sections, no VIP booths, and no popcorn nor hot dogs. The lines? You draw them. The rules? You make them. The teammates? You choose them. The name of this game? Life.
As JOCCs, we are “Athletes of Life.”
“JOCC”
However, as JOCCs, we do share one main commonality with our sports-loving counterparts: we are both athletes. And though we may not wear Letterman jackets or date hordes of cheerleaders, we certainly train vigorously to win. The game we “play” has no painted sidelines, no penalty kicks, and no shot-clocks. It begins, simply, with you and an empty court. No cheering sections, no VIP booths, and no popcorn nor hot dogs. The lines? You draw them. The rules? You make them. The teammates? You choose them. The name of this game? Life.
As JOCCs, we are “Athletes of Life.”
“JOCC”
Put simply, JOCC is an anagram of its founding members’ first initials (see above). A homonym for jock, the term was initially intended as a wisecrack for the sports junkies we never were. No, seriously. We had a good laugh about it, too.
But after the joke faded, we realized something: our version had less to do with high school sports and more with general living. We were a community of four guys committed to following ambitious goals upholding strong ideals. We began shaping the term. We started small—motivations, habits, interests—and moved onto larger concepts—habits, routines, and dreams. What we finally ended up with was a model, a framework for the values which we hope to follow everyday.
A JOCC.
So you’re probably wondering now: what, then, is a JOCC? The best way to describe a JOCC is to explain the principles for which he or she stands.
JOCCs Strive for Personal Excellence.
JOCCs encourage constant growth—within and without. A JOCC is constantly working toward doing his or her best. Take a look at Olympic Gold Medalists. At first glance, they appear to be overnight success stories, displaying unparalleled excellence in their respective sports and claiming spots among the best athletes in history. But take a closer look at their stories and you’ll see this reality: their journeys are never easy. Each Gold Medalist is a product of countless hours spent working-out, pushing themselves beyond their known limits even in the absence of millions of screaming fans. And something the best athletes of life share in common, is the unwavering belief that their best achievements are yet to come.
JOCCs are Strong Believers in Free-Will.
JOCCs believe that choices play a major part in building character and the future. To them, choice is not a static force—it is a dynamic question that requires action. Should I seek this job? Yes/no? Do I approach this beautiful person with intent of romance? Yes/no? How should I go about today’s lunch? (Urgency varies, of course). JOCCs do not leave matters to happenstance—they understand that life is a parchment on which choice is the ink. JOCCs are adaptable and intelligent decision makers.
JOCCs Have an Open Mind and Learn from Others.
Innovation may be the mother of necessity, but research is its father. As such, JOCCs must learn and grow from others’ experiences. The world is overflowing with knowledge, far too much for one person to integrate completely. The public masses credit the Wright Brothers with the birth of flight; but, what of the innovators that created the engines on which their models ran? What of Sir George Cayley, Chanute, Lilienthal, Leonardo da Vinci, Langley—the works of whom inspired the brothers to begin aviation in the first place? What of the birds on which the core concept of “flight” is even based? Did they not invent flight as well? Life is a journey not meant to be traveled alone. And each mind is a unique accumulation of thoughts constantly being shaped and re-shaped by its interactions with others. The result? New experiences. New innovations. New steps forward in human progress.
JOCCs Pursue Happiness.
...because in the end, this is what it’s all about. Happiness. Not counting post-life stages and sleep, the average person has approximately 37,843,200 minutes of existence on this planet and no one (in their right mind) wishes to (purposely) spend even one of those minutes suffering. Happiness is naturally the better choice. Happiness is the best choice. The bottom line is: Happiness is a choice. And JOCCs choose happiness every time regardless of the road on which it lies and the obstacles that may impede.
JOCCs Serve Others.
A JOCC understands that giving is absolutely necessary for personal growth. From food and technology to art and music—these fields have flourished through centuries of exchange. We are no longer nomads—we are citizens of a rapidly changing world; a world where computers bridge continents, where international trade makes friends of ancient enemies, and where it is becoming increasingly impossible to go to work without smiling at a stranger. As much as we like to think we are in this world for ourselves and for our own paychecks, we’re not alone and we can’t be truly selfish. Friends, lovers, parents, charity—we are all living for something and/or for someone. The enlightened JOCC understands that in order for this “global community” to survive and flourish, we must continue to “give back.“ Charities, religious institutions, or our own families—it does not matter. Selflessness breeds a wonderful cycle of giving - something infinitely more rewarding than opening a present on Christmas day.
Of course, any person who champions any noble pursuit can be considered a JOCC. Olympic athletes, artists, firefighters, writers, sculptors, musicians, humanitarians—they are all worthy candidates. The list goes on as do the values they embody.
In Conclusion...
The JOCC Blog is our very own testament to embodying the JOCC within ourselves. Though we differ in our individual goals, we share the common vision to serve others. The JOCC Blog is yet another way we choose to serve – but this time: together. It is our collaborative effort to share with others the helpful insights we gain throughout our life journeys. And it is our hope that these insights will expand your mind to the dimensions of limitless possibilities, dare you to take the next steps towards your ideal future, and unleash the JOCC within you – all for the purpose of helping you create an incredible masterpiece of your life.
A daunting goal… but simple, nonetheless:
You can’t live an incredible life unless you first learn how to live an incredible year.
You can’t live an incredible year unless you first learn how to live an incredible month.
You can’t live an incredible month unless you first learn how to live an incredible week.
And you can’t live an incredible week unless you first learn how to live an incredible day.
You see: The incredible masterpiece of your life starts with today.
As JOCCs, we think big; but we take small steps.
We thank you for taking the time to learn about JOCC today, and we invite you to take your next step, with us.
Sincerely,
Julian, Oliver, Chris, & Crisanto
