Just striving to be all I can be.
Back in high school, here in college, and (I’m assuming) professionals in the work place often fail to do it. And if they do, then, like me in high school, it may only be for a couple weeks (if that) at a time. But going to college here in New York City, I have no choice if I want to achieve all my goals and aspirations. I have to squeeze the most I can out of every week.
Before I can do that though, I have to make the most out of every day. Doing this takes a combination of
Michael Jordan’s flu game, a significant amount of J.J. Watt’s games, and Isaiah Thomas’ continuing to play after losing a tooth; there’s a reason we praise them. Playing through pain is an admirable quality that we don’t take for granted. In fact, it’s a quality that many seek to attain and grow. But pushing through pain isn’t just limited to sports. In fact, pushing through pain is necessary for one to live their fullest life.
I hate having to decline something. Whether it’s an invitation to a party, a workout, a study session, or anything else, I just don’t like having to pass up on anything. But amidst all the many activities, opportunities, and challenges that accompany life, I’ve come to understand that it’s okay to say “no” to something. Sometimes it may even be necessary.
At some point or another, most everyone does it. We keep putting off that one thing, or things, until the last minute…if we even get to them at all. Typically it happens with work (academic or otherwise), but sometimes it stretches to the everyday parts of our lives. Either way, procrastination is the thief of time, and thus something we could all stand to get rid of.
But I’m not going to tell you how to do that. There are
Over two months into my college education here in NYC, I’m finally getting into the swing of things. I feel like I’ve almost passed the learning curve. But when I say that I’m not talking about pure academics. Honestly, my college learning curve has been with everything outside of the classroom.
The NBA season starts today, and I can’t wait! With all the big moves this offseason, there are tons of matchups I’m anxious for, and even more individual and team journeys I’m excited to watch (especially the Timberwolves). The NBA offseason wasn’t just about moves within the league, however, as it also contained responses to unnecessary moves and words by President Trump and verbal support for Kaepernick and other’s who’ve chosen to take a knee during the national anthem. Yet the verbal and non-verbal political statements made by athletes of all sports throughout America this year, let alone those throughout the world, are far from unprecedented. In fact, if it weren’t for such racial, political, and cultural statements made by some of the world’s greatest athlete’s, America, and therefore the world, could and would be a very different place. That’s why I believe sports history should be a required high school class.
No, this isn’t a religious post by any (well, at least most) measures. This is simply a plea to take a Sabbath, and by Sabbath I mean a day off. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Sunday, but you should strive to take off one day a week.
Why? Because
Between Shark Tank, high school seniors, college graduates, and more, everyone’s witnessed another person make a big decision. More than that, most everyone has had to make a big decision in their own life. These decisions are exciting, often utterly nerve-racking, and typically result in an immense change in the decision-maker’s life. But while these big decisions can be life-altering, we often overlook the even more important small decisions.
“All things in moderation, including moderation.”
Over the years my dad has told me this more times than I can remember. And given my vast array of goals and pursuits, that simple phrase has reverberated in my mind, and it’s currently helping me navigate the college life.
Sports are almost in full swing. The NFL regular season is already a quarter of the way done, the MLB postseason is about to start, and two weeks from now the NBA season will begin. Even without being a college sports fan, this is enough reason for me to love October. But unfortunately, each time we get to this time of year, I can’t help but think of this one simple fact: right now there are sports teams planning more for their next game than many people do for their entire lives. That’s a travesty.