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Purpose NIL — Purpose Is the Power You Carry
Purpose NIL — Purpose Is the Power You Carry
Welcome to Purpose NIL, hosted by James M. Rink, where leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven individuals learn how to align their work, life, and calling through purpose.
In this powerful episode, James introduces a simple but transformational truth:
The feelings you love to feel are the feelings you are called to give to others.
This idea forms the foundation of the Purpose NIL Formula:
Feelings + Action + People = Purpose
Purpose is not something you discover someday in the future—it’s something you live daily. Through personal reflection, real-life stories, and inspiring athlete interviews, this episode shows how purpose becomes a compass during seasons of exhaustion, uncertainty, and noise.
A Personal Reflection on Purpose
James opens the episode by sharing a vulnerable moment from his own life—feeling overwhelmed by work, family responsibilities, and unanswered questions. Instead of withdrawing, he intentionally steps into his purpose by encouraging others. That decision doesn’t change external circumstances, but it transforms everything internally—bringing clarity, peace, and renewed energy.
Purpose, as James explains, turns obstacles into stepping stones and makes work meaningful again.
Athlete Stories: Purpose in Action
You’ll hear from two standout University of Oklahoma student-athletes who demonstrate how purpose shows up through relationships, leadership, and resilience.
John Locke – Oklahoma Football
John reflects on the people who loved him into becoming the man he is today—especially his parents. He shares powerful stories about his father’s sacrifices during the recruiting process and his mother’s unwavering support during the uncertainty of the transfer portal. Through these experiences, John identifies the core feelings he received—love, security, gratitude, inspiration—and how those same feelings now define his purpose and NIL brand.
James connects John’s story directly to Purpose NIL, showing how athletes can authentically align those core feelings with brands, leadership, and long-term impact.
Zya Vann – Oklahoma Women’s Basketball
Zya walks through a deeply moving exercise identifying the people who shaped her life—her mother, father, and grandfather. She reflects on moments of emotional struggle, faith, encouragement, and loss, especially honoring her grandfather’s recent passing. Through this process, Zya names the feelings she received—love, joy, peace, compassion, hope—and how those feelings now define who she is both on and off the court.
Her story beautifully illustrates how purpose is passed down through love and how honoring those who shaped us empowers us to live with intention.
Purpose Beyond Sports
This episode reinforces that Purpose NIL is not just for athletes. The same principles apply to business leaders, professionals, and anyone seeking clarity and fulfillment. When people understand who they are and why they do what they do, confidence increases, decisions sharpen, and opportunities align naturally.
You’ll also hear from members of the Purpose community who share how discovering their purpose helped them move through burnout, regain self-worth, and create meaningful impact in their relationships and careers.
Living Purpose as a Lifestyle
James closes the episode with a heartfelt personal story celebrating his mother’s 87th birthday—a moment that perfectly reflects his own purpose: to communicate hope, help people, and create happiness. It’s a reminder that purpose isn’t about achievement—it’s about creating moments that matter.
Take the Next Step
Living your purpose isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifestyle.
Make it your commitment today.
James M. Rink recorded in Nashville, TN
John Locke recorded in Norman, OK
Zya Vann recorded in Norman, OK
PNIL 016
View all episodes
By James M. RinkPurpose NIL — Purpose Is the Power You Carry
Welcome to Purpose NIL, hosted by James M. Rink, where leaders, athletes, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven individuals learn how to align their work, life, and calling through purpose.
In this powerful episode, James introduces a simple but transformational truth:
The feelings you love to feel are the feelings you are called to give to others.
This idea forms the foundation of the Purpose NIL Formula:
Feelings + Action + People = Purpose
Purpose is not something you discover someday in the future—it’s something you live daily. Through personal reflection, real-life stories, and inspiring athlete interviews, this episode shows how purpose becomes a compass during seasons of exhaustion, uncertainty, and noise.
A Personal Reflection on Purpose
James opens the episode by sharing a vulnerable moment from his own life—feeling overwhelmed by work, family responsibilities, and unanswered questions. Instead of withdrawing, he intentionally steps into his purpose by encouraging others. That decision doesn’t change external circumstances, but it transforms everything internally—bringing clarity, peace, and renewed energy.
Purpose, as James explains, turns obstacles into stepping stones and makes work meaningful again.
Athlete Stories: Purpose in Action
You’ll hear from two standout University of Oklahoma student-athletes who demonstrate how purpose shows up through relationships, leadership, and resilience.
John Locke – Oklahoma Football
John reflects on the people who loved him into becoming the man he is today—especially his parents. He shares powerful stories about his father’s sacrifices during the recruiting process and his mother’s unwavering support during the uncertainty of the transfer portal. Through these experiences, John identifies the core feelings he received—love, security, gratitude, inspiration—and how those same feelings now define his purpose and NIL brand.
James connects John’s story directly to Purpose NIL, showing how athletes can authentically align those core feelings with brands, leadership, and long-term impact.
Zya Vann – Oklahoma Women’s Basketball
Zya walks through a deeply moving exercise identifying the people who shaped her life—her mother, father, and grandfather. She reflects on moments of emotional struggle, faith, encouragement, and loss, especially honoring her grandfather’s recent passing. Through this process, Zya names the feelings she received—love, joy, peace, compassion, hope—and how those feelings now define who she is both on and off the court.
Her story beautifully illustrates how purpose is passed down through love and how honoring those who shaped us empowers us to live with intention.
Purpose Beyond Sports
This episode reinforces that Purpose NIL is not just for athletes. The same principles apply to business leaders, professionals, and anyone seeking clarity and fulfillment. When people understand who they are and why they do what they do, confidence increases, decisions sharpen, and opportunities align naturally.
You’ll also hear from members of the Purpose community who share how discovering their purpose helped them move through burnout, regain self-worth, and create meaningful impact in their relationships and careers.
Living Purpose as a Lifestyle
James closes the episode with a heartfelt personal story celebrating his mother’s 87th birthday—a moment that perfectly reflects his own purpose: to communicate hope, help people, and create happiness. It’s a reminder that purpose isn’t about achievement—it’s about creating moments that matter.
Take the Next Step
Living your purpose isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifestyle.
Make it your commitment today.
James M. Rink recorded in Nashville, TN
John Locke recorded in Norman, OK
Zya Vann recorded in Norman, OK
PNIL 016