The Final Dance.
Monday night the Kansas Jayhawks defied the odds. They weren’t supposed to be in the championship game to play the mighty Kentucky Wildcats. Everyone picked Kentucky to win, and for good reason – they were more talented, had a deeper bench, and were super athletic.
Along with the rest of Jayhawk Nation, I hoped for a better result. I hoped they wouldn’t dig too big a hole, because I knew they would turn up the pressure in the 2nd half. In the end, it was too big a hole (18 points). They did turn up the pressure, but it just wasn’t enough.
Kentucky took the championship, and Kansas had to be satisfied with a nice run and a 2nd place finish.
I watched some of the post-game wrap-up on CBS and ESPN, and I saw an interview with Kansas coach, Bill Self, that really impressed me.
3 facts about risk.
Self made 3 statements about his team. He spoke about his players, but it applies to anyone attempting to do something of significance – win a basketball championship, build a business, create great art, help others, be a better parent or spouse – fill in your own blank.
1. Be tough.
“They’re tough. They’re tough…”
If you want to be special or do something special, you MUST be tough. You will be knocked down. You will get behind. You will be disappointed.
When you’re tough you get back up, you don’t let up, you keep moving forward.
The founders of The Invisible Children organization (KONY 2012) had a dream to reach the world about the atrocities of Joseph Kony. They hoped to reach 500,000 people with their video by the end of 2012 – they reached over 100 million in a matter of days!
But not without pain. There have been accusations of financial improprieties. One of the founder was arrested for public drunkenness.
Invisible Children must be tough if they are to see their dream become reality. They can’t quit, back down or let up.
2. Care = Hurt.
“When you care so much, it’s supposed to hurt.”
The Jayhawks cared about winning Monday’s game. That they weren’t supposed to win meant nothing. They still wanted to win.
You’ve seen the stats I’m sure. 50% or more of small businesses fail in the first 5 years – nearly 70% will be gone in 10 years. We know the facts, but it doesn’t make it any easier when we become the statistic.
You hurt because you care. You don’t do anything of meaning without caring first.
3. Get out there.
“When you put yourself out there, sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way you want it to. But you can’t get here unless you care.”
It starts with caring, but it continues with putting yourself in the position to succeed (or fail). It comes back to risk…my 2012 Word for the Year.
I’m learning to put myself out there, and I need to continue. What about you? Are you taking risks? Putting yourself in a position to fail OR win big?
It’s time.
I recently read the story in the Bible of David versus Goliath. David truly has no business fighting a 9 foot tall giant, but he does. It was time to put himself in a position to win or fail big.
Monday night, I watched the above Powerade commercial which tells the David and Goliath story in basketball terms. We don’t see the outcome of the game (“David” could get slaughtered) just the pre-game speech from the coach. He ends with these words:
“I am proud to be here with you tonight.”
I’m not your coach, but I consider myself your friend.
Friend, it’s time. It’s time for you and me to step out, take some risks, and win or fail big. No matter the outcome, I’ll be proud. I’ll be proud you take the chance. I’ll be proud to be there with you.
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