With just a few seconds remaining in the final quarter of game six of the 2013 NBA Finals and his Miami Heat down 3 - 2 in the best of seven series, Miami Heat guard Ray Allen hit one of the greatest three-point shots in NBA history to tie the game and send it into overtime where the Heat went on to defeat the San Antonio Spurs to tie the series at three games each. The Heat would go on to win Game 7 and become the 2013 NBA Champions. Heat forward Chris Bosh got a rebound from a missed three-point shot by LeBron James and quickly passed the ball to Allen, who was racing back from his position in the lane to behind the three-point line in the corner. Allen received the pass and without looking down at his feet or dribbling the ball, instinctively put both feet down knowing he was behind the three-point line and put up the infamous shot. It saved the Miami Heat's season, gave them the opportunity to win the game in overtime, and by so doing, the eventual chance win Game 7 to become NBA Champions.
Ray Allen worked his entire career to become arguably the best three-point shooter in NBA history. It's certainly not arguable that he was one of the most clutch shooters in the game of basketball. He also has some fantastic things to say about becoming great at what he does. I want to share three of those quotes with you today:
When people say God blessed me with a beautiful jump shot, it really pisses me off. I tell these people, don’t undermine the work I’ve put in every day. Not some days. Every day.
The ones who want it (greatness) badly enough set themselves apart.
Greatness is the simple stuff done over and over again! Be consistent in your lives and do the things other people aren’t willing to do.
Great stuff from an NBA legend. We can use his words to motivate us to greatness, no matter what we are aiming for. If you want something badly enough, put in the work as he says, "Not some days. Every day." Even when you don't feel like it. Greatness doesn't come to those who only work at their craft when they feel like it. It's hard work. Every day. Greatness also comes from working in a smart way, not just putting in the time. Come up with a plan that will guide you and set you on the right path. Greatness isn't some Divine intervention or some "ah ha" moment. It's actually achieved through very mundane steps. As he says, "Greatness is the simple stuff done over and over again." He also uses the word consistent, which is a fantastic word. Consistent (and correct habit forming) daily practice over time leads to greatness. It's a simple formula. Are you willing to stick to it?
Want to be great at something? It will be achieved little by little. Day by day. Hour by hour. By working on the simple, mundane stuff over and over again. Good luck!
BF
7/20/2020