Author Archives: Janie M Williams
Seize The Day Tomorrow
Which was it for you? Either you ran the day or the day ran you. But no worries, (God willing) you’ll have another day to get it right. Right?
Plan today for tomorrows success.…… Seize The Day Tomorrow.
One and Done
A thought came to mind recently of the term “One and Done”. Knowing that I had heard the term before but unsure of its actual meaning. I proceeded to look it up to find the following; One and Done is the rule effectively mandated that players spend at least one year in college. That High school players who would otherwise have jumped directly into the NBA were required instead to play in college for a year before leaving and entering the draft……….
Although there are many arguments either for or against the rule, I have chosen to delve in a bit deeper on this rule and blog on what most interests me. Of course, if you have an opposing view be sure to share it in the comment section but be kind about it.
Both my work and personal experience with young people leads me to believe that “One and Done” clearly allows time and space for necessary development. That development which has happened physically allows for maturation socially, emotionally, and in cognitive development.
Many would argue that physically these players/individuals already possess the skillset to play professionally and I do agree. However, with the inept ability to manage the social/emotional implications there’s increased risk of – crash and burn. Research shows that an 18 year-old makes far riskier/ impulsive decisions in an attempt to plan and reach a goal. More so than someone in their mid-20s. This is due in part to lack of experience, but primarily to an underdeveloped brain. The brain’s reward system tends to reach a high level of activation during puberty, then gradually drifts back to normal activation when a person reaches roughly the age of 25. This concept, we also see in the actions of the car insurance industry where higher premiums are charged for drivers under 25, who are believed to be immature and inexperience at operating a vehicle and prone to accidents.
I would also like to interject that sports and insurance are not the only relatable experiences here. Relationships, Careers, Finances, and Spirituality are also relevant. Because we don’t mature in all aspects of life on an even keel, it is common to see someone physically mature and emotionally bankrupt, or spiritually adequate and socially starved. How about in business, where managers are great at managing projects but inadequate at managing people? Somewhere there is a gap and a need for interventions that help bring qualitative balance.
What is even more interesting is that this rule is up for review and there is a likely chance that it will no longer apply come 2020. If that is the case and the rule does go away, my hope is that that all parties are proactive in developing a culture to lessen the impact of this (new) environment on these young but exemplary athletes. A culture ready and able to recognize potential problems and provide early interventions that can result in better outcomes.
I end by saying growth is inevitable but balanced growth is not. Although development is a continuous process, it is one that occurs in a series of qualitatively different steps. Therefore, there will always be a need for research, for studies, for subjects and samples to help us as humans to reach our true potential.
What makes a Dad
What makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
the majesty of a tree,
the warmth of a summer sun,
the calm of the quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagles flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
the depth of family need,
Then God combined these qualities.
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew his masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He Called it……DAD
To a COUNTLESS NUMBER OF DADS ON THIS FATHER’S DAY.
Everywhere Has a Thing
Everywhere has a thing, a thing that is most common, a thing that is most celebrated, a thing that serves as the core of what it takes (a group of people) to exist. Whether in Australian where the tall poppy syndrome is hard to resist, or in the In Filipinos where bayanihan practice exists.
When we encounter Everywhere in person, via television or on the world wide web, we soon recognize that there exists a culture. The culture then becomes at best, the norm or standard. The norm evolves and thus affects virtually every part of daily living, and quite often becomes so routine that participants are unaware of their specific behaviors and actions.
Everywhere has a thing, a thing that is most common, a thing that is most celebrated, a thing that serves as the core of what it takes (a group of people) to exist. There is beauty beyond measure in Everywhere if we would just take the time to see. To see, beyond what we’ve grown to be. Everywhere has a thing, a people poised to embody an internal culture, either they’re of a growth or of a fixed mindset. As an evolving civilization, we can do one of two things; we can shun the culture of others, refusing to embrace or accept it because of the difference, OR WE can embrace what is meant to bring us together in the spirit of wisdom, unity and overwhelming peace.
“The recognition of a common humanity is the first step in the celebration of our differences – differences that inform our cultures, our values, our minds, and all our ways of being in the world. Diversity is the chief informant of the creative life force and the central reality in our understanding and stewardship of it.”
References:
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Tall poppy syndrome refer to a tendency in Australian society to try and cut down people who are considered to be too successful or prominent – cutting the tall poppies down to size.
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In Filipino culture bayanihan is the practice of literally moving an entire home to a new location. The villagers gather to lift up the structures, carrying them over quite a distance.
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Appalachian State University. Why Celebrate Diversity. http://diversity.appstate.edu/celebration/why/. May 28, 2018.
When Faith Doesn’t Add Up
As it is told over and over again, in the first year of growth for the Chinese Bambo Tree, we see no visible signs of activity. Again, in the second year of the Chinese Bambo Tree still there is no growth above the soil. The third and the fourth are the same, no 
signs of anything. Finally in the fifth year – behold, a sign of growth (above soil)! What wasn’t obvious to the human eye in that five year process, was the progress of the Chinese Bambo Tree, a thin tall woody plant that grows in rainforests and the mountains of central China. Far beneath the surface it grew underground, developing a strong root system required to sustain life as it finally grows to its potential of up to 80 feet in just six weeks!
The same principle is true for us as humans along life’s path as we faithfully work toward our dreams and goals. If we are not careful, we could find ourselves spinning in a paralyzed state – questioning, when will I be rewarded? When will I see – visible fruits of my labor? This state of worry takes our focus off of what is most important…the process …. the building/preparation phase.
There are many lessons to be learned from the illustration of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, some of them are;
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Growth is not always seen immediately
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Never despise the process of starting small
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Take the time necessary to develop a strong foundation
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We are not exempt from adversity and/or challenges – stay encouraged
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All of the above is essential for sustaining latter results (Growth)
ard-trained historian 