Chasing Greatness "King LeBron James"

Are Your Students Chasing the Greatness Within?

Last night, many of us witnessed a feat that we thought would never happen or at least never happen in our lifetime. LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points ever to be scored in the National Basketball Association. Kareem held that Record for 39 years -- LeBron was not even born yet. As I watched the game -- I observed something different about LeBron. He did not seem like his balanced self. He seemed laser focused on one thing tonight. Even his entrance to the arena was a statement with his all black suit and smooth shoes. He made up in his mind ahead of time what tonight’s goal would be. But also he was ever so slightly quicker to being slightly upset with his teammates' errors than usual. There was one bad pass early on in the game -- granted a good pass would have ended in an easy dunk for him -- but that early in the game, he is usually not that intense with his teammates just yet. There was something different about this game -- a game that to some may have implications about his legacy. He was almost chasing something -- maybe chasing validation -- chasing greatness.

The case that I would like to make is that LeBron has been great since 1984 -- his birth. Here he is at 38 years old with everything that he has overcome, achieved and still achieving, and inspired others to be great -- yet so many people still think it is not enough.

For our children, we have to meet them in a reality that is made to embody their greatness -- but also ensure they are aware of the world's negative bias towards everything. People will always say; you must do more, be more, be better.

As teachers, our job is firmly placed in activating a space that honors each individual students’ talent, culture, intellect, gift, and being exactly where it is.

I cannot begin to imagine that type of pressure and scrutiny that LeBron is constantly under -- but as far as I can tell with my limited perspective, he has handled mostly everything with consistency, grace, and passion.

As teachers -- being consistent, graceful, and passionate about how students see themselves is something that we always must be doing. Always validating our children -- Always creating neural-pathways to their excellence within -- And Always being authentic.

Bron You Are Great -- You Been Great!

Students You Are Great -- You Been Great!

Teachers You Are Great -- You Been Great!

Admin You Are Great -- You Been Great!

Don't Chase it -- Be It!