LeBron James, Miami Heat, Dan Gilbert and the Ongoing Work Life Balance Challenge

While it may not seem like LeBron James, the Miami Heat, and Dan Gilbert have anything to do with today’s challenge of work-life balance, they do…and in a much bigger way than you can imagine!

Professional basketball ultra-superstar LeBron James decided to leave the only team he has ever played for, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to join the Miami Heat, who also just signed two other superstars, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. And Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavaliers, is really mad… really mad!

In fact, Gilbert had this to say in a phone interview with the AP: “He [James] he’s gotten a free pass… People have been hiding for too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert went on to suggest that James “quit” during the playoffs, meaning he didn’t play at his superstar level when the team needed him most.

Of course, that’s a matter of opinion and obviously Gilbert is currently very hurt and angry.

But here’s the clincher for Gilbert: “It’s not about him leaving…it’s the disrespect. It’s time people held these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this how you raise your kids? I’ve I’ve been putting up with all of this for a long time.” long time.”

So Mr. Gilbert has felt this way for a long time… sounds like a bitter resentment.

Whether or not LeBron James made the “right” decision will be debated for many years, but there are other dynamics here connected to work-life balance (believe it or not!).

Since most people typically put a great deal of time and energy into their careers, here are some LeBron James-Don Gilbert-Miami Heat lessons to learn from:

1.) Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.” Are you putting your absolute best effort into your work in life? But because? If you are not passionate about what you do, why are you doing it?

2.) California Governor and former Mr. Universe Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “Strength doesn’t come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to give up, that’s strength.” When you are faced with adversity, do you rise to the challenge or do you give up? Do you “try and try again” until you find the seed of equal or greater benefit? Do you keep your commitment despite difficulties? Are you a “sticker” or a quitter?

3.) Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong said, “Winning is about heart, not just legs. You have to be in the right place.” Where is your heart? Are you 100% committed to your mission?

4.) Television minister and sage of positive growth Robert H. Schuller says, “Winning starts with the beginning.” Are you all in?

5.) And perhaps the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, said, “I’ve missed over 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost nearly 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to win the game. I shot and I failed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that’s why I succeed.” Do you face failure with a renewed commitment to improve?…to continually improve?…to win?

6.) And from John Wooden, who was probably the greatest college basketball coach of all time, “Material possessions, earned scores, and high reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, for He knows what we really are.” And that’s all that matters.” .” What are your values? What is truly important to you? And what is the impression you are leaving on everyone around you, especially children?

7.) And last but not least, if you, apparently like Mr. Gilbert, have a grudge, dissatisfaction or resentment, why not address it? Someone once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison, hoping the other person will get sick.” You only get sick if you have the grudge!

Since you will most likely spend the majority of your life developing your career, you may want to examine all the dynamics involved. Maybe it’s time to take a complete inventory of yourself and your chosen career, and really invite yourself to raise the bar and be your best. Ask yourself all of the questions above… and maybe a few more of your own.

You’ll feel better about yourself and everyone around you will feel better too… and you’ll improve your work-life balance!