By Bob Miller
Did you see the Masters Tournament? It was tremendous. Incredible drama, as it went down to the very last shot.
Winner Patrick Reed held off charges by Rory Mcllroy early, and Jordan Spieth and Ricky Fowler late. Jordan was about to force the issue on the 18th hole but he just missed shooting a 63 and made bogey for the round. Then came Ricky Fowler, who played amazing coming down the stretch and made a birdie on 18. This forced Patrick to par the last hole — and he did.
Patrick brought with him preparation and a strong mental attitude. Before the tournament he found he was putting more pressure on himself by amplifying the importance of the Masters. He discussed with his wife and caddie that the best course of action was to Just Play Golf. Go out there and play the course like you know that you can.
That can be difficult when you’re paired up with Rory Mcllroy, who is a three-time majors winner and who is looking for his fourth to complete the Grand Slam. On Saturday, Rory said all the pressure was on Patrick, and that he had to sleep on it all Saturday night. (A little bit of trash talking by Rory). However, Patrick was unfazed. His mental strength reared itself, and he said the pressure should be on Rory because of the importance of attaining this tournament to complete the Grand Slam. (Back at you, Rory.)
In golf, you have to prepare for every hole — where to hit the drive, what club to use on the approach shots, and where to putt from, above or below the hole. In your everyday working life, are you prepared for your calls? Are you mentally tough? Do you possess what it takes to close the deal?
Preparation is the key in any endeavor. When you are prepared, your confidence – and success — goes up.
Andrea Ingram
Andre Ingram’s story offers another lesson in never giving up and always having a mentally strong attitude. Andre played in the G league (the so-called farm system for the NBA) for 10 years, trying to get his shot in the big time.
10 years!!!
Many of us dream about getting to the top of our profession, but few wait 10 years to finally get their shot. Andre did.
In his 2003 high school recruiting class, he had to compete against Lebron James, Chris Paul and Luol Deng. He was the 36th player in his class in Virginia; nationally, he was 639th overall prospect. His specialty was the 3-point shot. (In the G league, they called Andre the greatest 3-point shooter you have never heard of.)
Everything changed on the last day of the season.
The G league team he plays for called Andre in for his exit interview, something they do at the end of each season. He was talking to the general manager when Magic Johnson, the president of the Lakers and Rob Pelinka, the general manager, walked in the room and told him he needed to play for the Lakers the next night.
Andre is a fantastic guy. Two kids, tutors math part-time. He was hugging everyone in the room, excited to finally get his shot.
He gets into the game and shoots 4/5 3-pointers, 3 assists and two blocked shots. Nineteen points total. The crowd goes nuts in the arena, and starts shouting “MVP, MVP.” What a night for him. Only the best players score in double figures in their first game.
Impressed with his game, the Lakers are looking to offer him a contract for next season. He went from making $19,000 a year in the G League to hopefully a six-figure contract in the NBA.
Andre’s motto in life:
- Never Stop Working!
- Never Stop Believing!
- Never Stop Dreaming!
Remember these stories when you’re having a tough day and you are thinking about giving up. Both are about preparing, never giving up, and believing in yourself.
Remember: Anything is possible. Don’t sell yourself short.
Bob Miller is executive vice president of sales and vendor relations, Gericare Medical Supply, Monroeville, Alabama.