The first time I spoke with the G.O.A.T. was just over 20 years ago.  I had seen Michael Jordan before on a basketball court and a baseball field, but never had been in a position to talk with him.  It was in the last moments of evening, at a back entrance to the now closed Marriott in downtown Orlando.

I was in my second year of college, interning at the local television station, in the sports department.  The on-air guys knew I was a Jordan fan, as we’d always talk hoops, them Orlando Magic and me Michael Jordan, haha.  When the Bulls came to town one night, they asked me if I wanted to go out to get a sound bite (a short response from a player/coach) for tomorrow’s game.

My jaw dropped and my heart started pounding like bass in the trunk of cars those days.

The on-air guy was rewarding me with a dream opportunity, for my tireless work ethic – and free labor that I was providing to him and the department and I couldn’t have been more excited – and nervous.

For years I had watched every Bulls game WGN would telecast here in Orlando.  All of the games on NBC during the weekends too.  I knew a lot about Scottie, Phil, Steve, Dennis, Toni and of course MJ. The thought of being face to face with those guys, as a young man, was surreal for me.

Working in sports you know where things happen and you have access. I had none of that at the time, but was giddy to go along for the ride.

I stood along the sidewalk leading to a back entrance of the hotel, making small talk with the camera guy who was at least twice my age.  Then, out of the darkness, pulled up the bus.  The Chicago Bulls bus!!!  It’s me, the camera guy, the night and the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls PR guy jumped off the bus, walked over to me because I was the one with the mic, even though I looked like I was 12, and told me that we could shoot video, but to not ask the guys questions.

I said ok and he went on into the hotel.  I then began asking every single person off the bus, for a quick comment on the game.  Being timid wasn’t going to get the sound bite that I needed, so I went for it – MJ style.

One after the other the players filed past me, not stopping to answer.  Phil Jackson did the same, but then realizing I was not going to stop, agreed to talk with me, most likely with the hope that it would free up Michael and Scottie.  But Phil didn’t know about my focus:)

I spoke with Phil and then peeled off and went right back to asking questions, still no Michael, still no responses.

Randy Brown did respond, “Not right now little man,” obviously speaking to my youthful looks and not my size, as we are about the same height. But I wasn’t deterred.

Scottie got off, grabbed his bag and said nothing.  I couldn’t say, man, I’ve been watching you for yearssss – that wouldn’t have been professional, and probably wouldn’t have mattered.

Then off the bus came the Gggggg Oooooo Aaaaaa Ttttt!  You know the feeling the first time you walked up to a girl and asked her out?  That nervous energy.  For you young cats, there were no texts, you had to man up.  Well, take that and multiply it by 100.  I was hella nervous.

I grew up watching MJ!  He was the reason I played and watched basketball.  I wanted to be like Mike for real!

So towards the hotel he walked, and as poised as I could possibly manage, I walked beside Michael Jordan, raised the microphone to his face and asked, “Michael, can I get a quick comment on tomorrow’s game?”

Jordan’s eyes moved and focused on me and then I felt his hand gently lowering the mic, as he responded nearly inaudibly, “Not right now.”

I didn’t get the sound bite.  I had failed.

Jordan entered the hotel and again it was the evening, myself and the camera guy – who immediately proclaimed, “Dude! Michael Jordan touched you!”

Thinking back on that I can’t help but laugh out loud at that comment, but it spoke to the reverence of Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan doesn’t remember and has no clue that the little kid outside the hotel that night, in the medium polo shirt, was me.  But he does know (me) vsMJ.com now and I’d like to think that he sees a little of his teachings in the way I approach things.

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

Much love,

K. Eller (mevsMJ.com)

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan. This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

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Connect: Twitter (@KennyEller), Instagram (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Page.

On January 16th, Corey Maggette of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons found me on Instagram and it changed everything.

Just 11 days later, after some messaging back and forth between myself and Corey, I was at the Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons game on Sunday to meet him, thank him for his kindness and to hand deliver a mevsMJ.com shirt!

Me and Corey Maggette (Video)

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcYb4dBIyOc

One Man’s Kindness

It’s amazing what one seemingly simple “like” on an Instagram picture can do.

