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!

Are You Getting The "Short-end of the Stick"?

Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban is furious with the NBA.... Again!  The Dallas Mavericks won last year's NBA championship and as a sports tradition, the champions make a visit to the White House for a pat on the back by the President. Needless to say, the league didn't schedule the team tour due to the lockout shortened season (the condensed schedule cancelled the only road trip to DC the team had). Cuban feels like the Mavs are getting the "short end of the stick" and decided to vent his
frustration publicly and I for one don't blame him!

Many times in our life, we somehow come up with the "short end of the stick." Whether its in your profession , in school, relationships, etc, one thing is certain, you will experience just how unfair the game of life can be.
The Mavericks did everything right by working hard and overcoming obstacles throughout the season to win it all yet somehow don't get their just due by the league.

Always remember that only a small part of life is WHAT happens to you and the biggest and most important part is your attitude and how you approach the issues you are faced with.



When those "short end of the stick" moments come around, you have two options: 1)continue to focus on the problem and allow the issue to become an even bigger problem or 2) develop a positive mental approach to find a solution and move forward


Mark Cuban's response to this situation was to use his own money and resources to ensure that his team was able to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. He didn't just focus on the fact that his team was slighted by the league, he decided to put his focus on still making it happen and now the reigning world champions will get their well-deserved moment at the white house.


Remember: 10% of life is WHAT happens, 90% is HOW you respond

Make it a great day! Stay positive!



Check out this quick video on the power of having the proper attitude.....

Its Your Attitude

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog! This blog was inspired by my passion for the game of basketball and the incredible journey I've had as a leader, professional athlete, coach & entrepreneur

My "Gift" made room for me and I want to allow that same gift to make room for you by sharing wisdom, guidance, and uplift that educates, motivates and inspires to make you better.

My vision is for you to be inspired and motivated to better yourself and also be a source of encouragement for other members of our on-line community.

I look forward to this new season in life and providing you information that can "assist" you in your personal or professional development.


Here's to a better YOU!