Alonzo Mourning has always been one of my favorite basketball players. Back in 2006, he won an NBA title with the Miami Heat after having undergone a kidney transplant in 2003. Think about just how incredible that is. Professional sports requires the very best athletes in the very best shape, and Mourning came back on a transplanted kidney. Besides Sean Elliott with the San Antonio Spurs, there is little precedent for such a comeback.
He gave a press conference after series-clinching Game 6. I watched it live, and in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that it made me cry. I remain in awe of what he was able to overcome and accomplish after going through such a dark period in his life. His perseverance is inspiring to me.
As entrepreneurs, we go through dark times – times of self-doubt, confusion, exhaustion – it certainly isn’t always easy! Knowing that he was near death, was blessed with the gift of a kidney from his cousin, and came back to rise to the top of the NBA ….. it gives me hope that I can conquer my much smaller problems.
Watch the first seven minutes of the video, at the very least. After 7:10, he just talks hoops. Here are the parts of the video I found most inspiring:
4:10 – “You need words of hope. Words of encouragement.” (hopefully we entrepreneurs can get this from our family and our friends)
6:20 – “The key… is keeping your mind right.” (it takes a great deal of focus, even stubbornness, to stay on track through the ups and downs)
Perseverance is key! 6:30 – “So many people are quick to give up, and say ‘Why me? Why me?’ …. So many people out there have it a whole lot worse than you….. think about that.” (I think about that all the time)
Alonzo Mourning Incredible Speech – Watch more Funny Videos
p.s. I take alot of inspiration from sports, so you’ll see me talking about sports and giving examples of perseverance, teamwork, struggles etc, because it all relates to what we go through as entrepreneurs.
Nice post Chris —
I guess if having your own biz was easy — everyone would be doing it. I think one of the things that can help you through the tough times is having the type of personality that actually enjoys “the climbing” part of building a business.
I mean truly enjoying seeing the progress that can be made over long periods of time — if you need instant gratification or can't take adversity of any kind it will be difficult to run a successful biz.
“The climbing part” of building a business – that's a great point, Russ.