The Small Room

"One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody."
~Mother Teresa

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Today, I heard a conversation about LeBron James.  The talk was about the phenomenal season he is having thus far.  He is averaging 29.2 points per game, 8.3 assists and 7.1 rebounds. He is shooting 55.1 percent from the floor.  LeBron’s stats are most impressive.   If this trek continues, some may claim that he could be the best basketball player to ever take the hardwood.  But, would he be?   His statistics alone could dictate that.  But there is more to basketball than just statistics.  There are the intangibles: things like character, leadership and work ethic. 

Some believe that in order for LeBron James to be identified with the likes of Bird, Magic and His Airness, LeBron must win a championship.  Why is it so important that Mr. James win a championship to take his place among the great ones?  It is because winning a championship speaks to a complete player.   No doubt, statistics can be impressive.  But alone, statistics do not win championships.   Basketball requires teamwork.  LeBron has four other players on the court with him.  If LeBron is going to win a championship, he has to be able to do what the great players that went before him did.  Bird did it; Magic did it; and Jordan dit it!. The great ones made those around them better.  They knew they could not win a championship by themselves.  Everyone on the team had to get better.  The great ones have a leadership style that brings out the best in people.  If LeBron James is going to win a championship, he has to become a person of influence.  It is imperative that he must make those around him better.
 
Congratulations to LeBron James – his statistics are stunning.  But, until he wins a championship, he will not find his name among the truly great ones.  Sure, LeBron is extremely talented.  Someday, he will retire with Hall of Fame type statistics.  Absent a championship, he will not be entitled to enter the "small room."  A room reserved only for the truly great ones; those who not only put up big numbers, but made everyone else better while doing so. 

So I ask you, do you make those around you better?  Or, are you so caught up in your statistics (your own affairs) that you either don't have the time or you don't care to make those around you better.  I encourage you to become a person of influence.  When you make those around you better, it is only natural that you become better too; your family becomes better; your organization becomes better and so on.  The truly great ones understand and embrace the responsibility of making others better. 

Here's to making those around you better.  I only hope that someday you find yourself in some "small room" among the truly great ones!
 
It's your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD