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Crush It Like These Major Players: Key Steps to Being on Top of Your Game and Having First-Rate Status!

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GOAT! That’s a term Mikaela Shiffrin doesn’t like having said about her. It brings a flashback of the real animal. Also, she prefers the term ‘resetting records’ over ‘breaking records’. No one can take away her first-rate status as a downhill skier. She recently became the winningest female athlete in World Cup.

In a different world, Lebron James reigns supreme. He recently passed the all-time scoring record once held by Kareen Abdul-Jabbar. The GOAT label often comes up with James too. Interestingly, breaking the scoring record wasn’t something he thought possible or set out to do in the early days of his career.

While Shiffrin and James dazzle in different sports, they just crush it on the ski slopes and basketball hoops. The similarities stack-up based on how they’ve maintained longevity, are media savvy and bring a high sense for social consciousness. James is vocal on justice issues, Shiffrin on climate change.

Jabbar had kind words to say about James when his record was smashed. He reminded us that “when one person climbs higher than the last person, we all feel like we are capable of being more.” Lindsey Vonn might agree with those words since it was her winning record that Shiffrin passed to being on top.       

Shiffrin had a low period after the sudden loss of her dad from a head injury. Her focus went off-track as her passion was low grade. Even with James breaking the record, the Lakers haven’t been putting up enough points. So how do they keep their game at such a high level? What’s the secret to their longevity?

  • Creativity:- As Shiffrin raises her level of preparation for upcoming events she finds ways to keep her performance on the up-and-up. Plus, creativity isn’t always flashy but it’s likely groovy.   
  • Consistency:- For James to break the all-time scoring record, he had to be dropping points on a consistent basis. That might explain how he broke the record in one less season than Jabbar.   
  • Reinvention:- James has changed NBA teams three times and with each team he’s won a championship. Beyond his physical condition, he’s also been about game reinvention.      
  • Collaboration:- Shiffrin has teamed-up with other skiers on sounding the alarm about climate change. They feel the future of the sport rests on not having warm winters that cause snow melt.        

Shiffrin still has some fuel left in the tank. Many believe she’ll pass the all-time World Cup wins record held by a male skier. While her last Olympic appearance was a disappointment, she’s the only skier to have won in all six World Cup disciplines, according to the LA Times.

If not GOAT, then at least first-rate status is something they both can claim based on how they crush it. James is still running up and down the court like he’s got spring-chicken legs. Shiffrin is used to being on top of the mountain heading down. But renewed passion inspires us to rise from low grade to high-point.

Talkback: Could James be as good as Shiffrin on the slopes, or Shiffrin as good as James on the court?

Tip: ‘GOATS’ know how to ‘crush it’ with passion and maybe even go from low grade to high point.

Tracks: Tedashii Ft Lecrae – Get Out My Way – https://youtu.be/ZBshbsz1nGg

Archie Eversole Ft ‘Chiefs’ Playoff Hype – We Ready – https://youtu.be/Lzuc2fiwIOk

Dream Out Loud: Here’s to Rolling Out the Red Carpet Under the Bright Lights of Success

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Who thinks the NBA playoffs ‘bout to get poppin’? The post-season slate of games started off with the play-in tournament. Teams on the bubble got to earn the last few slots before the first round series matchups. This year the Lakers are out of the running and the Bucks seem like favorites to repeat.

Fans got watchful eyes on some teams while franchise execs looking at whether their squad’s got the right stuff. In-between quarters, we get to see LeBron talking with his younger self in a TV ad. It’s like a back-in-the-day preview of things to come, a kinda before and after. And as they say the rest is history.

Maybe Lebron’s hoping we’ll see another ad someday of him talking with his son about making it in the league. He stirred lots of buzz recently about wanting to one day play with his son before retiring. It’s as if he was trying to dream out loud, wishing that the ‘hoop gods’ were listening. Well, the media crew were.

Press Conference

As a kid, he had coaches who saw his potential. That got shaped over the years to the point where he went from high school straight to primetime. That’s not easy to do. Just think, only two percent of college athletes make it to the pros. It’s a much smaller number that jump directly from high school.

