It Takes A Village

                   THE PROTEGE PROJECT

"It takes a village to raise a child"- African proverb

As the younger child born in my family, my life lessons began at a very early age.  A huge part of my personal success in life is a direct result of the village of individuals who helped shape my path in life. I had early exposure to on-the-job lessons in time management and responsibility. Striving for excellence both on and off the playing fields; accepting responsibility for your actions (good or bad), being willing and able to accept the consequences, sports participation toward developing effective leadership skills and a host of other valuable life skills.   
As an athlete and coach, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor many from our younger generation.  The fundamental difference I see between those who succeed and those who don’t is the lack of a strong support system.

The vision behind the Protégé Project is to create a network of support where youth are equipped with the necessary tools to increase their chances of success in life.  I believe one of the most vital components to a young person's life is exposure and by establishing a village of qualified mentors and community leaders.  These mentors are able to provide our protégés with early exposure to various avenues of success in life and provide them a road map to reach their destination.

THE PROTÉGÉ PROJECT is a program that is in direct response to the growing number of young people that are either falling through the cracks at school or are already entangled with the juvenile court system.  THE PROTÉGÉ PROJECT will focus primarily on at-risk African-American and Hispanic male students.  The statistics surrounding these factors are alarming.  Studies show, boys who grow up without the positive male influences are:

• 5 times more likely to commit suicide,
• 8 times more likely to go to prison,
• 9 times more likely to drop out of high school.
• 10 times more likely to abuse drugs.
• 20 times more likely to have behavior problems.

The goal of the program is to identify youths who are going to have a turbulent transition to adulthood and offer positive support system to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives. Over time, THE PROTÉGÉ PROJECT will create a learning environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the community at large.

We are currently recruiting youth, mentors and volunteers to ensure the success of the program. If you are interested in getting involved with our mission and being apart of a winning team dedicated to helping kids reach their full potential, make a decision to join us on for this life-changing program.

It STILL takes a village!

I remember being that little kid in the park who just wanted 'a ball' to play with so I've always believed in giving the next generation of youth 'a ball' and maybe have a positive impact on their lives

College-bound student-athlete who became 1st member of her family to go to college

LSWAA Student Leadership Institute

LSWAA Student Leadership Institute: Young Males on a Path To Greatness

Grooming the future

Athletes using their passion for sports to help make a difference in our communities

Career Day at John Ireland Elementary: Kids Reaching for the Stars

Overcoming Fear: The Only Way Out is Through

-We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

- Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is. - German proverb

-Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real.
Unknown

There was a town in ancient times which was inside the walls of a large castle. One day a giant stood outside the walls of the town and demanded to fight the champion of the town to the death, for the right to rule over all its people. If no-one came forth the giant promised to destroy the village and everyone living in it.
The people inside the castle walls were very, very afraid. The giant seemed huge and invincible and absolutely terrifying. Surely anyone who fought him was going to a certain death. Even facing the prospect of annihilation of the whole town wasn't enough to inspire anyone to go outside and take him on.
Then a little boy piped up. I'll go he said. His fellow townspeople scoffed at first and then tried to dissuade him when they saw he was serious. Eventually they couldn't dissuade him so they opened the castle gates and pushed him out, before quickly closing and locking them again.
They thought a life of slavery to the giant was preferable to death. Only the little boy knew it wasn't.
So, there he stood. Trembling with his back pressed up against the gates, staring intently at the giant who stood menacingly a short distance away. The little boy was very, very afraid.
Finally he took one step towards the giant, and he thought he noticed something. He took another tentative step and then another, and now he was certain.
The giant was getting smaller.
Gaining courage now, the boy moved steadily towards the giant and with every step the giant became smaller and smaller.
Until, finally the boy was standing right in front of the ex-giant who was now so small, the boy bent down and picked him up in his hands.
Who are you? The boy asked the tiny, trembling creature in his hands.
My name is fear.






Fear: the mere sight of the word makes some of us cringe. It is a feeling we have all dealt with at one time or another. It is something that we first experience as children, and are conditioned to respond to in many different ways. Some of us live in constant fear; of accidents, of bad people doing us harm, or of physical ailments. Others simply take things as they come in life, whether they are good or bad things. In the dictionary, fear is defined as: “a feeling of agitation or anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.” Fear can also refer to general anxiety, as in “fear of speaking in public” or “fear of open areas”. These fears arise not necessarily from a present or imminent threat, but rather a perceived threat, which to some can be just as scary. For many people fear can be a very unpleasant feeling and it is important that we learn to deal with fear in the best manner possible. So how should we deal with fear? Avoiding it never really makes it go away; we either become paralyzed or defeated. Frantically searching for a quick fix usually just results in unfocused and wasted effort.