Mind blowing, the chain of reaction that one’s kindness, can begin.

After the game on Sunday, I asked Corey how he found me and he told me that he’s just always searching around for things.

His search, turned into a “like”, which led to a retweet of this site to his +1 million followers on Twitter and then 11 days later, me meeting him in person and hand delivering a mevsMJ.com shirt!

I mean, it is overwhelming that an NBA player like Maggette knew me when he came out of the locker room.  Just wild that he has my shirt.  Wow!

For me, it was awesome to have the opportunity to thank Corey in person for helping me show others, like YOU, that everything I’ve been saying is true!  Anything really Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

He allowed me to tell him all about my journey, never seeming rushed and listening intently the entire time.

I could tell he got the bigger purpose behind what is mevsMJ.com.

Truly, such a nice guy.

Maggette’s kindness also led to more….

Joe Dumars and Bo Outlaw

While waiting for Corey to come out of the locker room I was able to share my faith and my journey to play Michael Jordan with two former NBA greats, Joe Dumars and Bo Outlaw.

Both were kind, generous with their time, extremely encouraging and genuinely interested in the mission.

At one point, as I was describing what this journey is about and all that has happened thus far, I said to Joe, “God is so amazing!”

Joe smiled, shook his head in acknowledgement and replied, “That’s why I’m (Joe) standing here talking with you right now.”

Before we took the picture and he left to make his way to the team bus, he encouraged me to stay persistent in my pursuit.

I most certainly will!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the amazing journey continues!  As always, thank you for following along!

1 Game – me vs. Michael Jordan…it’s GOING to happen!

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Fan Page.

Last night I asked for support in my quest to play Michael Jordan 1-on-1.

I put a grouping of words together on Instagram and asked others to support my pursuit.

I stated something that I live and believe, at the end of my ask and that was, “Anything is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!”

Then something amazing happened!

I received a random and very unexpected LIKE from the NBA’s Corey Maggette!

Sitting on my couch at home, stunned, I leaned over and showed my wife what had just happened.  Both of us amazed, I declared, it’s a God thing!

God wasn’t done.

Corey Maggette Shares mevsMJ.com with over 1 MILLION people & Follows ME on Twitter!

I then sent out the following tweet, which linked back to the Instagram post above.

Just got an instagram like from the NBA’s @ghostc5m (Corey Maggette) – Your support means a lot! (MEvsMJ.com instagr.am/p/UkW2-TC_5i/

— Kenny Eller (@KennyEller) January 17, 2013

Within a few minutes Maggette had retweeted that to all of his followers!!  ALL 1,011,205 of them!

Then to top things off, he FOLLOWED ME on Twitter!  (He only follows 1,880 people on the social media platform.)

Did I mention that last year Corey played for Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Bobcats!?!?!!?!

Just a coincidence?  Naaaaaa!

I know some will think it’s a coincidence that an NBA player randomly finds a posting of mine on Instagram and chooses to like it.  A posting that in total received just 31 likes.

Some will think it’s a coincidence that the same NBA player took my message and gave it to the +1 million followers he has on Twitter.

Some will go on thinking it’s merely a coincidence that Maggette chose to also follow me on Twitter, when he follows just .185917% of his followers.

And some will then of course think it too is a coincidence that Corey played for and knows Michael Jordan.

Some will think that.

I know better.

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

Honestly, when I posted that grouping of words on Instagram, my hope was that I’d pick up a few likes.

God gives us a dream and then in moments like last night, with me, He says DREAM BIGGER!

He says BELIEVE FOR GREATER THINGS!

My belief that I carry around with me, is that Anything Is Possible with FAITH & Hard Work!

I hope through this journey of mine to play Michael Jordan that you are seeing that!

I hope that this is another example to you that YOU CAN experience the things in life you were created to experience!

I hope you know that amazing moments aren’t reserved for just me and others.  Amazing moments are here for us all!

Thank you for all of your support!  It means so much to me!

me vs. Michael Jordan…the amazing journey continues!  WOW!

** UPDATE 1/18/2013 **

After all of this happened, one of the people that I shared this with was my great friend Dave Hopla.  Dave is an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

NOW IT GETS EVEN MORE AMAZING!

