Photo by Olenka Sergienko from Pexels — Photo by **Olenka Sergienko** from **Pexels**

While working from home, I have had a chance of catching up on some TV to help pass the time. One of the programs that I recently watched was ESPN’s 30 For 30 on Michael Jordan “The Last Dance.” While I’m not a basketball fan, I did want to learn more about what made Michael Jordan tick as a person and as a player.

Want To Win

About 50:42 into episode 7, Michael Jordan said something that caught my attention,

“I wanted to win, but I wanted them to win and be a part of that as well.”

I felt that there is much to unpack. First, someone with a passing familiarity with Michael Jordan (MJ) would probably know that he was driven to win and to succeed. Anytime that he gambled on the team plane or participated in a minor game of chance, MJ didn’t like to lose and wanted to walk out with the other person’s money. The way that he gambled paralleled what he did on the basketball court.

In addition, one of the best ways to motivate him was to challenge him by saying that he couldn’t do something. As a youth, when he was in some trouble, his father threatened to take sports away and he straightened up quickly. Thank goodness for us that he did!

Second, from what I understood, there were at least two phases of MJ’s playing career. There was the earliest part, where he was outplaying and outscoring everybody, while putting up mind-boggling numbers. However, those numbers didn’t bring him winning championships. He couldn’t help but be compared to his predecessors, who were amazing players AND won championships. This bugged MJ and he started to transition from standalone star to winning with his team.

So, in reviewing the quote, he had the will to win, but to win championships, his teammates had to want it, too. EVERYONE had to want IT. From what I understood, he might not have been a “nice guy,” but he and his team achieved considerable results.

I Want It BAD

There are a handful of times that I wanted something BAD. One dealt with starting at the call center, as a temp. I had a great team leader, who helped me develop strong communication fundamentals. To “convert” me into a full employee, my Team Leader worked to get me to where she thought I was ready. I remember that my temp contract was for six months and was concerned about its end. My Team Leader told me that I could take as much time as I needed to get things right. I wouldn’t be out of a job. With that statement, I knew that I could dive 100% into my absolute goal of conversion.

It took me THREE MONTHS. When I had a few opportunities later to mentor junior team members, I invited them to ask my previous Team Leader to tell them my story to show how my skill didn’t come easy and to how improvement was very achievable.

In “What Music Means To Me: Part II,” I wrote about how much music means to me. During those three long months, I had a playlist that I created that I would listen to and from work. I used that carefully crafted list for fuel. At work, we have a saying, “The inches we need are everywhere around us.” This situation was certainly no exception. I took any feedback and used it to incrementally, consistently improve my performance.

With each monthly performance review, I inched closer, but my Team Leader told me that I wasn’t there yet. However, she saw that I took the feedback and acted on it. I can’t speak for her, but I am sure that she could see the hunger and fire in my eyes. Each monthly performance review concluded with a mini-plan to carry me into the next meeting.

I wish that I could tell you exactly what happened at the monthly performance review, when I received the news. I remember being antsy to get to the moment, where she gave me the final verdict. All that I remember her telling me is that I FINALLY was converted. I forgot if I told her or if she noticed that I teared up, when she told me. Truthfully, getting converted, as a life event, is up there with getting married and my son being born.

Just Do IT

Just the other day, I read an interesting Medium post, “Friedrich Nietzsche: 2 Principles For Becoming Who You Are,” Thomas Oopong mentioned a quote from Nietzche’s work, “The Gay Science,”

“The poison which destroys the weaker nature strengthens the stronger — and he does not call it poison, either.”

I think that this quote reminds us that we shouldn’t shrink away from adversity. I can understand that there are those aiming for maximum “security” and maintaining their status quo. They might be afraid to “lose” what they have. However, what’s to say that what they’re barely holding onto what they have? Also, what’s to say that by going for something else that the payoff would not only be larger and your hold on it would be stronger?

As I have written in countless posts including “I’m In It (With You),” the things that I write about aren’t just advice to you, but, also, for myself. I am “happy” with most of the things in my life. My basic needs are addressed. I am blessed not too have many large concerns. Are there things that I’m working on changing? Most definitely. Are there “big” things that I haven’t done yet? Again, most definitely. However, I have one pass at this thing called life and want to do my best at it for myself and for my family, too. I have this hope for you, as well.

As I wrote in the anecdote about being converted, music is a HUGE presence in my life. There have been many times in my life, when I have hesitated or was unsure of myself. One of the songs that has been my go-to was “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. The story of struggle capture in its lyrics is so clear and has spoken to me, during challenging periods or moments.

If you need it, I’d like to share some of its words with you.

“Look
If you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted
One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?….

He's so mad, but he won't give up that easy, no
He won't have it, he knows his whole back's to these ropes
It don't matter, he's dope…

You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime…

I cannot grow old in Salem's lot
So here I go it's my shot
Feet, fail me not, this may be the only opportunity that I got…”

GO AHEAD AND TAKE YOUR SHOT FOR THAT OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU GOT.

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