Folks who dream out loud do more than just say stuff and hope it happens like magic. Bron might tell his son you gotta believe it before you see it. Spend time building-up in the weight room and taking shots in the gym. But listen closely, there’s other heads-up points you’ll hear in convo or on sports shows about:

  • Planning:- The off season brings downtime as things happen behind the scenes. Soon he’ll be back at it during training camp. But he’s prob also thinking thru next-level moves in career & biz.    
  • Passion:- In that post-game interview he said he’d like to play a few more seasons. As long as he’s in good shape and still got love for the game, he feels his passion will stay strong.
  • Pizzazz:- Fans get excited for his high-flying dunks in a game. They like the no-look passes on a score assist. His eye for the game and his heart for winning is often the spark for a turnaround.   
  • Patience:- It took a while before he won his first NBA championship. Year-in year-out he kept working at it until things clicked. Sometimes success feels slow, but patience gets you to the win.      

Bron knows there’s more to it than just swag, right? You gotta have discipline to have game. You gotta see things thru from first shot before you’re named the MVP. There’s even the idea that you gotta do that thing thousands of times before it’s a breeze in doing it almost like second nature and with ease.

Big Stage

Being under the bright lights of success is a great place to be seen. Sometimes it takes a setback for that push to go from stop to star, from seeing red to seeing green in dollars and a dream. Lebron says retirement’s gotta wait if he can still produce at a high level and if in his spirit, he still got the fire to amaze.

Talkback: Lebron/Wade vs Durant/Irving, best tag-team combo? Plus, what’s Lebron doing these days in the off-season, spinning his wheels or cutting new deals?

Tip: Those who dream-out-loud set things in motion to go from first step to bright lights and red carpet.

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Dawn Staley and Lebron James: Fire-Brand Performers Who Push the Limits of Their Game and Help Light-up the Team Stats Frame

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So where are folks headed on spring break these days? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some travelled south to the warm weather of Florida. It’s always been the spring break capital for college students. This year with folks wanting to get past Covid restrictions, things have kinda gotten out of hand.  

Same time, the NCAA March Madness frenzy has landed in Indy! Yea, on the women’s side it’s in San Antonio. March Madness is also a place people go on spring break to raise their praise for breakout performances. Of course, there’s always the Cinderella team that busts up the brackets.

For those wondering or asked the question, Where do folks go to understand greatness? Well, we see it in the play of Lebron James and the eyes of coach Dawn Staley. James has had to sit-out a few games after a high-ankle sprain injury. He’s missing the chance of the Lakers being positioned for a playoff run.

Staley recently called out the NCAA for disparities in supporting women’s teams. After pics went viral on social media showing a less-than-stellar setup for their facilities, Staley wrote an open letter calling out the diss. Her take was the NCAA message of “togetherness and equality” was just marketing jargon.

James and Staley bring focus on issues of social justice. They’re admired by peers, players and the hometown posse for using their platform to spur reform. While they get attention for putting their names to causes, it’s also how they put passion on the line, reminding us of how greatness is tied to:          

  • Gifting

A proverb says, “a man’s gift makes room for him and brings him in front of great people.” Well, think of that in universal terms and you can see why James at his age is still performing at a high level and Staley has such impactful coaching. Your gifting when tied to passion makes you do stuff that folks can’t teach.  

  • Branding

James doesn’t only marvel us on the court, he also has his hands in biz ventures and social projects. His career track might have started out with basketball, but his branding has reached new heights in media, fashion, entertainment and sports. He recently became part owner in the Boston Red Sox franchise.          

  • Networking

A recent story on Staley shared how much her success has inspired other women to consider coaching. Plus, there’s a whole eco system of black women in particular who’re plugged-in to what Staley has done throughout her career as a player, recruiter and U.S. head coach for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.       

  • Collaborating

After events of social protest prompted by the George Floyd killing, James rallied an investment group to purchase the WNBA Atlanta Dream. While he’s not the main figure in the new ownership structure, he’s the main player that helped bring together a collaboration of interested parties to secure the deal.   

The “Cinderella Team” stories will get told throughout March Madness. You might even hear some players being described as ‘supernova athletes.’ There’s room to do something special on the court or in one’s career for those whose performance push the limits of their game and light-up the team stats frame.               

Tip: You create your own “Cinderella Story” by how you bring passion to the table in ways that maximize your gifting, branding, networking and collaborating.

Talkback: Did the NCAA miss the mark or drop the ball on the women’s facilities in March Madness?

