“I’ll prepare my best, and perhaps I’ll get my chance.” –John Wooden
If that’s the best he could do, who the heck am I?
He used to spend thirty minutes at the beginning of each season instructing his team on the proper way to put on their socks. He did this to help his players avoid getting blisters which would adversely affect their play.
Then I read the acknowledgement section in Shelby Foote’s opus, The Civil War, A Narrative. In it he talks about how the work on his finished product took twenty years to complete. And I haven’t been discovered yet?
“You must be a natural,” they said. Where were they when I was outside every night swinging my weighted golf club in an effort to get better?
“You’re so lucky to be a teacher, doing what you want to do.” Yeah. I remember well the day I got the call. “We heard you’re a really great guy. Would you be good enough to come work in our school.” No problem. I was just sitting around awaiting your call.
“A real overnight success.” Heard that one too. Unfortunately, far too many folks think that withdrawals can be made prior to making deposits. “Run hard and a little scared with your head down. I’ll tell you when you can look up. And then I’ll show you the life you’ve created for yourself.”
“If people knew how hard I worked, they wouldn’t think I was a genius.” –Michelangelo. Simple. Not easy. He was a natural, right? (I start every year with this quote written on the board).
We all hear these and more. Yet so few of us heed the call. Why? Got news for you. It’s hard. It’s long. It can be lonely too. Things of value have costs, however. We don’t accept credit cards. Sorry.
And I’ll end the year with, “All can. Some will. Most won’t. Which group will you be in?”
I’ll look forward to all the cliche ridden comments from those out there who know how to talk the talk. A challenge? Yeah. All up in your grill too.