I asked Dave, if he had a chance, to please tell Corey that I appreciate his support and that it means a lot to me.

Today, just before 6pm, I received a message from Dave letting me know that he had spoken to Maggette about me and my journey to play Michael Jordan before their game in London.  Yes, the Pistons were in London to play the Knicks the day after all of this happened!  

Another coincidence?  Naaaaa!

He said that Corey thought my journey to play MJ was really cool!  

WOW!

Two people from the small family that is the NBA, talking about my journey to play Michael Jordan, on an NBA court, in London, England!

I’m telling you!  ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH FAITH & HARD WORK!

me vs. Michael Jordan…it’s going to happen!  So blessed!

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Fan Page.

My shoulder hurts.  The right one.  The one I’ve used over and over again during my life to make thousands upon thousands of shots.

It’s painful.  I’ve never been stabbed, but if I were to guess what that feels like; it would be how my shoulder feels most of the time these days when I shoot the basketball.  Sharp stings.

The cause, I can only trace back to the large stacks of push-ups I did on a nightly basis during the NBA playoffs.  Not the brightest thing I’ve ever done.  I’ve had massages, treatments and have done my best to stay away from the courts as much as possible over the last two months, in an attempt to let it heal.  But I missed the game.

This week I said hello again to the game I love.

***

Thursday evening, after an hour and a half of makes and misses wrapped in pain, I sat down and talked some basketball history with a friend at the rec center.  We talked about MJ of course.

It was my third trip to the courts in the last four days.

Each day a bit better than the one before it, I could see my shot beginning to shine more and more and resemble its former self as I polished away.

After 20 or so minutes of conversation, I got up and asked my friend, “How many makes in a row before I leave today?”

He spat back, “10…wait, are you talking free throws?”

I said, “No man, threes!”

“You can’t make 10 threes in a row,” he quipped.

I shook my head at his lack of belief and responded, “OK, you just sit there and watch.”

44 Minutes

I honestly expected it to take me less than five minutes for me to make 10 three pointers in a row.

A few months ago, making 10 from downtown was easy earned.  I won’t say easy, because that would be a lie.  I’ve earned the right to make shots through tons of repetition.  It was never easy.

After just two or three minutes I was up to 8 in a row.

Miss.

Make, make, make, make, make…miss.

This pattern continued for the next 44 minutes as I shot one ball after the other.

Soaked with effort down through my socks, legs tired, arm fatigued, shoulder smarting, quitting without a doubt crossed my mind.

The thoughts, who would know or care if you stopped now and it’s ok to quit because you should take it easy on your shoulder, said hello.

But I refused to quit and kept shooting.

Then it finally happened.  14 makes in a row later I had accomplished my goal.

Where You Find Success!

Success isn’t as hard to find as people say it is.  It’s found right behind faith and a lot of hard work.

If you want success, just do what you say you’re going to do!

It won’t be easy.  But it’s possible!

While I was shooting, two others joined me in the task of making 10 three pointers in a row.  They were both really good shooters and one of them even got to 9 in a row once.  But they both quit before realizing the goal.

Today I know that I was the best shooter in that gym…and so do they.  That’s a HUGE difference in mindset and it comes by DOING or the lack there of.

The Magic is Within You!

A great friend of mine, Robert Brown, has a saying.  He says, “It’s no magic trick.  If you work hard you’ll be better.”

He’s right.  The magic is within you!

Two Things That You Control Today, That WILL Change Your Tomorrow

Success comes down to what you believe and the effort you put forth.

You control both of them.

Now you don’t get to control much in life, but you do control what you believe and how hard you work!

Belief

I consistently and constantly feed myself encouragement.

It’s going to be a great day!  I will be blessed in my business!  I am a great shooter!  I am a great writer, I am a great speaker, and on and on and on!

Now I want to improve in all things, but I feel that I’m destined for greatness!

That’s not being cocky.  That’s living your purpose!

You have to see it to believe it!

You have to believe it before you can achieve it!

Hard Work

Then I take that faith and belief and work really, really hard.

I keep going when others stop, because I’ve already seen my success!

I know I just need to have faith and keep working hard!