The only way to deal with fear is to face it and overcome it. Dale Carnegie explained it this way: “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

You can't overcome what you fear. Everyone has fears in life they MUST face in order to reach your full potential and breakthrough to the next level of living. Remember, The only way to it is through it!

Until our next motivational moment........keep improving!

32 Striking Differences Between Winners and Losers

"Winning is a habit, unfortunately so is losing."- Vince Lombardi

32 Striking Differences Between Winners and Losers

1 Winners focus on solutions. Losers focus on problems.
2 Winners take responsibility. Losers blame others.
3 Winners find opportunities in crisis. Losers complain about crisis.
4 Winners enjoy being in the present and learn from the past. Losers live in the past.
5 Winners make commitment and keep them no matter what. Losers make promises that they always break.
6 Winners think about how they can achieve. Losers give excuses.
7 Winners make personal development a priority. Losers neglect personal development.
8 Winners face their fear, accept it and take the leap. Losers dwell in their fear.
9 Winners constantly expand their comfort zone. Losers stay in their comfort zone.
10 Winners take action consistently. Losers refrain from taking action and lack consistency.
11 Winners take failure in their stride and learn from them. Losers fear failure and avoid them at all cost.
12 Winners try different strategies when they are not getting the results they want. Losers do the same thing over and over again expecting different results (insanity).
13 Winners set goals. Losers lack goals.
14 Winners plan. Losers hate having a plan.
15 Winners believe there are always things to be learn. Losers consider themselves as an expert even though they know little.
16 Winners are humble. Losers are egotistic.
17 Winners continue to hone their skill every other day without fail. Losers make little effort in honing their skill.
18 Winners work hard. Losers avoid work.
19 Winners give their best for the things that they decide to do. Losers work half heartedly in everything that they do.
20 Winners are persistent and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. Losers give up when obstacles pop up.
21 Winners manage their time well and indulge in high value activities that will bring them closer to their goals. Losers lack time management skills and indulge in time wasting activities like playing games and watching re runs for the umpteen time.
22 Winners dream in the day. Losers dream in bed.
23 Winners think about possibilities. Losers focus on obstacles that will stop them from achieving.
24 Winners are certain. Losers doubt.
25 Winners control their own destiny. Losers leave everything to their fate.
26 Winners give more than they take. Losers take more than they give.
27 Winners think whether the crowd is going in the right direction. If not, he will walk the other direction. Losers follow the crowd.
28 Winners think and lead. Losers refuse to think so they follow.
29 Winners listen. Losers fight for every chance to talk.
30 Winners always find a better way to do things. Losers stick to one way of doing things.
31 Winners help others to win. Losers refuse to help and think only about their own benefit.
32 Winners find like minded people like themselves that can bring them to greater height. Losers find like minded people like themselves that will drag them to failure.

"Work like you're the worst, play like you're the best"- Coach Stein

Press On!

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -Calvin Coolidge


A story of Persistence and Determination


At the age of seven, a young boy and his family were forced out of their home. The boy had to work to support his family. At the age of nine, his mother passed away. When he grew up, the young man was keen to go to law school, but had no education.

At 22, he lost his job as a store clerk. At 23, he ran for state legislature and lost. The same year, he went into business. It failed, leaving him with a debt that took him 17 years to repay. At 27, he had a nervous breakdown.

Two years later, he tried for the post of speaker in his state legislature. He lost. At 31, he was defeated in his attempt to become an elector. By 35, he had been defeated twice while running for Congress. Finally, he did manage to secure a brief term in Congress, but at 39 he lost his re-election bid.

At 41, his four-year-old son died. At 42, he was rejected as a prospective land officer. At 45, he ran for the Senate and lost. Two years later, he lost the vice presidential nomination. At 49, he ran for Senate and lost again.

At 51, he was elected the President of the United States of America.

The man in question: Abraham Lincoln.

– Author Unknown




Remember, it doesnt matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up. Press on!

