Tuesday, September 18, 2012

How to be a Professional

Like the title don't ya??


I thought it was catchy...  Ok, to the issue at hand: How to be Professional???

Remember, all of this is my opinion and if you disagree with it, totally cool.

The first thing I think about when I hear the word Professional is: Sports
I think about Michael Jordan.  When I was growing up, I played a ton of basketball.  YMCA stuff, junior high stuff, high school stuff and I even put my hat in the college ring for a briiiiiieeeeeeffff time.  While I was on my bball journey I always thought of MJ.  For Christmas one year I received a Michael Jordan book, a starting line up figure and basketball from the Michael Jordan restaurant in Chicago.  I was interested in Michael Jordan, to say the least. 

-However, I didn't really learn anything from MJ until I was 27years old.  This dude is the epitome of professional.  Here are a few of my insights about a true pro:

1.  In one chapter of the book I received about Micheal Jordan, the author ask Michael why he wears suites to and from all the Bulls games.  I thought I had Jordan's response pinned even before I turned the page.  My answer, "Because Mr. Book writer dude, the court is where I conduct my business."  Nope.  Wrong.  Jordan's response went something like this, "Sometimes people will only get one look at Michael Jordan.  I want them to see me at my best.  Win or Lose."

-Roger that.

Now, before all you go out and buy 3 piece Armani suites lets look at this for a moment.  The way I took this little quote was:  a) Wow I've never thought of it like that before.  b) Conduct yourself like it really does matter.

YOLO: you only live once, is a big saying right now.  Folks latch onto it and use this rap lyric as an excuse to go Hog Wild and do anything they please.  I mean really, like we are going down on the Titanic!  

I say we focus on our Journey and how our journey impacts others.  Ask yourself this: What type of impact are you going to have on people?  3 piece suite and stepping out of a limo or tattered clothes, smelling like alcohol and cigarettes, and sleeping on a side walk?  You do have a choice, ya know?

2.  Quotes: 
  • "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."   
  • "My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength. 
  • "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen."
  • "I've always believed that if you put in the work the results will come.  I do not do things half-heartedly.  Because I know if I do, I can expect half hearted results"
 These are just a few of the quotes I love.  All of them speak to me about effort.  Effort is something that is missing from our society today.  Things are just so immediate!!!  Doing things the old fashion way is a dying concept and honestly I don't know if it is coming back.

**don't be a keyboard ninja and sharp shoot MJ.  I know he isn't perfect.  I know he has made mistakes in his life and cheat on his wife and had "girl friends".  I ain't judging him or condoning what the dude does.  All I am saying is you can learn from a Pro.  Because lets face it,  there are a lot of talented people out there... but then Everyone knows who Michael Jordan is. 

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