Staying Determined During Your Trials, pt. 2: The Chance To Endure.

While it is important to have distinct, and concrete goals/aspirations, both short-term and long-term. It is more important to seek out "The Chance To Endure." In my own experience with my so-called "attempt" too make it to the NBA, my 4 month burnout didn't come from physical burnout or the lack of physical talent. My burnout came from a lack of mental talent. I lacked the mental acuity to properly Endure. My failure grew from me simply focusing on the wrong thing. My every day focus was my long term goal of "making the NBA." But the immense size of this goal became too overwhelming to constantly think about on a nearly minute by minute basis. The correct thing to do is to experience The Journey, like Mama told us. And being that growth only arises from pain endured, "The Journey" is more correctly titled "The Chance To Endure." During our journey there are an innumerable amount of peaks and valleys that will inevitably arise on a daily basis, but that's a part of the process. Once we fully understand, and accept this truth, it becomes much easier to not be overwhelmed by the gigantic mountain in front of us.

When we constantly use our goals as beacons of inspiration, we're infecting our minds with the sickness of Hope and Belief. I know that you've been taught your whole life to "hope, believe, and have faith" for the things you desire, but I always say that belief isn't strong enough. Belief is defined as "something that is accepted, considered to be true, or held as an opinion." It's another version of the word "faith." So, I can believe that it will rain today, but that's my opinion, and it's based on what is "probable." When you believe in yourself, you're hoping you're right. So, me believing I could get to the NBA is a positive thought, but it has no solid foundation. Your goals have to be a forgone conclusion. You have to KNOW. To Believe in yourself, isn't as strong as Knowing yourself. Big difference. So,