Tracks: Usher – No Limit – https://youtu.be/3w0yqAdJ1iY

Khalid – Disclosure (Know Your Worth) – https://youtu.be/aEDULPGIwcg

Lebron James & Dawn Staley Give us Motivating Lessons on Rising, Winning & Shining at Work, Play and Round-the-Way

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There’s more to basketball, than basketball! That’s how Tracee Ellie Ross begins as the narrator of that new TV ad. It gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges that NBA players had to overcome this season. When the first player tested positive for Covid-19, the league decided to shutdown all games.

Then, a few months later, a careful restart was underway with the playoffs. The players would live in a ‘bubble’ on the grounds of the ABC Sports complex. In the case of the WNBA they also went through a similar process, but they’d restart games at another venue with similar restrictions.

Well, they made it through without a virus outbreak and crowned the champions. The Seattle Storm won their 4th trophy while the Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th. Their records say a lot about the ABCs of bringing your A-game, having a B-side to life-balance and proving your value to the C-suite execs.

Lebron James still has some playing days left in him, while former WNBA player Dawn Staley has since left the game and is now a college coach. They give us lessons in rising, winning and shining at work, play and round-the-way. It’s also what the TV ad tries to do without selling their next breakout shoe.

The importance of sports to biz and culture is well known. Whether at a restaurant, bar or hometown playground, folks talk about, study and emulate their fav player. It’s more than just what they do on the court that matters. They know that with preparation, passion and practice you can go the distance with:    

  • Work Ethic

Both James and Staley have played on Olympic teams. They made it there because of talent and work ethic. It’s the things you do that no one has to tell you that you have to do. You might do it for the love of the game. But there’s a need to improve, invest or capitalize on skills because work ethic demands it. 

  • Team Dream       

When pro players started going to the Olympics, they first became known as the “Dream Team.” They were among the best of the best in the game at any level. But what James has been able to do wherever he goes in the league is to have others commit to the team dream. That’s how they step-up their game.

  • Game Changer

When league play was put on hold, James wasn’t gung-ho about playing without fans during the restart. That was a game changer for the rest of the way. Sometimes being a game changer means being comfortable with starting over. That’s what James has done in his career with every team he’s been with.  

  • Street Cred

Staley grew up on the hard side of town. She was often with her brother and his friends at the playground. She wanted to play but wasn’t sure they’d let her. She brought her own ball, which upped her chances of getting picked. In time, her street cred wasn’t just from having the ball, but from “ballin” on the court.     

These days when it comes to sports, it feels like something’s in the water on the West Coast. The Seattle Storm wins the WNBA, the Lakers win the NBA and the NFL Seattle Seahawks are on a hot streak. These players show us that even in tough times, we gotta get up and rise each day to secure the bag.    

Tip: Get your hustle on, or at least bring your A-game so that your street cred as a game changer is in using work ethic to inspire team dream.

Talkback: What’s the off-season gonna be like for the players with social issues on their minds?

Tracks: Steel Pulse – Rize – https://youtu.be/m-bVaqDm7Hs

Ace Hood – Hustle Hard – https://youtu.be/r_dh16HQkqQ

Lebron James and Dak Prescott Wanna Bring on Their Comeback Tour, But Life’s Got Things on Hold

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It looks like Miami Vice is back! Not the TV show but the style though. The NBA restart’s in full swing and Lebron James stepped out looking like detective Tubbs as ‘The Don.’ Everybody knows he’s got game but dude’s ready to take his old Miami stomping ground by storm. One problem, Covid’s got him in the bubble.

Meantime, the NFL pre-season has been cancelled. The off-season drama and trade rumors have been low-key. Dak Prescott knows things aren’t the same as players opt-out from the upcoming season (if it happens). James and Prescott wanna bring on their comeback tour, but life’s got things on hold.

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Before the TV coverage play-by-play of a game, we’re used to seeing players roll-in with their fashion avenue looks. Sometimes it’s formal being ‘suit to boot’ dressed. Other times it’s informal with a sport shirt and knee-length shorts. These days that kind of runway arrival isn’t possible because of social distancing.

The sports season is a different kind of animal with challenges to deal with. For example, players can’t leave or return to the bubble without getting ‘Covid-cleared.’ So what have they been doing? It seems golfing, video gaming and ‘social justice explaining’ are high on the list of fillers and off-day activities.

