As a child, I had the honor of growing up as a 90s kid. I grew up playing with snap bracelets, watched cartoons, spent all afternoon playing outside, and created mazes with cardboard boxes and couch cushions. With all the excitement that surrounded me, there couldn't possibly be a way to figure out the most iconic thing that occurred during the 90s.
Then, it hit me. Who is more iconic than Michael Jordan?! I'll be the first to admit that I am not a sports enthusiast. Even then, I can tell you this much: brands like Nike and Wheaties have used him as a Spokesperson, he played baseball, and he had a successful career in the NBA. Many would argue that he is the greatest basketball player of all time. I cannot speak for every person on the planet, but I do know that many people look at others who have been successful and view the person based on what s/he has now. If success is determined based on what someone has now, then it is almost impossible to become successful.
Success isn't defined by what a person has now. What a person has now is something to show for achieving a goal. For example, when I graduated from college, the diploma isn't what makes me successful. Success is defined by the drive, passion, determination, and persistence it took to complete the coursework and additional requirements.
Looking back at Michael Jordan, instead of looking at him and wondering what it took him to receive what he has now, ask what it took him to get where he is now. Initially, he did not make his high school's basketball team, but he was determined to become a player before he graduated from high school. What was his driving force? What pushed him to become better? When he failed, how did he persevere?
The next time you find yourself wishing for and wanting someone else's lifestyle, looks, money, power, etc., think about what it took him/her to obtain these things, how much time s/he dedicated, what sacrifices were made, and so forth. After asking these questions about other people, ask yourself the same questions-about you. I want you to find your driving force; I want you to find your space jam.
