Where Will "Amazing" Happen?

Before the playoffs even started, most people had already predicted the teams that would be in The Finals. There was much anticipation for the LeBron – Kobe series. There’s even a series of commercials that feature LeBron and Kobe puppet- like characters (the commercials are pretty funny too.) The Cleveland Cavaliers breezed through the first two rounds of the playoffs in dramatic fashion. They won both of those series without their opponents winning a single game. Their sense of purpose was clear and they repeatedly reminded viewers that they had “One Goal.” Anything short of winning the championship was simply unacceptable. The Cavaliers were featured on every sports channels highlight reel. Their star player, LeBron James, was interviewed or talked about nearly as much as our President. Over in the West, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were making their presence felt and already being considered as the team to beat. The playoffs were just a process, a means to an end…or so we thought.

Cleveland had to play one more team in order to make it to The Finals—The Orlando Magic. Right from the start it was clear that the two teams were equally skilled and that this was not going to be business as usual for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Predictions started going all the way to game 7 in a seven game series. Even still, most people thought the Cavs would win the series. Well, we were wrong. The Orlando Magic played the Cleveland Cavaliers and beat them 4-2 to earn a trip to the Finals. No need for a game seven. Cleveland was devastated. I imagine they were just as surprised as the rest of us. With such an upset, there’s little room for adjustments in TV land. The commercials were already made…and they were working. So although the first game of The Finals has already been played, there is no puppet-like character for Orlando’s star player. I get the feeling he doesn’t mind at all.

What I’d like you to take from this is simple: No matter what people say about you, no matter who thinks you can’t win, no matter what the odds are, you are possible. Ignore statistics that might suggest that you are destined for failure. Don’t worry about people who seem to be bigger, stronger, faster, or better than you. Don’t envy the success of others and don’t stress out because it appears your talents or skills go unnoticed. Keep working your hardest at being your best. Not as good as someone else, not better than the best, just the best that you can be. The fanfare and the limelight mean nothing, if you don’t achieve the goal. LeBron would trade the puppet-like character in a heartbeat for the opportunity to be in The Finals. Perfect your craft. Practice, study, surround yourself with like-minded people, build your confidence… give it everything you’ve got. Silence the naysayers through your actions, not your words. Your dream is achievable. Your goal is within reach.

The NBA has a commercial that ends with this question: Where will “Amazing” happen? So far, it’s happened in Orlando (at least in the eyes of basketball fans.) I’m wondering, where will “Amazing” happen in the “real world?”