Something MJ Said

Last night was bittersweet…

The end of “The Last Dance,” the docu-series by ESPN about the Chicago Bulls was incredible! But I was so sad when it was over. What the heck will we all do with our Sunday nights now?!

But, wedged in episode #9 was a quote that I can’t get out of my head.

The team was in the playoffs, they were at practice, and they were practicing what some would call “trick shots.” Every member of the team had missed their attempt…some badly.

MJ went last and you can’t really hear what one of his teammates said to warrant his response, but he said…

“Why would I think about missing a shot I haven’t taken yet?”

The show didn’t give a second thought to that question. I mean, it is a basketball series after all.

But not me. I can’t get it out of my mind.

How often do I second guess myself before anything happens? How often do I assume the worst before I even get the chance to do it right?

Why is the mental aspect of everything we do so hard?

I’ve been trying to figure out what allows Jordan to say something like that with such ease…

He had confidence that bordered on arrogance at times. He was willing to do anything he had to in order to accomplish his desired outcome. He didn’t care about being liked.

Are those the required qualities in order to be able to make this statement?

I don’t think so…

In episode #10, I believe the answer was revealed to us…

Michael was being described as not the greatest athlete, not the greatest jumper, etc…

Then the answer came out…Michael was FULLY PRESENT.

That ladies & gentlemen is my problem.

I try to determine the outcome before the effort.

I woke up this morning with the commitment to be better. Committed to being more present. Committed to assuming the best-case scenario instead of the worst. Committed to keep moving forward no matter where my mind wanders.

If you’re reading this, you don’t have to be Michael Jordan to believe in your own abilities.

What if, just one time, you didn’t stand yourself up on your commitment? What if you did that video? What if you didn’t go through the drive-thru today? What if you told someone the truth even if pain is involved? What if you started writing that book? What if you chased your dream? What if you apologized to your child for something you did in the past?

What if?!

Today, practice not looking forward. Just be present.

If it was good enough for MJ, I think it’s good enough for me.

Thanks for reading! I hope you are encouraged!