Is there a cure for Linsanity?

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Have you got Linsanity? Photo by Eric Molina on Flickr

A cure for Linsanity?

Sorry to say, there is none.

But, who wants to be cured anyway?

It would be like trying to cure happiness.  Why bother?  I like being happy.  No thanks, I’ll pass on the cure.

If you’ve already got Linsanity, then I recommend you just go with the flow.  Enjoy it.  Savor every moment.  Relish the post game highlights.  Feel excited for this young lad who – seemingly – came out our nowhere and launched a tsunami of excitement on an unsuspecting basketball world.   And, Linsanity casts a wide net as the epedemic goes beyond basketball borders and beyond geographical boarders.  This is a world wide phenomena.

Why?

Because Linsanity is the classic story of success; the intersection of preparedness and opportunity.

Who can’t relate to that?  What person, what culture, what religion, what socio-economic status can’t relate to this story?  It’s  a story with no physical or cultural boundaries.  It’s an inspirational story for everyone.

Success Zone

Jeremy Lin – the person behind the affliction – is in the success zone.

What’s the success zone?  It’s the journey.  It’s the struggle.  It’s being in the game you love and demonstrating you’re skills and talents.  Skills and talents hard won from many years of dedicated training and sacrifice.

There’s a good chance Jeremy’s long term goals include becoming a great NBA payer.  If so, then Jeremy is on the journey to achieve this goal.  And, success – being a journey – does not depend on Jermy achieving that goal.  It only depends on Jermey striving for it.  Have a read of the article, The Official Guide to Success, to understand what I mean.

Who Benefits?

And who benefits from Jermey’s success?

Well, first of all, Jeremy.  He definitely benefits because he’s experiencing success.  He’s on his journey.  He’s found his game in life and he’s playing it.

I reckon success is that simple.  Find your game in life and play it.  ‘Play it with all you got!’

Ok, who else benefits?

Let’s see … how about … anyone who enjoys witnessing someone striving for a big, huge, challenging goal.  Anyone who enjoys watching someone strive to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to get to that goal.  Anyone who enjoys watching amazing basketball skills resulting from many years of dedicated preparation and training.  Anyone who wants to be inspired by gritty determination and desire.

Do I benefit from Jeremy success?

Of course!

He’s adding value to my life.  I derive much satisfaction from witnessing success in action; watching Jeremy on his journey to becoming a great NBA basketball player.   I get inspired by his story.  His story of determination; his never give up attitude.  I can take his example and apply it to my life.  When Jeremy was overlooked by the basketball establishment, did he give up?  No.

I can apply that – “never give up” – attitude to my life.

What makes this story so  special?

Jeremy story is so intriguing for one overriding reason.

Why didn’t anyone recognize his great basketball talent before?

That’s essentially the central driving theme to this saga.  If Jeremy had been touted as a star throughout high school and college then the story has no bite.  It loses its luster.  Just another superstar story.  But – the Jeremy story – the story of Linsanity – is different.  It’s the ultimate underdog story.  And, the underdog story is gripping even when it’s only fiction.  How much more powerful when it’s reality?  When it’s playing out before our eyes?

The story of the overlooked prospect.  The story of the overlooked talent.  The story of the underappreciated player.  The story of Jeremy Lin.

Not Usually a  Happy  Ending …

But, how does the story of the overlooked talent play out in real life?

Usually, it’s not a happy ending.  It’s sad.  Doesn’t it normally end with the player leaving the game?  Leaving with their hopes and dreams buried deep inside, never to see the light of day again?  Isn’t it a tragedy?

And, this is where Jeremy’s story shines.  He didn’t get hung up on what others said or did.  He just set about his task; his goal.  He took control of the things he had control over.  Things like, improving his game.  Getting better at jump shots.  Getting better a nailing three pointers.  Getting better at dribbling, passing and playing all around basketball.  Those are things he could control.  And, apparently, that’s where he focused his time and energy.

Jeremey, unlike many other people, didn’t give up.  He kept going.

And, that is the heart of the story.  The guts.  The inspiration.  The perseverance.  The willingness to carry on when many naysayers were probably telling him, “Give up!”

How many people would have listened to this advice?  Just given up saying something like, “Oh, forget it.  I’ll never play in the NBA.  I’ll just accept that big fat corporate job with good pay and benefits.  Then I can buy a boat and go fishing on weekends and try to forget about how much I hate my job!”

In other words, Jeremy didn’t give up his primary game, to go play another game.  Another game he’s probably not that good at and one where his heart isn’t in it.  A game where he’ll never excel because he doesn’t have the passion for it.

And, besides, how can you ever find the success zone if you’re working day in and day out at something you’re not passionate about?

Do you think Jeremy Lin is passionate about basketball?  Do you think he made the right choice when it came to believing in himself and his basketball skills when just about everyone else – including top NBA scouts – didn’t?

When I think of “Linsanity” it reminds  me of  something Jerry Seinfeld said.  Jerry was discussing his success path; how he did it.  What set him apart,  made his story different from all the other “wannabe” comedians.  His answer was simple but profound, “I bet on myself … and won!”

Jeremy Lin bet on himself and he’s winning.  Big time.

Is there a lesson  here?

A lesson in Linsanity?  I think so.

This is my  interpretation  … the lesson I take away …

1)  Bet on yourself.

2)  Believe in yourself and your skills.

3)  Pay attention to your  passions and dreams; follow them.

4)  Never give up.

5)  Enjoy the process.  Let the struggles drive you on.  Let the struggles strengthen you.

When are you going to catch it?

So, as far as I can tell, there’s no cure for Linsanity.  And, I hope they never discover one.  But, since this epidemic seems to have such positive, motivating, life-enhancing and value-adding effects, I’m left with a sad feeling for those who have somehow managed to avoid it.

This is one fever you want to catch.

What’s the fastest way to catch it?  Just hang out with a crowd of people already infected with the Linsanity fever.  Your chances of catching it will go way up.   And, that’s a good thing.

So, what are you waiting for?  

Don’t wait too long …

 

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