*Today, I am honoured to have Frank Jennings writing for us! Frank was kind enough to previously offer his assistance, and after a humble request to write for Unlock The Door, he has obliged with this read about time, and basketball. I do enjoy basketball, and Frank uses this to illustrate the fact that the clock is always ticking. Let’s read on…*
We are quickly approaching the end of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Soon a new national champion will be crowned and we will have to wait another full season to see who will emerge as the contenders to be the new champion. In the midst of all of the exciting, nail biting, and closely contested games I have learned some important lessons about my very own life. A college basketball game is about 40 minutes long broken into 2 halves at 2o minutes a piece. Now I am a fan of the game just as much as the next guy but I don’t waste my time watching the preliminaries I am more concerned with the finish.
MIXED EMOTIONS
In the last 2 minutes of a close game is where you see stars shine, character develop, and the weakest links in the chain are normally exposed. It is a period where the men are separated from the boys. The emotions are so volatile that the same shot that has been worth two points the entire game is now so critical that every attempt causes raised blood pressure and shortness of breath as people stare hypnotically as the ball gradually glide through the air.
As the shot falls we experience euphoric feelings and a temporary sense of relief when our team takes the lead. One point has so much more value at the closing of the game. The minuscule difference of one point has the power to make someones championship dream end and fulfills another. With this very thought in mind the players on the court are giving everything they have to win this game.
CRUNCH TIME
During this week as I watched the games during crunch time, that is what I call the last two minutes, I couldn’t help but notice that at any stoppage in play everyone in the building, the players, the coaches, and the fans all looked at the clock. They were desperate to see how much time they had left. They understood the value of time. You see when you are in the lead the moving clock is your best friend. When you are trailing the clock resembles a ticking time bomb that if detonated destroys the very thing you have worked so hard for to obtain. In a cloud of smoke, fire and debris are the remains of the losing teams hopes and championship dreams.
So, what in the world does this have to do with you?
Each and every moment that we are alive on this planet is just another second that is bringing you towards the end of your existence. The scary thing is that no man knows the exact day when they are going to die. Unfortunately, so many times in our lives we put off things that we shouldn’t because we think we have more time.
Well today is your wake up call.
If you want to let your star shine, if you want to build your character, if you want to show the world what you are made of…..Now is the Time.
Don’t wait a second longer. Every moment of your life is crunch time.
So, when you are in the valley of decision, weighing your options, and calculating the cost take a moment and look up at the clock.
Today is your moment. Today is your opportunity. Today is all you should focus on.
I would write more but I have work to do. The clock is ticking. Tomorrow is not promised.
What do you think? Should you live your life with more passion and a greater sense of urgency?
Frank Jennings is the founder of A Spark Starts where he writes inspiring stories to help others reach their full potential. He writes with purpose. He writes with passion. He writes for you.
Image courtesy of dimohack
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Frank,
Thanks for this! I guess it’s time to step up to the plate! We do live as if there is no tomorrow, it’s true. Making that point using the last two minutes in a basketball game is brilliant. “In the last 2 minutes of a close game is where you see stars shine,”
You’ve given me something to think about as I head into my day – thanks!
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted..What Do You Fear
Lori,
Your welcome! Thanks for reading. I thought the basketball analogy was something people would be able to relate to because it is current. I am glad you enjoyed what you read. Thanks for your comment.
It is true that in the last two minutes, all the stars keep shining, as if mocking us. It depends on how we perecive it. We might think of it as an opportunity to win or as a mocking that wishes to tell us that winning is impossible.
Every second is valuable and we should not waste it. At the same time, we should not be in a mad scramble to complete things.
We need to analyse the situations and work accordingly, in seconds or at our own pace.
- Ranjith
Ranjith recently posted..Reflection in the mirror-In search of what constitutes my life
It’s crunch time… and I’m down by a few points. It is time to let that star shining and that character development begin. I really like the charge to make every moment count. My question: How often have great teams waited too late to flip the switch and ended up going to overtime or, worse, losing by one point?
If I could chose I would be the team that puts away my adversity early so I can rest my starters late in the game and give my backups a chance to showcase their skills, lol.
GREAT POST!
Jermaine,
Yes sir. It is crunch time and I’m down by 10. In the words of Bishop it is time to put on the full court press. You asked a really great question and the answer as I am sure you are aware of is wayy to often. The question is how do we apply it to our life. I am with you I want the game to be over well before the final two minutes. I am working for a blowout. Great comment.
One thing for sure Frank, is that our days are numbered! We’re living within a countdown. This being said, we have to overcome the procrastination bug that we allow to jump inside of us. We have to act now, because tomorrow isn’t promised. Each day that we get is another gift to be urgently aggressive in stretching to what matters most to us.
Unlike the Final Four and even more so, the National Championship game, we’re always in crunch time. But our disadvantage is that we can’t see the time running down, and we can’t measure our pace, based on others pace – because we all have a different clock. So, instead of being able to watch a clock, and gauge our performance for the final moment – we have to act as if our final moment is NOW.
I loved this Frank. Your writing talent REALLY shined here!
What’s up Stu – great guest post form our friend Frank! Very nice collaboration.
PEACE
Jk Allen recently posted..Keep it Real- Walk the Walk or DON’T Talk the Talk!
Jk,
There is no better moment and no better time than today to get in the game. I agree we have to act now not later. I wish my clock was visible it would probably help me make better decisions and stop waiting until I feel the pressure. Thanks for the love and the thought provoking comment. I appreciate it.
Well-put, well-put.
We are not promised tomorrow, but we can be sure that if our today is spent well, we won’t be hampered by what we did yesterday. We each get chances to hit
game-winners but must be proactive in the preparation.
