A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives – Jackie Robinson
Baskets for Nets
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry is known for his scoring prowess, especially behind the 3-point line. You feel it will go in whenever he shoots from anywhere on the court. When Curry found out the high death rate (one child dies every two minutes) caused by malaria and that mosquito nets treated with insecticides were necessary to curb this deadly but preventable devastation on life, he teamed up with a United Nations campaign called, Nothing But Nets. Curry applied his scoring abilities to bring awareness to this campaign and contribute towards life-saving mosquito nets. Curry’s impact was felt off the court because he served a greater cause. If we are to live significant lives that go beyond ourselves by making an impact on others, consider these three essentials.
Have an End Game
When Phil Knight started Nike, his goal was not to be a big-name brand or to make millions, but as a former track athlete, he wanted to improve runners’ shoes. What or who does your ultimate goal serve? Is it plugged into something greater than yourself? When you find a way to attach what you do to a cause bigger than you, love, perseverance, confidence, contentment, and relationships will also be attracted to your life.
Play the Long Game
I watched a video from Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, where he rehashes how he started the online behemoth. He recounts leaving a good-paying job and using an interesting metric by which he measured the importance of taking the leap; regret. He looked ahead to his 80-year-old self and wondered if not starting what is now one of the most successful organizations would be his greatest regret. Playing the long game at what matters is one of the best decisions you could ever make, no matter how long it takes. It is better to try and fail at what matters than to succeed at what doesn’t. Look as far ahead as you can and ask yourself, “Will I be content with my decision today or the action I take five to ten years down the line?”
It is better to try and fail at what matters than to succeed at what doesn’t.
Master the Short Game
In golf, everyone wants to hit the hole-in-one from a distance. But if you talk with the pros they will tell you that the game is won at the short game (50 yards or less). This is where the pros spend their time practicing. The short game requires creativity, imagination, innovation, intention, precision, and discipline. Traits that come from a commitment to the process. These traits are key to winning in everyday life as you play the long game. Mastering the short game is about your daily practices. It is who you are becoming to have a greater reach and impact on the outside. These practices begin much like concrete, which, when poured, is shifty, fragile, and soft. But as it remains in place and cures, it becomes strong and is the foundation for a house for a long time.
Final Thought: A greater cause is always close by if you become aware and willing to reach for it. It will be inconvenient and may require adjustments on your part but life is lived with greater satisfaction when you know what you are doing serves a greater cause than yourself. Have an end game, play the long game, and master the short game.
Keep on Keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 