As a Knicks diehard fan, I cringed at the idea of ESPN producing a documentary (ironically for this post, called 30 for 30) about our wars with Reggie Miller. That was a crazy time in the history of the league, and those Pacers-Knicks rivalries gave us some of the most classic playoff games ever. The documentary was awesome, but what spoke to me was the title: Winning Time. In the documentary, it eluded to the final seconds of a game. When the decision of the game is hanging in the balance, that is the moment that calls for someone to step up, take ownership of the moment, and deliver. Needless to say, Reginald (I hate calling him by his proper name, sue me) did this early and often, and many times against the Knicks. The title intrigued me because I think Winning Time applies to every aspect of life, aside from competition.
Life is a collection of experiences. We go through our daily motions and find challenges in different situations. It is in these situations, where we show our true makeup and decide whether we will succeed or falter. The great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best:
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
This time of challenge and controversy is Winning Time. When I was fed up with my employment situation and wanted to make a change, I was challenged. The choices were simple. I could accept my situation and try to make the best of what I have, or I could change my situation by actively seeking new employment. The job hunting process is not as simple as most people want you to believe. I looked for work while having a job, so Lord knows I feel for those who are unemployed and looking for work. I should say that if you want to maximize your opportunity to get a new job, the road will be that much more difficult. You have to tighten your resume, spruce up your LinkedIn page (if you aren’t on LinkedIn you NEED to make it happen), work on your interview skills, etc. You have to ensure that you are presentable and knowledgeable about the job which you want to attain. You also have to actively search for jobs too. It was arduous to type that out, but it’s even tougher to complete all the tasks I mentioned to the highest level possible. You might think this is all too much and not worth the effort. At that moment comes the realization that this is Winning Time. Are you going to upgrade your career or settle for mediocrity? Are you going to let a few rejection letters stop you applying to 20 more jobs, going on 20 more interviews, and grinding twice as hard for work? Are you going to use your previous experiences to your advantage, or reflect on your failures like a detriment? The way you answer these questions and face the challenges determines if you own Winning Time, or you’re just a spectator.
When I wanted to lose weight and get in better shape, it was the same situations. I look at people with physiques I admire, and I consider them masters of the fitness Winning Time. I want to get to that level and I’m determined to do so. Do I let setbacks, cravings, and stress deter me? At times, I’m human. My desire to own Winning Time and achieve my goals will always trump and self-doubt and the rewards are endless.
Winning Time is a state of mind. The mind is one of the most powerful things on this Earth. How you utilize it can determine your success level and general confidence. Time waits for no man and Winning Time will either move with you, or look to move with those who know better. Life happens. Challenges get more difficult. We all lose at times in our lives, but we never want to say that in a defeat we folded under the pressure. The desire to conquer and master Winning Time has helped me keep things in perspective. I don’t want to miss goals. I don’t want to make excuses every time I miss. I want to analyze, learn from my mistakes, and prosper. I want to be the Reggie Miller, The Jordan, The Mannings, and The Jeters of Winning Time and reap the rewards of self-belief and determination.
Let’s all win with effort.
The Winner Within,
Streetz aka Monty Carlo
It really is Winning Time!! This reminds me of the message at church this morning.
It was along a similar line, speaking about the God given power within us. Sometimes, the mediocre feels so good and the pain of stretching keeps us in the same place. It reminds of a line from “Girl with a dragon tattoo”, the rapist/murder says “It’s funny how the fear of offending is greater than the fear of pain. You knew something was wrong….etc”. It goes back to a previous post where you said- our loyalty should be to our career, not to our employers, and in these difficult times most people are just grateful to have any kind of job. They dont want to seem ungrateful by even thinking of leaving-regardless of their dissatisfaction. I know people in my office that have been working as filing clerks/ messengers for 30 years- in the same company and same position. I dont dare look down on them, because they are from a different era; a time with few options, but it encourages me to make moves NOW, before the fear of offending comes over me.
Congrats on the commitment to the 30 in 30! The posts are usually entertaining and thought provoking! I have to keep myself from commenting everyday!! lol.. #kudos
usually?! U takin shots at me?! lmaoooo
Thanks Tey! Its appreciated!
You just took us to chuuuuurch today!
Can someone please pass the collection plate? Lol
This was all types of motivating. I’m with this movement.
Thanks!
This was a great read and came in at the right time as I’m trying to stay motivated on somethng right now. Thanks for this
Thanks Funms!!! Glad it helped!