But for the rest of us still trying to get through this new reality, what’s on the agenda while life’s got things on hold? These days our mental health is being tested. For some, building wealth is being re-forecasted. But those that are built tough will survive and have lasted. How we get there depends on having:

  1. Open Mind

At first, James wasn’t sold on playing without fans. Throughout his career he’s been hearing cheers and jeers to motivate him on the court. But now it’s a different ballgame. He’s had to approach things with an open mind. Sometimes that’s needed to put your dreams or career trajectory on the open road.

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  1. Inner Strength

Physical strength we understand when we exercise our muscles. But we appreciate inner strength when we’re bent and stretched emotionally. Sometimes that comes through loss whether it’s a family member or a missed opportunity. Prescott finds himself building inner strength after losing his brother recently.

  1. Game Flow

With the economic shutdown and sports cancellations that’s affected us all, we’ve had some extra time to reflect and recharge. Think of the ‘before and after’ picture for turning this around or taking it to the next level, like what happens after half-time. Teams that make a comeback find a way to get into ‘game flow.’

  1. Winning Spirit

As the old saying goes “winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Yes, winning isn’t everything. It’s the learning that happens along the way that’s turned into a winning spirit. It’s how James has been able to keep his performance at a high level by not just feeling the ‘high’ but finding new skill levels.

Folks say they’ve seen a change in Prescott’s off the field game, with a new cause around social justice. His gridiron game’s got room for turning inner strength into winning spirit and open mind into game flow. If a championship is in his future, he’ll know like James that the comeback tour starts with a person of one.

Tip: Whether after Covid-19, economic shutdown or social unrest, the comeback tour starts with a person of one before you get so fly.

Talkback: What’s it looking like for college football or NFL games?

Tracks: Baby Bash ft Frankie J – Suga Suga – https://youtu.be/6rgStv12dwA

Ledesi – High – https://youtu.be/MEiM2iokvFs

Lebron James and Allyson Felix Share Something in Common that’s Less About Speed and More About ‘Flowe’

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The Grammy nominations are out and a bunch of first-timers top the list. It seems Lizzo, Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish are the new faces of pop music. Lizzo leads the way with eight nods while Nas X and Eilish scored six nods. It’s their first time being nominated and represent a kind of ‘next gen’ Grammy class.

Some pop culture watchers say it’s becoming less about album sales and more about music streams as a gauge for how fans are listening. That’s the situation in the music business while in sports there’s a similar debate. As new athletes come on the scene how do veteran athletes stay relevant in the game?

Carmelo Anthony faces that question as he joins a new NBA team in his late playing days. He might look to Lebron James and Allyson Felix for clues. They share something in common that’s less about speed and more about ‘flowe.’ That seems to be the key to how they keep their game up and their gifting relevant.

Felix was recently seen in an add with Usain Bolt with a stack of medals around her neck. She has passed Bolt as the most decorated World Championship athlete with the most gold medals. Now she’s looking towards the 2020 Olympics to add more hardware and to possibly make history with team USA.

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For James in his second season with the Lakers, he made history himself, becoming the first-ever player to score a triple-double with every NBA team over his career. The Lakers are off to a big start with the best record in the league. So how do they keep making it ‘do what in do’ in their careers? Well it’s with:

  1. Focus

Jams and Felix seem to do a good job managing their off-season focus and their in-season focus. When it’s off-season they’re busy building market cred and hometown impact with new projects. In-season they’re doing things that have fans thinking they haven’t lost a step from start to finish of the season.

  1. Leadership

James has played for three different teams in his career. Each time it seems he brings a new level of leadership to the mix. Felix has been running her tail off for as long as most can remember. She recently had an issue with a sponsor for lack of support during motherhood. She’s still showing poise and grace.

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  1. Outlook

Making it ‘do what it do’ in career is sometimes a question of outlook. As with the aspect of their leadership, how they see things gives them a sense of self-accountability. They know having a good outlook means seeing the big picture before the big moment, seeing the forest from the trees.

  1. Work-Ethic

Maybe one of the hardest parts of having a good work ethic is being able to do the things you need to do when you need to do them, when no one’s really watching. That’s what the off-season is probably like for James and Felix, even though today’s social media world gives fans more ways to be watching.

There’re probably more medals and championship feats left in James and Felix. Who knows, they might be a good pairing for an ad campaign too. He’s trying to win one more NBA crown and she as Track & Field’s queen, is trying to win one more Olympic event. Maybe ‘sports gods’ are waiting to play their part.