Rob recently posted..A Top Ten List of Top Ten Lists
Rob,
Thanks for the kind words. I agree all we can focus on is the things we can control today. I just hope those 1000 practice jumps shot I take everyday pay off when the game is on the line.
Frank, as a huge fan of March Madness myself, I thought this was the absolute perfect metaphor….Yes, time is passing us by, isn’t it….I think living a life of passion and urgency is incredibly important and necessary to success and happiness. And besides, life is so much more fulfilling when we are constantly running to accomplish our next great feat and goal.
You’re a great writer Frank, and I’m so glad Stu had you stop by for a visit.
Marcus
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently posted..Blogging- ‘The Force’- and How to Sell Like a Jedi Knight
Marcus,
I was a little nervous becasue I didn’t know if Stu’s readers followed college basketball so I am glad that he gave me the opportunity. I also find a tremendous amount of value in living with passion and urgency. The last thing I want to do is be stricken with a terminal disease and be tormented by what if statements. I want to take a chance while I still have a chance. I appreciate your comment.
.Frank – great post here sir!
Too many folks let too many distractions (lies) get in the way of being awesome. It’s the mind. It’s a fragile thing. You need to mindful of the game you’re playing and clock that’s ticking.
Anyone can win at this game of life if they understand that there’s an opposer attempting to steal your game and that power has been given to each of us to overcome and succeed.
The opposer is out to steal your life, your joy, your gifts and all things good. This can only happen if you’re unaware, blind, and letting life drag you where it will and exhaust your passion and hope.
The power provides eyesight (understanding) if you seek it. The truth is, if you’re playing in this game life, aware of those little things that try to cause us to stumble, keep your eye on the prize and press forward being ever mindful of the clock — you will be victorious.
Victory has been given to all – the requirement is that you believe and embrace what’s been given.
Another great post my spiritual friend.
Thanks for having Frank share here in the community Stu and cheers to both of you : )
Mark Harai recently posted..What Makes A Blog Awesome
Mark,
“Too many folks let too many distractions (lies) get in the way of being awesome.” Great line. I might steal that and use it in my book so Stu delete Mark’s comment and pretend it never happened. lol! You brought another light to this analogy that I did not dig into in my post, the opposition. Like you said the opposer is not going to give up without a fight because they want to win just as bad as you do.
They have practiced and planned, prepped and strategized to accomplish the same thing you are working hard for. So, what makes you different? Heart make you different. You have to will yourself to get exactly what you want no matter the obstacle or opposition. How bad do you want it?
Great comment Mark. Thanks for joining the discussion.
I understand that this blog is about much more than basketball, BUT when you went to school in Richmond when both VCU and U of R were non-entities, it’s almost makes you ready to believe in the tooth fairy.
Riley
Riley Harrison recently posted..ARE YOU STUCK
Riley,
Don’t get me started. My bracket is completely busted. I live in Indiana so all of my friends and co workers are all pumped about Butler. I can’t believe this years upsets. No #1 ranked teams in the final four. You only almost believe in the tooth fairy I think I just saw a pig fly and there was a snow storm in hell last night. This year is ridiculous.
A great reminder to up my workload, be better at life – and make that slam dunk. Appreciate the thoughts. Now I just need to get out there and practice my free throw and three pointer, and make what I do that much more efficient.
Christian recently posted..Erikka Innes Shares A Dash of Comedy
Christian,
Thanks for your comment. I am struggling moving without the ball and shooting on the move. The good things is if we know our shortcomings it gives up greater understanding in to where to put our focus. Just remember to start practicing today and don’t put it off thinking you have more time.
Hi Stuart and Frank,
If we only know the value of time. Each and every moment is a precious moment that we have to use to our advantage. After all, a moment lost is a moment that is gone that we could’ve used to improve ourselves in all different areas of life. Thanks Frank from the reminder that time is precious and thanks for sharing
Dia recently posted..Are you an optimist or a pessimist
Dia,
“If we only knew the value of time.” Time is such a precious commodity that it’s true value can only be appreciated by the people who under stand it’s inherit purpose. Each moment that we have, each second we are alive, each precious breath we allowed to take gives us the opportunity to grow to use it for the positive or the negative. I say don’t waste a minute. Thanks so much for you comment Dia. I appreciate it.
Hey Frank!
I love your basketball analogy! It makes it crystal clear the kind of energy and character we should be exercising everyday of our lives! Thanks for your insight!!
Mike,
I thank you for your support. I think if people take a greater sense of urgency they can accomplish more and regret less.
There is a saying here in the middle east that i like a lot, it says work as you are going to live forever and pray as if you are going to die tomorrow
thank you for the great post stuart:)
sorry frank, just realized its your post, thank you
))
Farouk,
Thanks for reading and adding such valuable insight.
You nailed it Frank. Reminds me so much of Wayne Gretzky’s quote, “You always miss 100% of the shots you never take”. So get out of the stands in life and out the field and start making the plays. One shot, one throw, will one day win the ultimate prize. Superb guest choice Stuart – you really know who inspires people. Any chance of one for me Frank asap????
John Sherry recently posted..If You Could Be Anyone Who Would It Be
John,
That is a great quote. I have used that one myself quite a few times. Without guts there is no glory. You have got to start taking chances and stop procrastinating before your clock runs out. I would rather die trying than die a quitter. Thank you so much for your great comment and support.
P.S. I would love to do a guest post for you. I will send you an email this evening.
Frank, welcome to Unlock the Door (as a writer, not as a viewer).
I like what you say, but I must admit, I’m TERRIBLE with March Madness, dude. I have NEVER had much luck with my brackets, and have let my home state universities down in support. 
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