Michael Jordan and My Dream

Before I shook hands with Michael Jordan and told him about mevsMJ.com, I saw it happen!

I’ve seen the 1-on-1 game with MJ!

I’ve seen myself speaking to thousands, encouraging young and old what I believe, that Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work!

I’ve seen lives changed!

What Do You See?

Whatever your mevsMJ.com is, I know it’s possible!

You’ve just got to have faith and you’ve got to work hard!

It’s waiting for you!

I will play Michael Jordan and impact lives!  What are you going to do?

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!

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If you’re new here, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Fan Page.

Charlotte, NC – 

It was last Wednesday afternoon, in the 23^rd month of this journey, and there he was, Michael Jeffrey Jordan – the six rings, the 32,292 points, the 6x NBA Finals MVP, the game winners, the G.O.A.T, the reason I play basketball and the inspiration for this site.

Just minutes after his welcoming speech at the 4^th Annual Charlotte Bobcats Fantasy Camp, he stood alone on the side of the court as the camp staff ushered us off, so that group photos could be taken.

I was just feet from Michael Jordan, the MJ in mevsMJ.com and I almost didn’t approach him.  Internally I battled as to whether or not it was the right time.

I figured surely I would see him again or would I?

Hours Before

In an oversized chair located in the dimly lit lobby of a Charlotte hotel, I sat and reflected.  I thought about all of the places this journey had taken me, what I’ve learned about myself and others, the people that have encouraged, supported and helped and of course those that have been less than stellar in my pursuit.

I was just hours away from, well I wasn’t exactly sure, but what I did know was that Michael Jordan would be there and with that came an opportunity to realize the dream.

An Unexpected Phone Call

Two weeks prior, at an all day breakfast joint in downtown Orlando, in between bites of omelet and sips of coffee, I received an unexpected phone call from Charlotte, North Carolina that changed everything.

The caller after having identified himself as being with the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, said he was calling to make sure my experience with the Bobcats had been a good one this year.

I thanked him for calling, but explained that I hadn’t been to a game, which left him in silence.

He asked, really?

He regrouped and said that perhaps I had attended a concert or some sort of an event at the arena this year.

When I let him know that I had never been to Charlotte and that I in fact lived just outside of Orlando, Florida, he couldn’t believe it.

Still surprised and probably not quite sure where to take the conversation at that point, he closed with, “Well, I’m not really sure how we have your information, but if you are ever in the area and you’d like to come to a game, please let me know if I can help.”

I thanked him again and then right before we ended the call an image of a 48 year old Jordan dunking flashed through my head.  With nothing to lose, I figured I would ask about the event that was held last year in which MJ did this.  He knew what I was referring to, so I then asked if they would be doing a similar event again anytime soon.

He let me know that the Bobcats were and within hours I was confirmed for the camp to be held exactly two weeks later!

Nerves

I’m not someone that generally gets very nervous.  I don’t get star struck either, ever.  My time in sports television cured me of that as a young man.

I admit, sure I was a little nervous/excited before my speech at the Chandler Parsons basketball camp recently.  I think that’s normal though, as I just wanted to do my best and make an impact on the young people.  I was excited before my time with Mark Cuban.  More excited than nervous before playing pros.  All what I would say are quite normal feelings.

This whole trip to Charlotte was at another level though.  I had adrenaline overload for almost the entire 14 days leading up the the camp!  Sleepless nights on the regular.  I’d wake up at 2am and think it was time to go get some makes in.  That happened multiple mornings.  The day of the camp I had to force myself to eat.

I suppose it was all of the unknowns, the uncontrollables.  Would I get to speak with Michael, would he like what I was doing, would he agree to play, would he get that my goal is bigger than a game of basketball?

I didn’t know any of the answers to those questions, but that is where I had to lean on my faith.

There wasn’t an ounce of me that thought that the phone call I received was any kin to the word accident.

Shoot Around & My mevsMJ.com Shirt

I arrived at the arena right at 4:30 pm, checked in and was given a nice big Jordan brand bag, branded shorts, shirt, socks and Gatorade.

I changed like everyone else into the given attire, with one exception.  Instead of donning the sweet Jumpman camp shirt, I slid my mevsMJ.com shirt over it.

