Skip to main content

2 Minute Warning

Have you ever noticed how often cliches conflict? For example, many people believe in the theory "Que Sera Sera" (Whatever happens, happens), while others such as myself follow the saying "Carpe Diem" (Seize the day). Whatever quote you use is up to you; the purpose is to foster knowledge and improvement.

One of my new favorite sayings is "When the rubber meets the road..."; It refers to racing, and is analogous to a moment of truth or important opportunity. The quote is used to define levels of performance or being "clutch" in pressure situations. What I've learned over the past few weeks is that those who are unique, talented, and dedicated separate themselves when the rubber meets the road.

The lesson became all too real this past week, as I experienced both grave disappointment and incredulous exhilaration in one day. That day I stood before my hero, filmmaker Spike Lee, and pitched my show with pride and zeal. It was a total shock that I could find the energy; just a few hours prior, I took part in one of the most frustrating and hurtful arguments I've ever had.

Each of the situations shared one trait: the participants were given an opportunity to make a statement. With Spike, I had a chance to show him what I was made of, and he had an open opportunity to respond. After hearing his opinion on my work, I hold him in even higher regard. In my other conversation, each person had a moment to be perfectly open and honest. That did not happen, and as a result, a cherished friendship now stands in a severely damaged state.

As you continue to walk through life, you will be afforded various opportunities. It is your responsibility to take advantage and own those moments. You can be the Kobe, Tom Brady, or A-Rod in your field or relationships. Be known as the man/woman who is clutch in the "Two minute warning". That is the time when greats are born. You are great, so let it show through.


Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"What's Up, Youngblood?": A Deeper Look At The Old School Player

They are found pretty much everywhere: at the supermarket, on the second floor at your job, and especially at family reunions. Though conspicuous in nature, this species is easy to spot. No I'm not talking about roaches, you heathen; I'm talking about the "Old School Player", aka a "piiimmmmp". Now it is important to differentiate between an Old School Player and a man who is simply "old school". My father, known affectionately as Charles Perry (please say the full name), is old school; he has traditional values, rough hands, and watches westerns like "Gunsmoke". An Old School Player (O.S.P) is different; they are commonly outlandish, shifty, and laugh really weird. These well-tenured romeos carry great influence on the youth of America, specifically young males. Coming into contact with old school playas brings guys to a critical transition in life: the older men become an example for their younger counterparts. Gentlemen decide f...

The Nice Guy Rules

"Nice guys finish last." What a hogwash statement. Seriously; it's baloney, maybe even pastrami. Through entertainment, business, and romance, the belief is that a man with etiquette and morals is one with diseases, like the measles or swine flu. When you turn on your television or read your news...kindle, you witness arrogant, womanizing egomaniacs praised as charismatic men with undeniable "swagger". Men who are interested in helping others and making people enjoy themselves are undervalued. The result is young men trying too hard. These men, known as "Nice Guys", are seen as sweet people who are great to know and make you laugh, but are OFTEN over looked for men who...use less effort to receive approval. As a teen and in my early college years, I played into this. It's such a weird feeling; you become enamored with doing right by people, as if it determines whether people will like you. Half the time, if you are "too" nice, peo...

I'm a Hater (Acknowledging Your Faults and Using to Reach Prosperity)

I, Cedric Charles Perry, am a hater. Whew...though it's tough to say, admission is the first step to recovery. It's a gene that has traveled throughout my family tree; my great-grandmother has been recognized as one of the more influential haters during the civil rights movement. My sister Dee actually holds the Pennsylvania state record for most consecutive statements using the word "corny", with 46. It appears that there are numerous types of haters; my type is called "Conditional Hater", where in attempts to create humor, I will break out in uncontrollable hating. Recognizing that this trait runs in my family, I was bound to be a hater and it's better for me to acknowledge this now and help others who share this condition. To better address this addiction, which currently affect approximately 3.6 million people in America (I made that number up), let's identify what hating is. Rapper LL Cool J once stated that hating is "identifying a perso...