Screen Shot 2014-01-07 at 2.27.33 PMKendall Marshall is probably not  a household name in many places. Around our house, he certainly is. He’s one of “the boys” heroes and is who he likes to emulate when he’s passing the rock (ball). We’ve watched his career from the day he stepped on the campus of The University of North Carolina. It hasn’t been without its ups and downs. He has had his share of critics and adversity. I think there’s something we can all learn from Kendall Marshall. Believe it or not, this is not a sports related post. Stick with me….

“He’s too slow”

“He can’t shoot the 3”

“He can’t play defense”

As a freshman, Kendall was playing behind another player. That player decided to leave the team halfway through the year. Just left campus. Done. Kendall stepped into the starting role and quickly silenced all of those critics. In his time at UNC, he would lead the ACC in assists and be among the top 5 in the nation. An injury ended his season and UNC’s chances at a National Championship (freakin Creighton!!!). Riding the wave of his success, he declared for the NBA. Again, they all said…

“He’s too slow”

“He can’t shoot the 3”

“He can’t play defense”

The Phoenix Suns drafted Kendall and sat him on the bench. He rarely played. Earlier this season he was traded to the Wizards and promptly released. Out of the NBA. He never complained. He heard the critics. He heard the voices. He went to the Development League and did his best. He encouraged other players in the NBDL.

Then the call came. The LA Lakers were in need of a point guard. He sat on the bench and eventually got the start. His first game? 41 minutes, 20 Points, 15 assist and 6 rebounds. His second game? 39 minutes, 9 points, 17 assists, 6 rebounds.

All of that basketball story to say this….people are going to give you all of the reasons that you can’t do things in life. Count on it. There will be situations and times in your life when it appears that they are absolutely right. But there are always other chances. When the right opportunity comes along, you have the opportunity to silence every critic by showing them all the ways that you can do what they say you can’t.

When they tell you all of the reasons that you can’t, show them all of the reasons that you can. 

Prepare for it

Be ready for it.

When opportunity comes, grasp it.

Own it.

Be Brave.

×