Okay, it’s been another long break between blogs, but I figured now more than ever would be a good time to write, because I actually have stuff to say. I just finished up one of the most influential weekends I have ever had. At the same time though, I think (hope) I am about to start one of the most important weeks of my life. Let me start at the beginning.
I returned from Romania in mid December. I think it was December 15th or something like that. Anyways, If you haven’t heard of some of my Romanian experiences from me in person, send me an email or message and I’ll be glad to fill you in. Needless to say, I decided not to go back. In hindsight I don’t know if it was the best decision professionally for me, but you gotta do what you gotta do right? Anyways, I found myself back in America in late December, with my agents frantically trying to get me another job. This came with varied success. We had opportunities in Portugal, Turkey and Ireland, but neither one really panned out for a multitude of different reasons.
In about early January, I started to think to myself “what if I ended up staying here for the rest of the season? What’s the worst that could happen?” So I posed that question to my manager, who explained the pros and cons to me. While obviously not having an income for 6 months would be tough, some of the pros actually made sense. For example, I’ve always been a very determined worker. It is just that up until now, I always had school or something else over my head which prevented me from REALLY putting my all into my workouts. With this break for 6 months, and no financial responsibility, I thought it would be a good idea to just put my head down and work my tail off at this game. I had set goals for myself, and was prepared to work to achieve them.
Not wanting to be idle minded however, I brainstormed ways I could still keep my mind active, while having the flexibility to do what I needed to do on the court and in the weight room. In the beginning of January, I wrote an email to Fred McNeill, Head of Marketing for the LAx Paperboys, a small start up company here in LA. I had heard about them primarily through Dom Kennedy’s music, but had researched them online and tried to get as much of an idea about their goals as a company as I could. I then emailed Fred, detailing my unique situation and asking if I could help out in any was possible. To my pleasant surprise, Fred responded the next day, and I was being interviewed two days later.
After hearing more about the company and the direction they were headed in, I was absolutely sold. Since then, I have been working part time for them, as well as being able to work out 6 days a week to stay in shape (and hopefully gain 15lbs). Anyways, on the surface everything seems to be going great. However, if you know me, you know I think WAY too much (thats where this weekend comes in). So I came down to San Diego to somewhat escape the stress I had from living at home, and the uncertainty of the basketball world, but all it seemed to do was follow me here. Thursday before my trip, I had gotten a call from a team interested in signing me. I am absolutely interested and committed to playing this season and beyond, it just was indicative of the idea that I literally can get called at ANY time and asked to leave.
Anyways, so I’m sitting here in San Diego last night, and my friend hands me this book. This is right after we had been discussing all of the things that have been going on in my life and my mind, and she thought this particular page would be perfect for me. Being the natural skeptic I am, I was… skeptical. But I literally read the same page 7 times last night, and another 8 times this morning.
A little background, the writer is responding to the question; “Any final thoughts that you would like to share with our readers that might help them be morte successful in their business and personal lives?”For all of you out there, here is the most pertinent section (feel free to scroll past it if you want):
“Keep control over your brain. Since the mind is so powerful, when left out of control it can wreak havoc. Emotions are the source of our power. Throughout history, it is evident that negative emotions has initiated ware, self-sacrifice, and even death. However, it is also know that positive emotions have resulted in successes. Try to maintain a state of happiness, confidence and humility. When you’re feeling sad, lonely, bored, annoyed or angry, resurrect a favorable experience that evokes calmness and joy.
Alter your state of thinking and do not lose sight of your goals. Visualize several times a day in great detail that which you desire. Convince yourself you’ve already attained success, then expect it to unfold before you. Take a break and experience a mental holiday free from stress and problems.”
It’s crazy, because the things that this book mirror a lot of the message we are preaching with the Paperboys. Our motto is: “Just Be Cool: Keeping a positive attitude about a world of peace, unity and progress.” I guess I should have taken my own advice, and not had to have read the book, but at the same time, I’m grateful for the book, and things (since last night) have been going great, I have found myself to be a much more positive person. Until next time, Be COOOL!