The One Thing You Must Possess to Achieve Success

Self-Confidence

The One Thing You Need to Succeed

If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.” – Cicero

What if a thousand people were to come up to you today and express
serious doubts about what you are doing and your ability to get it done?
Think of how much your confidence would be shaken.
Now imagine how stunningly different it would be if a thousand people
today were to offer you a word of encouragement, and to express
enthusiasm for what you're doing. You'd be so completely confident that
nothing could stop you.

In fact, you will receive a thousand opinions today. But the vast
majority of them won't come from strangers. They will come from someone
you have believed and trusted all your life. They will come from you.

In every moment, in each thought you think, you have the opportunity to
express confidence in yourself and in the value of what you're doing.
The power of those thoughts can add up very quickly.

Every moment you are thinking something, and you can choose what those
thoughts will be. So choose the ones that will lift you up and push you
positively forward.

Until our next moment......keep improving and remember: BE CONFIDENT in yourself and your abilities!

Believe in yourself

Don't let these thoughts continue to hold you back

You Are Closer Than You Think

I had the incredible opportunity to see the movie Red Tails, the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the 1st All-Black Pilot Fighters during World War II. Later that night, I also had a chance to catch a glimpse of an exclusive behind the scenes interview between Oprah Winfrey and the iconic visionary behind the movie, creator George Lucas (also created several all-time classic movies, such as American Grafiti and Star Wars). During the interview, he said something that resounded so loudly with me (Oprah too!) that it literally kept me up all night. He said he went through a 20 year development process to realize his dream of making this movie! 20 years!!! He also stated that since no one would fund the project, he dumped over 100 million dollars of his own personal money to see that his dream became a reality!

Oprah Winfrey interviews visionary George Lucas

Wow! A Major "Ah-Ha" moment for me.  It served as another example of what it takes to be successful.
You must have the persistence and tenacity to overcome any obstacles that may stand in your way. (and yes there will be obstacles!)

When things get overwhelming in your personal or professional life and all your hard work and efforts seem futile, try focusing on the fact that great things take time to develop. Just because you don't get the immediate gratification we so often desire, don't get discouraged. You must continue to push forward and reach a higher level of mental toughness. Have faith in your efforts. Most people usually set out to do something remarkable, give up on it too soon. They persevere the journey, reach the one-yard line but fail to score the touchdown. Don't let this be you! See it through until your dreams become reality. Whether you strive to be great athlete,  schoolteacher, coach or businessman, always remember that your destination is probably closer than you think. Embrace those opportunities that call for delayed gratification. The payout usually is higher and alot more rewarding in the end.

 So I ask you,

Are you willing to make the sacrifice?

Are you willing delay immediate gratification to gain long-term success?

What if George Lucas would have said, "You know what guys, this is too hard and requires too much vision, hard work and focus. I'm calling it quits?"

What if The Tuskegee Airmen would have opted to stop short of their mission while protecting the country during the war? 

Well in the words of the movie's leading actor Cuba Gooding Jr, "Thanks to the vision of Mr. Lucas, many generations of people now can reap the benefit of the learning the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, one of the greatest American hero stories that was never told."

Keep pushing. You Are Closer Than You Think.

Until our next moment...... keep improving!

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces

Motivated By My Loss-Hardest Letter I Ever Wrote

Today I received a phone call notifying me that my grandmother passed. The news rocked me to my core! I have been trying to prepare myself mentally and emotionally for this day for a long time but no matter how hard or how much you try, nothing can prepare you for such loss. I'm so blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be with her a week before she passed. Those last moments we shared were priceless and something I will never forget.


As I begin my own personal healing process, I want to encourage you to cherish the more important things in life and always value your loved ones. Go ahead and give those roses out now while they can smell and appreciate them. Maximize your moments.



My grandmother has and will always be a huge inspiration in my life. Her legacy will live on through me!


A Poem For You

A Grandmother is....


A Grandmother is one of life’s best gifts,
Someone to treasure all life through,
She’s caring and loving,
Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She’s a mentor, a confidant and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A Grandmother always has your best interests at heart,
She’s someone so dear and so good,
She’s a blessing, she’s a gift,
She’s a treasure like no other,
She’s someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A Grandmother’s love will always see you through,
A Grandmother is truly invaluable,
Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn’t want anyone but you,
And that’s why I’m so grateful,
that life picked you for me.
–Author Unknown


Rest in peace Grandmother.... Love always

Bari

Tribute To A King- Sacrifice In Vain?

