Working hard does not come easy to a lot of people. Many times, we have to motivate ourselves to work hard because I think many of us prefer to sleep a little longer, watch a little more TV, or just hang out with friends some more.
I was watching the highlights from the Lakers recent Championship Parade and Kobe Bryant said something during an interview that made me smile because it was right on with what I tell players of all levels all the time. Kobe was explaining that he was excited to win this championship for many reasons but he was happy because he was able to show his daughters that “Hard work pays off.”
As a person, I try to line my life up with what the Bible says. I use the invaluable principles that are in it to guide me through the variety of life’s circumstances. A couple of years ago I came upon a verse in the Bible while reading that would help solidify a thought that I had always had. Proverbs 14:23 in the Message Bible says, “Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table.” There are many verses in the Bible that are applicable to our walk through life as that is the very purpose of the Bible. But this one particular verse would help me be able to relate better to players the importance of working hard in order to achieve their dreams.
Ask a teenager on a basketball team “Who wants to play basketball in college?” and see how many players put their hands up. Likely all of them have that desire, but we know that not everyone plays ball in college. Of course talent separates players from making it to the next level. But hard work is something that can elevate a player from mediocre status to quality; from quality to good; from good to great.The great thing that Proverbs 14:23 guarantees is that hard work always pays off. Not sometimes, but always. That is comforting and it is so very true. The great players are usually the ones who are both very talented but also hard workers. Kobe and LeBron are very talented players. But from what I read and hear, they are also the hardest workers in the NBA. We see their ability to play and many people just assume that it is all natural gifting. But look at their bodies. LeBron is not only big but very cut. Kobe has put on at least 20 pounds of muscle since entering the league 14 years ago. All of that requires working hard, and it has paid off.
Coaches: when you want to motivate your players, read them this scripture. Players: when you want to know what to do to make it to the next level, read Proverbs 14:23. God’s word never changes and never returns void. So whatever the Bible says, it will come to pass. So if you work hard, you will see a change and likely improvement in your game. Will you always make it to the next level, whether that’s high school to college, or college to the NBA? No, not always. But you will find yourself quite satisfied when you have put in the work and at the end of your playing career can say that you have worked hard and become the best player you can possibly be. Because just saying you want to be better isn’t going to produce anything unless you work hard to make it happen.
