When John Goodman entered the Exodus 90 challenge, he committed to growing in discipline and love with God, his wife and his children. For three months before Easter, he gave up television, social media and hot showers, and he committed 60 minutes a day to prayer, seeking to focus on family and faith. And he wasn’t disappointed.
Exodus 90, a men’s group John started, emphasizes three components: faith, asceticism (disciplines), and fraternity. Amid these nuanced components, what really differentiates this group from others is faith. “We are holding each other accountable,” John says, “to be a rock and a servant to our households, our communities and our parishes.” Accountability is essential for success.
John, executive commercial lines client advisor at Gallagher, learned the meaning of grit, determination, attitude, persistence and toughness during his 2008-2012 stint on the Notre Dame football team. Originally from Ft. Wayne, he moved to Indianapolis in 2014 and appreciates how Indianapolis sets itself apart from other cities. “You have a lot of people who work well together in this city,” he said. “People who care, have principles and values, want what’s better for their communities, and strive to make it happen.”
The way forward, he believes is finding common ground built on solid relationships. “People making it happen, working together,” he said.
Weekly John begins his Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 a.m. working out with a small group of friends. “In that hour we spend together, we talk about faith, we talk about sports, it’s our kids, our wives. It’s things that matter,” he said. As a male figure in his household, he believes God has positioned him to be a steward and a catalyst of faith, vulnerability and transparency with others. “You gain really deep-rooted,
real, trustworthy, honest relationships based on integrity and virtue,” he said. It’s all based on faith in a God who is real.
John has been married to his wife Lauren for nine years and has three “wonderful babies.” Avery is 6, Addie is 4, and Patrick was born last September. Though he has his hands full, he would have it no other way. Having a family is the most fulfilling part of his life, and his favorite thing to do is to hang out with his family and the kids in the neighborhood or snuggle on the couch and watch a movie with his wife and
kids.
As a member of the family-oriented Gallagher team, John appreciates the authenticity and synergy of the company. His prayerful attitude during a merger and transition last year allowed him to mesh with the model and culture of the company. “It’s funny how really good things start to happen when not only you, but others also are just saying prayers and carving out and devoting time and energy and truth and
honesty to God,” he said. “Lauren and I talk about this every day. We’re blessed to have what we have.”
John believes gratitude is a key to life. “If you’re ever going to ask for something from God,” he said, make sure you’re going to be giving something back. I think that’s just the way the world works best.”
Since he decided to “rip the band aid off” of lukewarm living three years ago and commit to honesty, vulnerability, and a faith that has pivoted his life, he has come to understand even more the value of relationship and giving without expecting anything in return.
Becoming a part of Citizen 7 has enabled John to meet many good men and accountability partners. Though his family commitment hasn’t allowed him to be as involved over the past year, he believes “once you’ve become a part of the group, you’re always in it.” When he met Greg Enas, he loved the fluid, transparent relationship. “I can’t say enough about Greg and I thank him for keeping me involved,” he
said. “Come back when you’re ready; you’re always welcome,” is the message Greg sends, a key to building a community of faith filled leaders.
When John committed to his first 90-day challenge to build his faith and become more dedicated to his family, Lauren was a little disappointed that they couldn’t watch their favorite TV shows together and was afraid John wasn’t being himself. “As much as my wife hated me for a while,” he said, “90 days later, our relationship was better that it had been the prior nine years.” When we take the “ancillaries” out of our lives and place our focus on family and faith, we prioritize what matters most.
“It’s funny how that happens,” John said. “Business will happen. Deals will come and go.” Simplifying life as much as possible by “dumbing it down to the two main things, faith and family,” is a mental and a physical shift. His dedication to making these shifts and refocusing his life on what really matters has made all the difference in John Goodman’s life.
Q & A
What do you do for fun? I golf a lot. We love the pool. There’s nothing better than a summer day when you get the kids outside and then all of a sudden you have 12 neighbors at your house, the parents start showing up. and you get a kickball game started.
Favorite go-to restaurant: Chipotle, unless it’s a date night, then Monterey
Favorite vacation spot: Out West. We’ve been to Tucson, Palm Springs, Scottsdale, and San Diego.
What advice will you give to your kids someday? Always, always lean on your faith; family first, no matter what; always, always give and don’t expect anything in return.
