ClydeStyle

Tag: Achievement

  • How we measure greatness in sports

    Yesterday, the field of 68 was selected, and what we know as March Madness is now set. This is the favorite time of year for all basketball lovers, but especially those who are partial to college basketball.

    In my lifetime, I have seen some very dominant players in five different decades. There is always the argument over who is the best pound for pound player. I have never actually weighed in on this publicly because none of the mentioned superstar players ever played for any of my teams (I am and will always be a proud Detroit sports fan)!

    My opinion is based on the law of firsts. What I mean is there is something to say about being first. In the 50s and 60s, no one had more wealth than Jean Paul Getty. He was an oil tycoon and was able to sustain his wealth by making a deal with Saudi Arabia to be able to drill in the “neutral zone” between the country and Kuwait in 1949. This paid huge dividends for him, and he was the first to do it. There is definitely a benefit for being the first.

    In basketball, we talk a lot about the mystique of the Celtic dynasty in the 60s and how great Bill Russell was. However, much less is said about the innovation of coach Red Auerbach, who was a genius. So many aspects of today’s game came from him. Before Red was coaching, teams tried to build by having the best players and allow for natural talent to win games.

    Red understood that basketball was a team sport, and individual accolades could not trump great team play. Auerbach would be the first to utilize the sixth man and use bench players to maintain momentum.

    He emphasized defense and passing, and he revolutionized the fast break. When he started implementing these ideas while everyone else was basically competing in playground basketball, the Celtics thrived, winning a record 11 championships, which is the most of any franchise because of Auerbach.

    Wilt Chamberlain was the best big man of all time because he could do things no other big man could do. For a 7-footer, he was faster, stronger, more athletic, overly coordinated, and, of course, taller than everybody.

    They changed the rules to make it fair for the other players, and Chamberlain still dominated. Is it his fault that he was born with more talent than anyone else of his time?

    During Michael Jordan’s career, he had a similar scenario. As a 6-foot-6 guard, he was by far the fastest player, could jump the highest, and was quicker. The overall game of basketball sped up because of Jordan. No one could come close to guarding him, and his stats prove his dominance over the league. Jordan had a 48-inch vertical leap, and no one could come close to that. This fact alone made him the most explosive player in history. Again, the first.

    There is no other player like LeBron James. He is also the first of his kind, and his stats show his dominance. The reason James has played so long is that he is the perfect athlete. His speed, strength, coordination, and mental toughness make him the perfect athlete. He could have played any sport and dominated. So, to compare these players to each other makes no sense. They came from different times, and they all have one thing in common: Their greatness has everything to do with them being the first of their kind and having the particular skill and talent that each player had.

    This is great news for the fan because all we have to do is enjoy the talent and be thankful that we are around to admire it! Enjoy March madness!

  • Something needs to be done about education in America

    Ever since the agricultural age moved on to the industrial age, America has been dumbed down. The benefits of a democracy are that one person represents one vote, and if your voters are informed, democracy can be a beautiful thing.

    In our country, many votes are wasted because the people vote with feelings and not facts. We allow talking points to tell us how we really feel.

    I literally hate when rich talking heads try to tell us what the rest of America wants or is interested it. We can are about abortion, gun violence, police shootings, and gas prices, and nothing ever gets done. But with education, it seems as though there is a deliberate effort to keep our education weak.

    The Pew Research Center recently published our educational status to the rest of the world. The U.S. ranks an unimpressive 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science.

    Seriously???? Are we really saying that the best we can do is double-digit numbers? We can’t make the top 10? Top 5? Based on the resources we have, we are not even close to representing our potential. And I believe that is deliberate!

    We compare ourselves to ourselves. Our kids are ranked in the middle to lower range internationally, and this is just not acceptable. In America, 54 percent of adults have a reading level below 6th grade. On average, about 21 percent of Americans are illiterate.

    I get it. If we were to fix the education system, then those who stay in power and are greedy would not be allowed to maintain their status. We need a healthy prison system so that the small percentage of people who hold stocks make money. The rich also need the poor as you can’t maintain one without the other. So, the education system has become a pipeline for poor and disenfranchised folks.

    The revolution can’t come fast enough!

  • Who’s rooting for you?

    The lyrics to the song “Don’t you worry bout a thing” by Stevie Wonder gives as the reason not to worry is that he would be standing on the side when you check it out!

    It’s a very comforting, feel-good song that he wrote in the 70s, but the message is still good, and it influences the question of this blog. Do you know your support network? Are you aware of the people who are for you?

    The New Year is here, and no one needs to take on the challenge of a new year without a support network. Football great, Tom Brady, in a recent interview, said that his success on every level was all about the people who came into his life at the right time. He said that he was able to take full advantage of his opportunities because of the support of others who wanted to see him succeed.

    We live in a dog eat dog environment. There are many folks who would claim to support you only later to prove they were not. People are jealous, envious, full of hate, and vindictive. Many folks are hurt, and as a cost of that hurt, they hurt others. Support is the difference in behavior.

    This year, give those watching something to see. Go hard at whatever task you want to accomplish and draw strength from your team who is on the sidelines routing for you. The new year represents more.

