While it may not seem like LeBron James, the Miami Heat and Dan Gilbert have anything to do with today’s work-life balance challenge, they do…and in a way bigger than you can imagine!
Pro basketball ultra-superstar LeBron James has decided to leave the only team he has ever played for, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to join the Miami Heat, who have also just signed two other superstars, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. And Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavaliers, is really angry…very angry!
In fact, Gilbert had this to say in a phone interview with AP: “He [James] got a free pass… People have been hiding for too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”
Gilbert went on to suggest that James “quit” during the playoffs, meaning he didn’t play at his superstar level when the team needed him most.
Of course, that’s a matter of opinion, and obviously Gilbert is currently very hurt and angry.
But here’s Gilbert’s clincher: “It’s not about him leaving…it’s disrespect. It’s time people held these athletes accountable for their actions. Is that how you raise your kids? I’ve I’ve been putting up with all of this for a long time.” long time.”
So Mr. Gilbert has felt that way for a long time… sounds like a bitter grudge.
Whether or not LeBron James made the “right” decision will be debated for years to come, but there are other dynamics here connected to work-life balance (believe it or not!).
Since most people generally put a great deal of time and energy into their careers, here are some LeBron James-Don Gilbert-Miami Heat lessons to learn from it:
1.) Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.” Are you putting your absolute best effort into your work in life? But because? If you are not passionate about what you do, why do you do it?
2.) California Governor and former Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “Strength doesn’t come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to give up, that’s strength.” When faced with adversity, do you keep up the challenge or give up? Do you “try and try again” until you find the seed of equal or greater benefit? Do you keep your commitment despite the difficulties? Are you a “sticker” or a quitter?
3.) Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong said, “Winning is about heart, not just legs. You have to be in the right place.” Where is your heart? Are you 100% committed to your mission?
4.) Television minister and positive growth savant Robert H. Schuller says, “Winning starts with the beginning.” Are you all in?
5.) And perhaps the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, said, “I’ve missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to win the game. And I failed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that’s why I’m successful.” Do you meet failure with a renewed commitment to improve?…to continually improve?…to win?
6.) And from John Wooden, who was probably the greatest college basketball coach of all time, “Material possessions, high scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the sight of the Lord, for He knows what we really are.” And that’s all that matters.” .” What are your values? What is truly important to you? And what is the impression you are leaving on everyone around you, especially children?
7.) And last but not least, if you, seemingly like Mr. Gilbert, have a grudge, dissatisfaction, or resentment, why not address it? Someone once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison, hoping the other person will get sick.” You only get sick if you have the resentment!
Since you will most likely spend most of your life developing your career, you may want to examine all the dynamics involved. Maybe it’s time to take a complete inventory of yourself and your chosen career, and really invite yourself to raise the bar and be the best you can be. Ask yourself all of the above questions…and maybe a few more of your own.
You’ll feel better about yourself and everyone around you will feel better too…and you’ll improve your work-life balance!
