Just Do It

Just Do It

 

One day in 1977 a Utah man is about to be executed for murder, and the executioner asks him one last question. “Any last words?” he asked the man, “Let’s do it” He replied to the executioner, as to suggest.. “Why are we still talking about it, let’s get this over with?” Why did I start with that short story your probably asking yourself!?!  Because a headline covering that story in a local newspaper fell into the hands of a Nike executive years later, and the concept of “Just Do It” was born. Three simple words that are simple, powerful & you can connect a positive image to.

I remember the Michael Jordan ad’s that came out in the early to late 90’s; one that’s stuck with me goes a little something like this….
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed”

Watch here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45mMioJ5szc

Although I’m sure the great man had help writing that quote, it’s a great insight into the mind of a champion isn’t it!?! . The simple message is that you have to fail before you succeed, and sometimes come into failure in between your successes. It’s about having the character to respond, and what greater example can you think of than the legend that is Michael Jordan!?!

For those that are not familiar with what I am talking about, the “Just Do It” campaign was an initiative/campaign introduced by Nike to inspire people to be more physically active and get out there in the world (and make a shit load of money at the same time of course).

It ended up being a quote to live life by in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and with Michael Jordan (in his prime) being the face of the campaign, it was destined to stay with people for a very long time. The words themselves are normally responded to by the naysayers with “easier said then done” … But, I say it’s all about your attitude towards how you choose to approach, or not approach a situation, goal, or whatever form your next challenge comes in really.

The timing of this would lead you to suggest possibly, that I’m thinking all of this as some sort of “new years resolution” or trying to inspire myself, or even seeking inspiration for whatever reason. I would almost welcome someone suggesting that to me, because the fact of the matter is.. I personally made the decision to move to Melbourne myself, to throw myself into a city with more opportunities, that’s much bigger than where I’m from, where I have little to no friends, that could end up being a horrible idea that could backfire.. Back in September last year & I haven’t looked back. Theory denied.

Sure I’ve done things between now and then, that I would do differently now (that’s a conversation for another day, and off topic). But after reflecting on my lessons, or my failures, I’m starting to believe it’s best to think, “What do the champs do at this point!?!” .. Is responding positively at your darkest hour, the true reflection of your character. I say it is, and so do the people I idolize (MJ). How do they respond when life gives them a kick in the ass, and they didn’t see coming? They find a way to keep going and make them selves stronger from it. Anyone can do this as well, this isn’t reserved area, this space is not fully occupied & you don’t need a VIP card to be eligible.

So in conclusion, this isn’t a mission statement, this is not a segue to a new years resolution, and this isn’t a feel good piece to put a smile on your (or my) face.
This is me saying “Bring your positive attitude out when the chips are down, better yet especially when the chips are down” And make sure your still doing it in June (new years resolutions are bullshit, and normally faze out of people lives come February anyways – “I’m gunna stop drinking and have a healthy diet my ass”)

As simple as it sounds, it’s a tougher challenge than you think it is. So take every message life gives you on-board, and remember that every test is an opportunity to build on your character & become a stronger person, in the long run.

On that note, I’m gunna go drink some whiskey and watch TV now …. “Just Do It” right

Alrite, peace out folks,

Stay cool,
CS