I had thought I would just warm up with it on and then take it off, as it isn’t a dri-fit type of shirt, but rather a cotton one.  That of course means it can get a little hot.

After 30 or so minutes of shooting though, it hit me.  The day wasn’t about me shooting the ball well or performing well.

My sole purpose was to get my message to Michael Jordan – and with that I decided to wear the shirt the entire time.

I’m glad I did.

Me and Michael Jordan

As everyone was making their way off the court for group photos, I took a step towards Michael, then still battling myself internally a step away, before deciding to just go for it.

I walked up, introduced myself to Michael Jordan and then the man I watched dominate so many basketball games, made it so easy.

After the intial hello, I asked while pointing to my shirt, “Have you had a chance to check out my site mevsMJ.com?”

He leaned around and read it aloud, “me verses MJ dot com”

I interjected, “I gave you a card down in Orlando.“

He began to smile as he shook his head no, saying “mevsMJ.com.  No, no, I haven’t had a chance to check it out, but I’m going to go upstairs right after we are done taking pictures and take a look!”

I began telling him what I was looking to accomplish, what the site has become, when he then reached back and got the attention of Bobcats President and COO Fred Whitfield.

He said, “Hey Fred, you gotta check this out.  He’s got a site called mevsMJ.com.  We’ve got to go check that out upstairs as soon as we are done here.”

Fred nodded in agreement as we spoke.

Explaining that my purpose was bigger than basketball, I then turned around and asked Michael to read the back of my shirt.

He placed his hands on my shoulders and read the message I’ve been spreading aloud, “Anything is Possible with Faith & Hard Work”.

He then read my name which runs vertically on the back of the shirt and said with one of his famous mannerisms, “OK, I’m going to check it out!”

As I took a step away, he asked, “Is it hot?”

Looking back, before I could respond, he asked again, “You got anything hot on the site?”

I said, “Of course!”

He then smiled again and said, “OK, I’m gonna go upstairs, check it out, and then come back down here and tell you if it’s hot or not!”

I laughed and said, “Sounds good!”

Video of Me and Michael Jordan

Here is some video from my interaction with Michael Jordan.

 httpvh://youtu.be/wnA1goOWwxU

[If you are reading this via email/feed – click here to watch video.]

Fantasy Camp

With my group, I took my photo with Michael and the other coaches.

I then went through the camp, won the shooting contest and was the last person to leave the arena.

The ushers actually had to come take the ball from me, but not before I made my 10^th free throw in a row.

Michael never came back down, but I fully understood as he and the Bobcats’ staff was working on a possible trade for the team.

Anything Is Possible with Faith & Hard Work

After 23 months of effort, thousands upon thousands of words, through training at all hours, the injuries, rejection, doubt and pessimism, through life changing experiences, to the testing of everything I believe in, on July 11th, 2012, the dreamer won!

I’ve always believed that if the purpose was pure, that ANYTHING Is Possible with FAITH and HARD WORK!

Sure, Michael and I haven’t played 1-on-1 yet.

But we all know, it’s only a matter of time now.

me vs. MJ…the journey continues!  As always thank you for following along.

Me and Michael Jordan Photos

 [slider_pro id=”1″]

[To see full images – click here]

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Fan Page.

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If you’re new to the site, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

They say it will never happen.

They shake their heads and quietly chuckle.

They try to introduce doubt.

They pour their pessimism all over me and expect me to wilt.

They question my motives.

They call themselves my friends.

But…

They don’t know how badly I want this.

They didn’t see the tears or hear me as I cried alone in my car 16 months ago, because I didn’t want to leave.

They didn’t feel the pain or the push as I went through rebuilding my leg.

They haven’t seen the countless emails and tweets I’ve written or the calls I’ve made.

They haven’t boarded the planes or driven the hours in an effort to make it all happen.

They didn’t see my head droop after the worst beating of my life and they don’t know that it inspired me to work harder.

They haven’t seen the thousands of makes, when I’m alone in the gym.

They don’t know what it’s like to feel the pain of a “no” from those that have the ability to help…or what it’s like to keep pressing forward.