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King and the motivation behind "The Dream"

As I reflect on this annual holiday in remembrance of  Dr. Martin Luther King , I can't help but think about the global impact of his cause and how the civil rights movement changed the world and shaped the lives of future generations to come. His dreams, vision and dedication has inspired countless amounts of individuals and permanently altered the way we live our lives.

Another thing that is inspiring about Dr. King's legacy is the incredible amount of motivation he possessed to be able to endure such struggle and resistance throughout his 13 year civil rights mission. Think about it. Constant death threats, high powered water hoses, brutal beatings, vicious dog attacks. How difficult would it be for you to face those extreme conditions daily?



Those conditions should serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifice Dr. King and other civil rights leaders displayed in order for us to have a better tomorrow. Without the sacrifice, many of the 'little things' (civil liberties are hardly little) we so often take for granted would not be possible. I'm encouraged by the drive and determination for equal rights Dr. King possessed and hopefully you are to. Realize lives were sacrificed in order for you and I to pursue unlimited dreams and opportunities. I ask you, "Was the sacrifice in vain?


As we reflect on Dr. King's legacy, let's also reflect on ourselves, and ask "Would Dr. King be proud of my effort? "Was the sacrifice in vain?"



Go all out. Maximize Your Opportunities. Don't Be Held Back By Fear and Doubt. Stop Making Excuses and Settling For Less.

Be inspired by those that sacrificed and paved a way for you to be here!

Until Our Next Motivational Moment.....

Go Hard and Keep Improving (If not for your own sake, do it for Dr. King and the sacrifice)


A King's Sacrifice For You

Attitudes Are Contagious, Is Yours Worth Catching?

mine is!

What is an attitude?

It is the "advance man" of our true selves.

It's roots are inward but it's fruit is outward.

It is our best friend or our worst enemy.

It is more honest and more consistent than our words.

It's an outward look based on past experiences.

It is a thing which draws people to us or repels them.

It is never content until it is expressed.

It is the librarian of our past.

It is the speaker of our present.

It is the prophet of our future.

Take a moment and really evaluate your attitude and wherever you are, make a commitment to get better in the areas where your attitude needs improvement.

Don't keep allowing a bad attitude or outlook on life interfere with the endless possibilities in front of you. No one can do it for you. It starts with YOU!

I leave you with some quotes from some of my all time favorite coaches that have inspired many. Hopefully they will have they same effect on YOU!

Until our next motivational moment....keep improving!






"Its not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." - Lou Holtz

"Its what you get from games you lose that is extremely important." -Pat Riley

"Once you quit, it becomes a habit." -Vince Lombardi

"You had better check your attitude boy!" - Earl Johnson (my dad & 1st coach i ever had)

Is There A Such Thing As Over-Parenting?

Check out this article.......Interesting Read!  Is There A Such Thing As Over-Parenting?






What about this parent? What if this was you?

What are your thoughts on these two incidents?

45 Life Lessons To Live By

Written by a 90 year old
This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!
Make sure you read to the end!!!!!!
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland ,Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once
more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God
never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is
up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did
or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."



Until our next motivational moment...keep improving!





Please take a moment and share your thoughts and other positive words of wisdom in the comments section below and lets keep each other motivated. Iron sharpens iron

Don't Take Your Eye Off The Ball

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
-Alexander Graham Bell (Scottish born American Inventor and Educator, best known for the invention of the telephone in 1876. 1847-1922)



One of the first things you learn in little league sports is the concept of keeping your eye on the ball. Whether its catching a chest pass from a teammate in a basketball game or up to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning of a baseball game, If you lose sight of the ball there could be dire consequences at stake.

In life, as in sports, taking your "eye off the ball" could drastically hinder your chance at success in whatever you are pursuing. We must always remain focused on the more important things and not allow ourselves to be sidetracked.

So if you are 'shooting for the stars' in sports, business, education or simply want to win in the 'game of life',
maintain that laser focus and keep the faith!


Until the next moment of motivation.....Keep ya Head Up!

He took his eye off the ball!

My Journey to the BCS National Championship Game

Sights and sounds from New Orleans: Saints/Lions Playoff Game and LSU/Bama National Championship Game. An incredible experience!

Pics along the way

Here's a few pics of The Heads Up! Foundation's Give'N'Go Charity Basketball League:Pro Athletes Giving Back

Over 40 Professional Athletes Worldwide Participated in Our Inaugural Season to help raise money and resources for communities, school districts and at-risk youth!

This was truly an amazing opportunity and we look forward to expand our reach throughout different communities!