Risk

I believe that taking risks is a good thing. Of course, I should specify calculated risks. I’ve taken many different risks throughout my life involving many different things. I think I got this instinct from my parents. However, it’s funny looking back comparing my own risks to those of my parents. When my parents were 25 and 32 they were taking risks that I’m not sure I would have the guts to take now or in 10 years.
When my mom was 25 she and my dad decided to build and open a restaurant in south Nashua, NH. Both my dad and mom had a background in the restaurant business, working in them and managing them for many years. My parents made good money at what they did. However, to continue their dream of opening their own restaurant they had to be willing to give up everything to finance their project.

In 1984 my mom’s father and grandfather both died unexpectedly within a month of each other; she had a pre-mature baby (my older sister) and lived in an apartment with my dad and his two sons,with frequent visits from my grandmother and my great grandmother. Her and my dad had one car between them. As my dad would say, “They didn’t have two sticks to rub together.” They financed the opening of the restaurant and were almost at their breaking point when they opened the doors. However, it was their dream and a risk they knew they wanted and had to take at that point.

The restaurant was a huge success. My parents went on to build their own home, have their second child (me), stay in business 18 years, (Before selling to Hooter's) and help put four kids through college. There were definitely years at the restaurant that were better than others, but my parents always kept working hard and persevered until better times and continued to take calculated risks.

After my parents sold the restaurant they went on to find careers as a realtor and a mortgage broker. Both of their salaries are based entirely on commission and they are doing just fine. There is something about risk that I think keeps flowing through your blood. Once you take your first big risk and succeed it's like you're no longer scared to fail. You're ready for the next one, the next one, and the next one. The combination of not being scared to fail and being a hard worker are deadly, unstoppable.

I think at the end of the day if we really want to do something worth doing, it’s probably going to take some significant risk. If you look at some of the most successful people or the people who brought some of the most significant technology to the world; they all took significant risks. How would YOU like to stand outside with a kite and a metal key in your hand during a thunder and lightning storm? I'm glad someone did.

We all have passions we will want to pursue and struggles we will face trying to pursue them. We will all have risks we’ll have to decide to take throughout the process. At the end of the day, you’ll most likely regret not going after the things you dream about. Don’t be scared to not have “Two sticks to rub together,” for a while; It’s a common part of a great risk.

Learning Lessons from The King

Through all of his debauchery there are a few things we can learn from King James.

James came into the NBA straight out of high school. While his basketball skills proved more than ready, it seems he was missing out on some of the maturity he needed. Whether that be his “decision” making skills, communication skills, PR skills, Hiring the correct people who can help you in these areas skills...Lebron was obviously greatly lacking many skills he needed to be truly respected in the NBA. The first thing LBJ taught us: Know when you’re ready for something and know when you’re not. Know what the “entire package” entails and be ready for every aspect of what you commit to, not just one. You can be the most talented player in the NBA, but with the worst attitude, not a lot of people are going to be buying your jersey.

When Lebron asked ESPN to give him an hour to make “the decision,” some think that was his worst career move yet. I mean, it can’t get much worse? Or can it? Not to mention he tried to say the entire production was to raise money for children. I think he has enough money to simply hand it to the Boys & Girls club and doesn't need an hour on ESPN to do it. Just sayin'. How does he explain the charade of him, Bosh, and Wade at the American Airlines arena strutting down a platform last July to show off the “new trio?” If you’re going to be good at something, be humble about it. With anything you do, no matter how good you are, you have to be humble. The humble professionals always win the hearts of those around them. Thanks for reminding us the hot heads usually lose the fans, Lebron. You never saw Jordan or Bird pulling these kind of shenanigans.

Once Lebron had committed to the Miami Heat he guaranteed an NBA championship. (Actually, more than one..) I don’t think I need to describe what happened next. This one is simple….don’t overpromise. I mean, really.

LBJ’s quote of the year came last night when asked by the media what he thought about the people who wanted him to fail:

"At the end of the day, all the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day, they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today, They have the same personal problems they had today. I'm going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that."

So basically your response to “fans” after not winning an NBA championship you guaranteed, “Oh well, I’m still rich, and you’re still poor compared to me.” YIKES. Talk about a communications blunder; one of about a million this year for James. I think we can all learn two simple things from yet another awful interview for Lebron: 1. Think before you speak. 2: Don’t drastically insult or mock those that support you and pay your salary on national television.

It’s sad, really, when you think about it. A phenomenal basketball player, but in so many ways, doesn’t know what it takes to truly be a professional. Oh well, at the end of the day, he had to wake up a loser today, not me; Looks like he needed to bring a little more talent to South Beach.