Tip: It takes a fresh stream of ‘flowe’, that’s focus, leadership, outlook and work-ethic to keep your game up and your gifting relevant.

Talkback: Can you see James and Felix together in an ad campaign? For what product/service?

Tracks: Alicia Keys – In Common – https://youtu.be/4HazJhPnrB8

Janelle Monae Ft. Erykah Badu – Q.U.E.E.N. – https://youtu.be/tEddixS-UoU

Shakira & J-lo Bring a Wide Skill-Set as Two High Performing Stars in Music & Showbiz

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College athletes ‘bout to get paid! Well, it’s not happening tomorrow or this season. But it’s set to kick-in after a while in California with the new law signed by the Governor. Not everyone is happy with this new shift in sports marketing. Time will tell if fans think the players deserve to get a slice of the gametime pie.

While that works itself out, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez ‘bout to cash-in too. They’ll be the Superbowl’s halftime show headliners. It’s a first for both and a first for two Latin-infused artists to perform together. We can reasonably expect to see lots of shakes, rattles and rolls across the dance stage.

Some wonder if one really needed the other for this premier event. Both have similar backgrounds and achievements in the music biz, selling around 75 million records. They can sing in English, Spanish and Spanglish if it comes to that. They’ve both had their own world tours and soldout performances.

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What’s special here is that their musical medley could include a vast array of hits from hip hop, reggaeton, pop, R&B and Latin flava. What’s even more special is how they next-level their skillset as two high performing stars in music and showbiz. Their list of awards is too long to unpack right this minute.

Shakira with her belly dancing chops and Jlo with her Hustler movie role could bring a new level of sexy sizzle to the big show. Whether singing, dancing, acting or just sky-walking in the air, they’re ready to fulfill a dream that’s a long time coming. Their star power is an example of what it takes to be:

  1. Brand Conscious

Everybody knows sex sells in showbiz. But business savvy has taken them all the way to the bank. Jlo’s made her share of pop culture dollaz across music, movies, TV and consumer fragrance products. You get the sense that if they could find a way to be ‘brand conscious’ with dirt, they’d collect there too.

  1. Body Conscious

They’ve been known to use their bodies to tease male fans. Some people have a way to ‘fit it’ and others have a way to ‘flaunt it.’ It’s a case where fitness alone doesn’t make them hot in showbiz. These ladies are body conscious with it to the point where they know how to bring a swish and a swash.

  1. Socially Conscious

There’re two women Jlo admires, not so much for their ‘swish and swash’ but for their socially conscious dash. One is the notorious RBG – Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the other Michelle Obama. It’s the kind of socially conscious appeal she hopes to have, not as a duplicate but as a ‘Jenny from the block’ original.

  1. Style Conscious

It takes style conscious swag for folks to be so attracted to what they’re wearing. Imagine the number of outfit changes they’ll make during the performance? It only takes removing layer after layer right down to skin and more skin. We might even see a few magazine front cover spreads in time for the big event.

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Shakira is set to release the movie edition of her recent concert world tour. Jlo’s been getting Oscar buzz for her role in the Hustler movie. When these ladies bring it together it’s gonna be lots of hot momma ‘shaking and baking’ for the taking. If you know what I know, watchout for them wandering eyes. Hey ya!

Tip: Next-leveling your skillset is a good way for bringing high-performance hustle to the game and brand-conscious star power to your fame.

Talkback: Is college players getting paid a good thing and will it change the game?

Tracks: OutKast – Hey ya! – https://youtu.be/PWgvGjAhvIw

Mary J Blige – Know – https://youtu.be/hjCbGmVMcQI

Rihanna Ready to Do Bigger Things, Kyler Murray Ready to Bring His A-Game; Both Looking to Flex What They’ve Got Next

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Whether as a sports fan or music fan, lots of folk got their eyes on the scoreboard. For sport fans it might be the NBA draft lottery or playoffs where Lebron James is out but Kawhi Leonard is in. After an almost magical game-ending shot, The Raptors moved on to play Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference Finals.

For music fans it might be the latest release from Ciara or waiting for the next winner on Idol or The Voice to be crowned. But even those primetime events might not be where it’s at. Folks are also watching for how Rihanna is ready to do bigger things and NFL #1 pick Kyler Murray is ready to bring his A-game.

