Today, can be viewed by some as triumphant as the Miami Heat participate in the parade honoring their feat as the 2013 NBA Championship Winners. After watching the 7 game series of the 2013 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat, I gleaned some significant lessons that are applicable to reaching the dreams and goals that we set in life. Here are my top 5:
1. Make a decision to get in the game.
Although professional athletes serve as a source of entertainment for many, there is much to be garnered from their consistent productivity and action toward triumph (winning a championship). It is without question that every professional athlete had to at some point make a conscious decision to pursue the sport. Too often, we have dreams but do not commit to the pursuit of them. Dreams will not be realized by accident because our ability to trump lies in our ability to remain in a constant state of cat and mouse until we are victorious.
2. Expect Criticism.
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While in the midst of the "cat and mouse" pursuit, one can appear to be quite abnormal.
Moreover, there will always be someone who tells you that your dream is unrealistic or that you do not possess the skills to bring your dream into fruition.
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3. Adjust your strategy when necessary.
In the words of Maya Angelou: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." These words of wisdom are windows to the world. On so many occasions, we feel or deem ourselves powerless. I always share with people that the road to success if always filled with variables that are out of our control but we always have the power to make the most of the variables that we can control; it is up to the universe to reproduce the energy that we put into it.In the 7 game series, strategies had to be adjusted continuously to meet the challenges of the pursuit. If Miami had made the decision to maintain the same strategy and not make adjustments upon the losses, they would not have attained the title. The pursuit of dreams is filled with zig zags, curves, turns and obstacles so when a strategy is not working, we must adjust.
4. Stay focused on the trophy.
Distractions are certain. Throughout the basketball season, players experienced taunting, heckling, negative commentary and naysayers. The television, social media, magazines, friends, family members, co-workers and even strangers often give us advice about the direction that we should go in on the path to success. Sometimes we find the above entities to be sources of encouragement. Other times, they prove to be discouraging. Subsequently, if we allow the distractions to lessen our view of the trophy, we can easily be defeated. Success deposits in the hands of persistent vision. Keep your eyes of the prize.
5.Celebrate with those who helped you win, not the band wagoners.
An ongoing theme that was apparent during this year's series is band wagoners. There are always people around to celebrate when success reveals itself. The question is, who is around when success in not knocking at your door? These individuals deserve more than anyone else to be a part of your celebratory story. Remembering those that traveled the rocky roads, rode the curves and weathered the storm will ensure your continued success because it demonstrates an appreciation for the pain that led to the gain.
Ardre Orie is an Entrepreneur/Philanthropist/ Dream Builder on a mission to empower the dreams of entrepreneurs.