Check out what I'm talking about on Youtube:
http://youtu.be/44T6FYdLcLc
I had previously just started tweeting and getting into social media (I'm a late adopter - sorry). I remember that night that Twitter world was blowing up! (that means that a lot of people were busy sending tweets.) "Ray Allen is amazing" "Ray Allen is my hero" "Thank the Lord for Ray Allen". That night, basketball fans were reminded of how valuable and clutch this quiet, veteran player was to the Miami Heat franchise. The Miami Heat, led by LeBron James and Dwayne Wade went on to make history and beat the titan team, San Antonio Spurs. Can you tell I'm excited? It's like it just happened yesterday :)
This year's 2013 NBA Finals re-ingnited my love for the game of basketball. I started going on Youtube to watch older games and came across some videos of Ray Allen training. I noticed how Ray was repeating the same drills over and over again. Ray and his trainer even talked about how they know that Ray's sweet spot is behind the 3 point line. So, they spend most of their time perfecting that particular shot. Not only does Ray Allen work on his shooting technique, he practices drills on moving without the ball. Ray works on foot work and on directional patterns on the court. He practices moving off of a screen from another player. His one objective is to find the most efficient way to get the ball in his hands behind the 3 point line so he can quickly release the ball to score. Interestingly, he does NOT work on a lot of OTHER basketball skills. He ONLY rehearses the few skills that he will use in games.
Something clicked inside of me -
I would begin to train myself in two or three moves on the basketball court, and not worry about trying to do many moves. As I've grown older, I can't keep up with the younger guys I play with in games. So why try?
The next day, I went to the basketball court and started to figure out what moves I am better at, what comes natural to me. (yes, at 40 yrs. old, I still have a little ball left in me.)
I started practicing dribbling drills and footwork drills. I rehearsed them over and over, but with each repetition, I analyzed myself to see how I could improve. I also used the drills to build up strength and endurance, so I could play longer, jump high, move faster. I made a decision that in future games, I would position myself in my "hot zones" on the court and would only score using my three skill-shots. (I won't tell you what they are, in case one day I happen to be playing against you. I know my brother, Sam is reading my blog :))
Let's apply this lesson to our lives.
Wisdom coupled with experience shows us the power of focus. We can accomplish more and get it done more efficiently. Look at these thoughts:
Know Yourself
The Greek Philosopher, Socrates is known for teaching the concept, "Know Thyself." I love that. Be honest with yourself about what you are, and what you are not.
You can do great things, but you cannot do everything.
The sooner you can realize the gifts that you do not possess, the quicker you can fully embrace the gifts you Do possess. In my career of music, I met many people who thought they could sing. I was forced to sit and listen to many bad auditions. Though I would kindly sit through the entire audition, I could tell within the first 3 seconds if they had the gift - truthfully. After the long and painful audition was over, I had to carefully explain that there was not a spot on the vocal team for them, but that they did, in fact have a beautiful gift - they just have to discover it. If you are clueless to what your gift is, start asking some honest questions of people around you. If you really want to know the truth, you may have to give your friends permission to be honest with you - tell them that you appreciate them trying to help. Prepare yourself for some pain (the truth hurts). Then, open up your mind to some new concepts that you've never considered about yourself. When you begin to discover the uniqueness and beauty within you, you will experience an incredible freedom!
Know What You Want
Do you really know what you want? If you got what you think you want, would you be satisfied? I love the saying,
Be careful what you wish for; it might come true.
Are you pursuing something just to impress others? Are you pursuing something out of a sense of fear? Why not re-visit your core values, and from there, identify what it is that you truly want. Shoot for that. Let go of other pursuits. Get busy pursuing your gifts today:
Do you enjoy golf? then play more golf.
Do you enjoy quiet? create a secret place just for you where you can escape.
Do you enjoy guns? go shoot some guns. (that's what my son wants to do - he's just not old enough yet. :)
Sharpen The Tool
Practice what Ray Allen practices. Start training in your gift. You may think that because you are gifted at something, that you should rather spend more time working on your weaknesses. I would say:
Be Aware of Your Weaknesses
Sharpen Your Skills
Ray Allen is known as a 3 point shooter. I've heard commentators give him nick names like "Sharp Shooter" or "Assassin." Ray has developed a reputation in the league as a specialist. Ray makes it looks easy, but watching a few Youtube videos of his training shows me the hours of commitment and work he has invested to develop his gift. Dr. K. Andres Ericcson states that it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice for someone to master a skill. Ready to begin? :)
Like the NBA Star, Ray Allen, we all have greatness in us - potential that is waiting to be developed. It's different for everyone. And, every once in a while the clock will be winding down in the 4th quarter of our game. The Point Guard is looking to pass the ball to you for the all-important final shot.
Are you ready to use your unique gift to send the game into overtime?
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