Both are looking to flex what they’ve got next. Rihanna announced a major partnership for her luxury ‘Fenty’ fashion line with LVMH. Word is that she’s the first woman to have an original line with the iconic fashion house. She’s also the first woman of color to head-up her own high-fashion creations there.

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Murray took to the field recently as part of rookie minicamp. He’s got a lot riding on him playing for the Arizona Cardinals. They’ve had a few losing seasons and are hoping to turn things around with Murray at the helm as QB. In the days ahead, all eyes will be on the scoreboard for both Rihanna and Murray.

They didn’t get to this point overnight. Rihanna now 31, won her first Grammy at 19. She’s produced loads of hits and fans are waiting on her next project which is rumored to be reggae-infused. Murray comes from a football family and can’t wait to develop his pro game. They know it’s about working on the:

  1. Talent

At an early age Rihanna figured-out that she had singing chops. Then she was discovered by Jay-Z whose record label gave her the exposure and the resources for developing her talent. Now she’s a multi-award artist and international icon. She’s turned talent into far-reaching fandom and record sales.

  1. Player

The concern some sports commentators have about Murray is he’s got average height. Will he be able to see over the offensive or defensive lines? What he seems to bring is that he’s not so much a pocket-passer as much as he is an open-field scrambler. Maybe as a player he’s more like a Michael Vick.

  1. Star

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One of Rihanna’s big hits came with the words ‘shine bright like a diamond.’ It’s something she’s been able to do on the world stage. Murray’s got his chance in the big leagues. So what’s it going to take for him to be a star? Maybe a winning record or a breakout performance as rookie and starting QB.

  1. Brand

Just imagine, Rihanna started out as a little-known singer from Barbados. She made a name for herself on the music charts. Then she made some moves into fashion with boots, cosmetics and other sexy apparel. Now she’s stepping up her brand-name mojo and market appeal to having a luxury clothing line.

For Rihanna and Murray, it might feel like they’re at another starting point in their careers. Like a lot of recent college grads, they’re getting ready to flex what they’ve got next. If what they’ve done already in sports and music says anything, then they’re ready to do bigger things and bring their A-game.

Tip: Those ready to flex what they’ve got next bring their A-game to do bigger and better things by taking their talent from ‘diamond in the rough’ to brand-name star.

Talkback: Who’s ready to see Murray’s first scrimmage or waiting for Rihanna’s next album drop?

Tracks: Rihanna – Diamonds – https://youtu.be/lWA2pjMjpBs

Shaggy – Money Up – https://youtu.be/VW5ayZX38Jo

Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Show How the Grind is More than Just Make a Living Because of What Hustle-Love Can Do

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The regular NBA season is about to end. Some fans are getting ready for the game to go to the next level. The playoffs start in a few days and sports commentators are busy ranking a team’s chances to win it all. It’s the first in a long time that Lebron James will be missing and watching from the sidelines.

Another streak that‘s about to end is Dwyane Wade’s NBA career. He’s played for 16 seasons during which he’s won championship trophies, MVP awards and scoring titles. Wade’s been savoring the moment with his ‘One Last Dance’ tour in NBA cities, swapping jerseys with other players along the way.

Wade has become an icon to many for his hustle-love on and off the court. He’s been teaming-up with his wife Gabrielle Union in doing more than just the grind but also encouraging us to be who we were meant to be. They’re parents of a new girl born by surrogate that’s been its own life-giving story.

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As Wade’s career takes a shift, Union is charting new ground in her career as a judge on America’s Got Talent. They’re both seen in TV commercials pushing each other on the treadmill but maybe even more importantly, inspiring us to grow in mind, body and spirit. They’re good examples of life beyond the grind.

Wade’s personal and professional journey is seen in a special video that is a big tear-jerker. He’s thanked by five people with their appreciation for what he’s meant in their lives. In the video we learn how Wade sees the game, the grind and the gift for making a difference. His hustle-love has been driven by:

  1. Pain

The story behind the man is heard from his mom. She remembers falling short in caring for him due to her own substance abuse challenges. But when Wade showed love to her even then, she saw him as more than a son. Hustle-love can turn pain into gain, into something that’s paying or even a payback.

  1. Project

He didn’t go to school to become a fashion designer, but he’s caught the ‘style and fashion’ bug. His line of socks is sold through Amazon. It’s something he began as a side project. His hustle-love on the court is seen in game-winning shots. But hustle-love is also in learning something you didn’t go to school for.

