COMMENTARY: Tenacity

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Capt.) Meade Adams
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Chapel
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  

In 2002, Duke Basketball star Jay Williams was drafted by the Chicago Bulls as the number two overall pick in the NBA. Williams was projected to be a huge star as the Bulls were still in a rebuild after the Jordan era. He was known for his work ethic and tenacity on the court.

During one road game in Los Angeles, Williams arrived to the arena several hours before the game to get in some extra practice. Upon arriving he noticed a player from the other team was already there practicing and in a full sweat. Williams proceeded to go through his workout and practice routine despite the presence of the other player.

 

Finally, Williams finished and started to head out. However, he noticed the other player was still there. That night the Lakers got the best of the Bulls and the other player had a phenomenal game. After the game Williams approached him and asked why he was there so long before the game. The player, who you may or may not have guessed by now was Kobe Bryant, told him that he wanted to make sure he knew that he could not outwork him.

 

Bryant was known for his tenacity on the court, as was his primary basketball predecessor Michael Jordan. Bryant attributes his success in the NBA more so to his tenacity than his talent. How does this apply to us here in the Air Force or in our lives? Be tenacious. Set a goal, grab ahold of it and don’t let go. You want that promotion or award? You have to work harder than the other person. You have to put in the extra time. You have to be in the gym before the game when everybody else is at home. You want your marriage to be successful? Don’t just passively watch it go by; be tenacious and do what is necessary to make it thrive. Be tenacious in all areas of life and find success.