    More in 2024! More muscle, more hustle, more appreciation, more love, more success, and more celebration. You are in control of your own destiny, and as you succeed, don’t forget to look over at the sidelines and acknowledge your support!

  • Still not a fan of Black history month

    Well, I couldn’t let February exit without mentioning something about the concept of Black history month. I just don’t understand the purpose of it.

    Black people are probably some of the most talented people on the planet and it seems that in everything they take part in they end up taking it over. This is not something to brag about, it’s just a fact. In the sciences, Black people have been behind some of the greatest innovations known to man. And in most cases, some white guy took the credit because Blacks were unable to hold patents. Research all the inventions Thomas Edison is credited for and when you do you will just call him a thief.

    In the medical field, Blacks have also dominated the industry starting with the first Black man to practice medicine in America. Dr. James McCune Smith was the first in 1837; Dr. Charles Drew changed blood transfusion storage; Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed one of the first open heart surgeries and founded the first Black-owned hospital; inventor Otis Boykin improved the pacemaker; and everyone knows what Dr. Ben Carson did.

    Of course, in sports, there are way too many to name but the greatest boxers, basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, track and field competitors and golfers are people of color. Before the NHL was formed Canada already had the Colored Hockey League (CHL) and many of the innovations in hockey came from that league.

    Cooking, business, construction, you name it, but throughout history, there has been a great fear coupled with the mistreatment of people of color. Exclusion, inequality, racism, and the like have been embarrassing to this country. So it seems to have a month to celebrate the contributions is a slap in the face.

    Some of the greatest movies, music, art, poetry, and entertainment have always come from people of color. Yet somehow in all of these fields, Black people have still not benefitted financially from being the best.

    It would be better to just not have a month to discuss any minority contributions. We should just compensate them properly for their contributions and move on!

  • There is nothing like a good. . .

    There is nothing like a good teacher. Our educational system has a lot to be desired especially when being compared to foreign countries we’re not even in the top 20.

    But a truly good teacher is hard to find. Good being defined as one who unconditionally treats the children as little sponges that can absorb anything. These teachers change lives, inspire kids and builds confidents. They make learning fun and they make no distinction between the children. They do everything possible to make sure no child is left behind and they keep our kids safe.

    There is nothing like a good first responder! Whether you needed a firefighter, police officer or a paramedic these folks are gamechangers. They jump in the middle of tribulation and trials without regard for their own well being. They are selfless. They will be there when you need them without bias or fear. These individuals make the uniforms mean something and they are a blessing in any community. My heart still hearts for the Evalde, TX children who could have used such warriors but couldn’t find any. God bless our first responders.

    There is nothing like a good pastor! Someone who will lay down his life for his sheep. One who gives the right counsel in the time of confusion, a strong word in the moment of doubt and is a comfort to those in fear. A good pastor always prays, hopes, loves and endures. He has studied his craft and doesn’t live a contradicting life. He smells like sheep! Thankful for the pastor!!

    There is nothing like a good parent! It’s not easy to make a home and there are many broken and dysfunctional families in America but God bless the parent that keeps his family safe, provides a decent living, loves unconditionally, demonstrates and develops character, integrity and faith among the children. A good parent knows what the child needs before the child does. They nurture, teach, provide comic relief and empowers their children. Good parents teach their kids not to be bullies, to respect themselves and others, to work and play hard and most importantly to know Jesus. The parent is responsible for maintaining the sacred bond and trust between the parent and child for as long as they live!

    And finally, there is nothing like a good neighbor!! One who shows themselves friendly. A person who is helpful, resourceful and positive. A good neighbor cultivates a relationship that benefits both parties and does things never expecting any credit for it. A good neighbor keeps and eye on their surroundings to make sure it’s safe for all and they know when to get involved and when not to. Good neighbors build strong neighborhoods and even elevates the property value! Long life the good neighbor!

    Hopefully this blog as got you thinking of other good people in your life that are making a difference and to remember to give them their flowers before they die. 2023 is a good year to begin showing gratitude for the wonderful people God has place in your life!

  • Be who you want to be

    In Proverbs 23:7, the bible tells us that we are who we think we are. It literally says as a man thinketh, so is he. This is a very easy going statement that makes it seem that if a person thought they were great, then they would be. Or if I believed I could be a millionaire I could be. There is one common denominator that decides how true the statement is and it’s our belief.

    So many people have thought less of themselves or lacked confidence because of the way they were raised, or what someone said or the disposition of their family.

    Some even buckle under pressure to be something or act a certain way or even live up to another person’s expectations.

    Futher, we live in a society where people do a lot of comparing and measuring each other. We are pitted against another in competition and no one really wants to work together. As a result our society suffers from low self-esteem, self-worth and insecurities.

    The bible makes it so simple that your heart actually holds the key of who you can be and if you can see it, then you can be it! If you can be an eyewitness to other people’s accomplishments it’s easier to see the possibilities within yourself.

    So, we are now in 2023 and we want to make changes. The changes don’t have to be believed by anyone else but you. Right smack in the center of your heart will this change take place. You may doubt in your mind and your family and friends my not even want to support your change, but your change is for you!