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  1. Passion

Wade’s not sure what’s next after basketball. He’ll likely pitch products beyond his sneaker line. If socks became his passion project, then wine testing is becoming a possible business passion. He says there’s something about the feeling around the ‘wine & dine’ experience with others that gets his juices flowing.

  1. Purpose

He knows things could have gone differently as a child. There were times of lack and lost opportunity. But people gave him a helping hand and he wants to do the same. That came through in the video for how he’s fulfilling his purpose. Hustle-love through purpose means ‘hustle & love’ to serve the people.

During the last week of the season fans came out to show love. Union defended him against those wanting to dim his shine. NBA coach Gregg Popovich said Wade’s hustle-love is bigger than the game of basketball. And President Obama put in a word saying “Wade’s done us proud” grinding all his life.

Tip: Showing up for work is more than just making a living. It’s bringing hustle-love through the pain in a project or where passion can serve a larger purpose.

Talkback: How has Wade changed the game after teaming-up with Lebron and Bosh?

Tracks: Nipsy Hussle – Grinding All My Life – https://youtu.be/nHLKEHnfo9c

Ne-Yo – Champagne Life – https://youtu.be/gqayCgvI_uI

Lebron James and Serena Williams Give Us a Preview of 2019, Using a Review of 2018

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The College Football National Championship was a shocker! Well, maybe not to Clemson players and fans, but to Alabama coach Nick Saban and the roll-tide squad who fell short at the end. The sports world will re-watch the game highlights and see that they’re some budding stars in the making.

Lebron James and Serena Williams are already big-time stars with lots of winning moments too. They were recently named AP Male/Female Athletes of the Year. James for the third time, Williams for the fifth. So, if you’re wondering what’s next for them, they give us a preview of 2019, using a review of 2018.

James has been recovering from a groin injury suffered during the Christmas Day game. He doesn’t want to return too soon, making sure that he’s fully mended. In 2018 he got no NBA Championship parade or MVP awards. But his ‘game stats’ were just as impressive in social advocacy and community impact.

The same kinda holds true for Serena who didn’t get to win that coveted 24th grand slam championship. But she did something that few have accomplished by returning to the game after a dicey child birth less than a year earlier. The AP selection group says she got the award for showing perseverance.

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Serena recently played a tune-up match in a mixed-doubles game. She’s hoping to get back to her usual ‘passion & fire’ form. For James during his absence, the Lakers coach is hoping that the team can find its mojo while he’s out. James and Williams on and off the court help preview 2019 for how to:

  1. Flex your stuff

During her pre-game warm-up and stretch, Serena was seen holding her child close. It seemed her baby was a little fearful and needed some lovin’. So, in the new year we can break the fear. Just take time to warm-up to how you’ll flex your stuff, bring some hustle-love to your game and stretch yourself in 2019.

  1. Up your game

James is probably spending a lot of time with the team trainers doing things to strengthen the injured muscle. How he plays the game might be about shots and rebounds. But how he ups his game might be about hustle and flow. It’s about getting mind, body and soul to work together and put you on a roll.

  1. Earn your keeps

Downtime from the game for Serena allowed her to grow her family. Downtime for James might also be about how he grows his value with pro sports, his Foundation and other biz enterprises. Sometimes the work you do isn’t just about the 9 to 5, but also how you add value personally, professionally and socially.

  1. Rock your best

James recently re-shared a quote from former ESPN Anchor Stuart Scott who once said “Don’t downgrade your dreams just to fit your reality. Upgrade your convictions to match your destiny.” That might be a good way to describe how they approach their game to amaze at work and rock their best.

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The clock is still ticking on James’ return. Fans want to see that magic again. Serena is getting ready for her next grand-slam tournament at the Australian Open. If the review of 2018 serves as a preview of 2019, they’d say you gotta get on up and do what you gotta do to keep it smokin’.  Holla if you with me!

Tip: In order to rock your best and earn your keeps you gotta get on up and do what you gotta do to keep it smokin’.

Talkback: What’s in-store for your new year to make it a “new you, new woo?”

Tracks: Jodeci – Get on Up – https://youtu.be/Sy6gPBix32k

Angie Stone – Do What You Gotta Do – https://youtu.be/4oS-GAy5MUY