Last night the Cleveland Cavaliers became the first NBA Champions to ever come back from being down 3 games to 1 in the NBA Finals. They were playing their talented West Coast rival, the Golden State Warriors, who set the single season record for wins this year after winning the title last year. This was a Finals series that will not soon be forgotten.
Two years ago, LeBron James returned to Cleveland after winning two titles in four years with the Miami Heat. By leaving Cleveland for Miami he became a hated man after being the beloved hometown hero of Northeast Ohio. He returned and was forgiven. He came home with a mission to give Cleveland a title after a 50+ year drought of any professional sports championships. Last night, he delivered.
What can we learn from this historic accomplishment?
I believe that DETERMINATION and PERSEVERANCE are the obvious lessons. LeBron was determined to do all that he could to deliver a title to Cleveland, but it came through an incredibly challenging journey. One year ago, the Golden State Warriors defeated Cleveland in the Finals. Two key players – Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love – were injured for the Cavs and LeBron had to depend on lesser role players. They couldn’t overcome the gap. This year they faced the same Warriors team, but were healthy and determined. Because of this, they stayed the course even when they were down 3-1 in the series. They didn’t give up on themselves and they took one game at a time.
You may not be a sports fan. I understand that. However, we are often faced with personal challenges that feel insurmountable. Many of us look at the uphill climb and decide it’s not worth the pain, sweat, and tears so we surrender to mediocrity and “stability.” I confess that I’m often tempted to do this. When the days are difficult and you don’t see progress from your effort, it’s discouraging. My encouragement to you is to STAY THE COURSE. Breakthroughs will come. The biggest breakthroughs take more time to incubate and develop. We have to become the people who are ready to receive the breakthroughs. This means we must have our character developed.
A John Maxwell Team colleague, Ivan Oberon, wrote a powerful post last week that I want to share with you. Click HERE to read his comparison of the gestation periods between dogs and elephants. I’m confident you will be blessed and challenged by reading this.
As you begin your week, let the NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers teach you a powerful lesson. Stay the course, persevere, and prepare daily for the breakthroughs that are coming in your life.
Be Intentionally Great today!
