I’ve been caught up in the fabulous New York Knicks play off run and how they continually overcame the odds and obstacles.  Not only has it been a very welcome distraction from the state of the world, but I even got to wear my 30 year old Patrick Ewing jersey!  But while most of New York reveled in the amazing success and accomplishment of the championship run, it’s easy to miss all the long hours, days, years of hard work that it took to allow the team to take advantage of the current opportunity.  I thank the Knicks for a good reminder of why the day after day long term grind is the key foundation to any great moment.

I love this quote by Jalen Brunsen, the team captain, who is credited with putting the team on his back whenever they were down.  When asked about how he keeps up the belief and energy being down as many as 29 points, he says:  My confidence comes from my work ethic.  Every time I had the ball, all I could think about is all the hours in the summer…making this a reality.  So, whenever I had the ball, I’m just thinking about just me alone in the gym.

Hard work is generally pretty lonely.  While we can be a part of a team, a family, a work place, or whatever context we engage in, no one can be inside our minds and bodies and know the challenges we face and the hardships we go through.  Staying motivated is a constant battle no matter the goal.  The pain, disappointment, exhaustion, and frustration have to be met with an antidote – purpose.  When we feel a sense of purpose in our day to day grind it helps to keep us going and gain a long term perspective.  The short term heartache is put into context for the gains of the long term anticipated success.

Another quote that comes to mind (one that I can’t find the source for, sorry) says:  “What if everything you are going through is preparing you for what you asked for?”  I love this shift in perspective, reframing roadblocks and setbacks as training.  It reminds us that we have no idea what’ll happen in the future, but we can rely on what we’ve learned and experienced as a guide.  Not only do we acquire skills and problem solving when we face challenges, but we also gain a perspective of appreciation and gratitude when we reach the goal or a better place.

Most of us don’t spend long hours alone in a gym shooting baskets and driving to the paint, but all of us have challenges we face day by day and year by year.  We all have responsibilities and duties that are underappreciated and exhaust us.  But one of the great wisdoms that comes as I get older is seeing that the fruit of people’s labor do most always come eventually.  You may not know when or how, but generally, hard work is rewarded in some form or another.  They may not be big splashy victories for all the world to see, but they may be just as significant in our own lives.  It may be handling a conflict in an admirable fashion, leaving a difficult situation, or stepping up to be there for someone else, but these are all wins!  A ticker tape parade may not be there to greet us, but we should celebrate our significant victories none the less.