    Stand tall and believe in your heart that on some level you can do anything anyone else can do. Follow your heart and allow yourself to grow and learn the character and depth of the person you really are. Look around you and see all the possibilities others have done and believe it because you are next!

  • Playing the blame game

    Now that the new year has started it seems that we all would want to make some positive changes in our lives. There should be some kind of learning curve from year to year.

    Each area of our lives should be re-examined to see if certain things need adjusting. One of our greatest wastes of time is or need to blame others. There is a such thing as the “blame game” and we play it when we feel at a disadvantage. That disadvantage could be that we already know we were wrong and we want to divert attention away from it or we are expecting to be blamed for something we didn’t do. In either case, we want to get the first “shots” fired.

    Does it really matter who’s to blame? It just seems as though finding a fix or solution for the issue or problem would make more sense. It seems like we are infatuated with drama. Somehow the detailed facts of the drama captivate us to the point that we lose focus on what really matters. What a time waster!!!

    It’s time to leave this time waster in the past and begin anew the things that are more profitable to us. As the 90s group TLC would suggest: Start solving and managing your own problems and don’t get siked out trying to chase waterfalls. Just stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.

    Treat your time as precious and valuable as it is and don’t participate in untruthful arguments or conversations this year. Let’s this year be the year of peace and tranquility. Covet your rest and relaxation and stay hydrated. Stay busy and active and watch what you eat as food can greatly effect your mood.

    And finally, regularly pray. Talk to God about everything and then meditate and get read for his answer to your prayers. Trust God and live your best life!! Go be great!!!

  • Celebrate the women you love!

    I don’t believe women are celebrated enough!

    I mean an argument could be made for celebrating anyone but from a male perspective, our female partners have a lot to put up with in life. They are still looked at as second-class citizens in regards to wages in America. They can’t seem to turn off their nurturing abilities meaning that in today’s society they do a lot more of nurturing grown men than kids.

    Women make things beautiful, they are long-suffering, forgiving (most of the time) and extremely helpful. Most of them are resilient, patient, compassionate and strong.

    When a woman is happy she can effect an entire building with her happiness. Her wrath works the same way. Women are fighters, like their animal counterparts they will defend their children with their very lives.

    I wonder how many women are the sole support of their families? During the absence of men, women have had to be everything to everybody and they hardly complain. Whenever a women is not able to do this it’s because someone somewhere ruined her. They clipped her wings or took something so precious from her that spoiled her will to thrive.

    A woman is similar to water as she is strong enough when she needs to be, comforting enough when the situation calls for it and can adapt to any situation you put her in.

    This holiday season we need to go all out for the women that make the trials of life much easier to bear. What would we do without them?

  • Finding YOUR spot in this world

    One of the most fulfilling things in life is to know your place. To know where you fit in life and actually be doing something that builds your self worth is something everyone would want but few actually achieve.

    Opportunity has been covered in red tape and there are so many hoops to jump through that many people give up on chasing their dreams. It is as if our government wanted to keep people from achievement. It seems as if the rich have a hold on making the real money and instead of skill and ingenuity creating opportunities, who you know makes all the difference.

    The decision needs to first be made as to the thing that matters most: To seek fame or fortune; to have influence and power; or to make life easier or better for others. Other decisions like whether or not to go to college, start in the military or learn a trade are key. A person can succeed doing either of the three.

    Then understanding what moves you and what makes you feel alive. I’ve always asked myself the question is it a job that I would do for free. Then finally you have to make it work. And on the way to completing this task you learn many things about who you are and what you are made of. You learn your passions and your fears. You learn how you respond in problem solving and the things that frustrated you the most.

    Above all else you have to master the learning curve to secure your space under the sun. There really is enough world for all of us. You just have to carve out your own slice! Happy cutting!

  • Tell your anxiety to get in line

    Living in Western civilization means to live with anxiety and to have something to constantly worry about. It seems that most of what we worry about has to do with things we cannot control. That tends to drive us crazy. We lose time, sleep, energy and creative time worrying.

    With such busy schedules I discovered this life hack that tends to work well for me. It seems so simple but for me it was really effective. I scheduled my time to worry. I mean I literally had it on my calendar. Once it’s scheduled I direct my brain to stop worrying until that time. When you focus on this you actually stop worrying. What this allows you to do is focus on solutions and be productive in other areas that you do control.

    Pretty neat, huh? Then you literally get a natural high from all the things you accomplished when you focus. And here is the best part — when your scheduled time to worry comes up, you will be hard pressed to find something to worry about. Most of the time the problem takes care of itself. If not, all you have to do is reschedule your worry time.

    Now with every accomplishment you have to give yourself credit for it. Celebrate a successful day in some creative way. There is nothing wrong with slowing your pace to congratulate yourself. You mind will conform to this if you focus. This idea works because all we are really trying to do is be productive. We want to be able to do meaningful things that allow us to grow and develop a sense of pride in our living. Successful people have learned how to manage their anxiety and you can to.

    Make sure you focus on what matters most and then you make sure you are physically able to hand your load and then give yourself a fighting chance. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, enjoy daily exercise and drink plenty of water. You will feel that stress melt away. Trust.