They don’t know what it’s like to come face to face with Michael Jordan…twice!

**

They are powerless against my journey and yours.

***

Maybe these words are for you.

Perhaps you want to be the best player on your team and currently you’re not even close.

Maybe you just want to be happy.

They have controlled you, your entire life, and you’ve let them.

It’s time to stop listening to them.

It’s time to listen to yourself.

Only you know how badly you want it.

Now show the rest of the World.

If you work hard enough, one day THEY will tell you that they always knew you could do it.

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Connect:  Twitter (@KennyEller) and mevsMJ.com Facebook Fan Page.

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If you’re new to the site, I set out in August 2010 to get a game of 1-on-1 vs. my childhood hero Michael Jordan.  This site is about that journey…through every valley, to every mountain top of triumph!

Have you ever gotten close to greatness?

I mean so close that you could extend your hand and introduce yourself?

I have.

Greatness is one selfish bastard!

It wants all of your time. It wants to be number one in your life.

If you seek it out, greatness will show you what it takes to live in its world and it may even give you a taste of the “great” life.

I’ve rushed to the gym the last five days in a row like a crackhead looking for another fix. I don’t just like hearing the ball swish through the net without touching the rim, I crave it. I can’t get enough.

With my feet, knees and lower back begging for relief I keep after greatness one shot followed by another until my soul is soaked with effort.

I replay every move that has beaten me in my 1-on-1 match-ups until it’s mine. I run faster and shoot quicker with imaginary defenders trailing my every move until they tire and retreat.

Greatness is the illegitimate child of a passionate woman and a ‘me first’ man.

At some point in every person’s life they chase greatness for a bit. Most stop running after only a few steps because being in a relationship with the great one will strip you down and leave you naked. It’s a tireless journey that few have the will to withstand.

Some experience its glory and others learn early on that the fame it can lend to you isn’t worth the sacrifice.

Greatness doesn’t even blink. Instead it moves on to the next in search of its needed love, never remembering your name or that you even dated.

I’ve seen Michael Jordan take left handed jumpers that mirrored the perfection of his strong hand. I’ve seen Dominque Wilkins jab step with both feet so well that you’d have no idea which way he preferred.

In their pursuit of the absolutely gorgeous “G” when they mastered one aspect of the game, greatness said now master this. Hungry at its core, greatness settles only at perfection.

It’s not for everyone.

If you’re ready to choose it over time with friends, movies with your spouse, dinners with your family, as I have, then you might have a chance to call it yours one day.

The cringing truth is that in order to know it well, something must be sacrificed and that can’t be your time in pursuit.

Maybe you have an endless amount of hours and no one or thing will ever feel neglected in your chase. More than likely though, you’ll do as I do and spend your time praying that others understand and move forward regardless.

With sweat escaping from my face and dripping off my finger tips I paused as a young man approached me the other day and said, “Man, you’re really good at basketball!”

After a quick thank you, I was nudged by the selfish bastard and reminded that I’m not good enough…yet.

Back to work I went. Back to work I go.

With all due respect, I’m coming for you Mr. Jordan!

31,536,000

That’s how many seconds are in each calendar year.

Now, now, now, now, now…a few more gone, sprayed like they’ve been released from an automatic weapon, past your life never to be captured again.

You’ll probably chew up over 240 just reading this post.

If you don’t mind me asking, exactly how old are you right now?

How many seconds or moments have you already spent?

Do you feel time is of the essence?  Or is that just another empty saying, like the powerful four letter word love, that people regurgitate because they think it’s the thing to say.

Do YOU mean it?  Seriously? Do you?

This isn’t a feel good post.  This one isn’t going to make ya feel warm and fuzzy.  It’s time to get down deep and search.

It’s time to lose that BIG BUT.

The BIG BUT

I would but I just don’t have the time these days.

I really wish I could but I’ve got too many responsibilities now to be doing that.

I would but I just don’t make enough money.

I’d run, I’d blog, I’d write, I’d sing, I’d dance, I’d travel, I’d play, I’d do this and I’d do that, BUT I’ve told myself I’m limited.  I’ve told myself it’s too much.  I’ve told myself it’s not for me anymore.

You’ve told yourself a LIE.

The LIE is Hungry

Are you mad at me for calling you out?

Do you want to stop reading now?

Do I just not understand YOUR situation?

Do you want to share your EXCUSE with me?

The lie is so hungry.  It wants to eat your dreams.  It wants to keep you right where you are.   The lie doesn’t want to see you progress.  It doesn’t want you to shine.  The lie doesn’t want people emulating your success.  The lie wants to be spread.

You must not continue to feed the lie.

An Overwhelming Response

Life can be so overwhelming.   Maybe you work hard at a job you don’t feel passionate about, to make money to support yourself and your family.  A family that by the time you get home, you’re almost too tired to really cherish.   You do this over and over again, year after year.

Now, now, now, now, now…more time is gone.

You used to dream big things for yourself.  HUGE, INSPRING THINGS!

BUT how can you possibly still even attempt to follow your passion when you can barely get through what you’re doing now?

I hear ya…it can be overwhelming.

How to eat away at the But one bite at a time (Something My Dad Taught Me)

I bought my first home right after I turned 24 years old.   I wanted to invest in the market, but my Dad advised, no he made me, buy a house.  (Note:  Had I invested at that time (pre 9/11), I would still be living at home…haha.  Thanks Dad!)

For the first few years of my banking career I also had a second job writing the sports section for a local newspaper.

I had a girlfriend as well, and all what comes with a relationship.

I was busy.

I worked 40-45 hours a week at the bank, nights and all weekend on the paper, and the rest of the time I would squeeze in some hoops, time with friends and family and time with the girlfriend.

I wasn’t making a whole heck of a lot of money at the time either.  That coupled with the fact that I have two of the hardest working people ever as parents, meant I took care of the yard work and everything else that goes along with being a homeowner.

When I bought my first home, two retirees had owned it prior.  They had flowers growing in places I didn’t even know you could grow flowers.  It was immaculate.  The curb appeal was sky high.

That appeal lasted for awhile, but then I was overwhelmed.   I just didn’t have the time needed to maintain the lawns pristine appearance, rather it wasn’t my priority.  So the weeds started growing.   The bushes went months without trimming.  My grass wasn’t edged along the sidewalks and driveway.   About the only thing I did keep up with was the mowing of the grass.

My parents would pass by, call me and drop hints, but I just couldn’t see how I would ever be able to maintain it all.  It stressed me.  You have to understand I have two parents who plant things for fun, who landscape and mow and enjoy it.

I told my Dad one evening, I just couldn’t do it.  It was too much.  I didn’t care.  I was beyond frustrated!

He listened and then he taught.

He said, if you look at every single thing you have to do and clump it all together, it will seem overwhelming.   It will appear to be too much.

He went on with, but if you break it down in to bite size pieces.   If you take one section at a time and put a little time in each evening, you’ll slowly start chipping away at it.

He continued, don’t try and kill yourself with doing it all in one day.   Spread it out, because it’s not going anywhere, but get out there and start.  Before you know it, you’ll have it done!  I’d be more than willing to come help!

I have used that life lesson over and over again in my life.

Whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed and stressed, I try and take a step back and figure out how to chip away one bite at a time.

I’m no Judge

I wear no black robe.  I own not one gavel.  I’m not here to judge.

I’m here to inspire as others, like my Dad, have inspired me.

Life will always present you with an obstacle.  The lie will forever be hungry.

Though, no matter your individual situation, there is always another pushing through.   Another who cut ties with the lie long ago and instead chose to LIVE!

What you do with your life is your choice.

Now, now, now, now, now…more time is slipping by.

Are you ready to lose your BIG BUT???

Get Out There and Start!

I hope that my story in some way helps you to get back on track.   To realize that nothing is impossible, impossible just take a bit longer.

As cliché as it sounds, it really does all begin with one step.  There is so much to be had in life.   All the things you dreamt about.  The things you still keep deep inside for no one else to see anymore, can be had.

I know your situation may seem like it’s too much, but please try bite size pieces.  I think you’ll be amazed at how quickly YOUR curb appeal returns.

Now, now, now, now, now…the seconds keep flowing.

It’s time to say goodbye forever to that BIG BUT!