What can we learn from Albert Einstein & LeBron James?
“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.”- Alfred Montapert
Although Albert Einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity, he also made important contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics. Relativity and quantum mechanics are the two pillars of modern physics.
According to a biography of Albert Einstein by Marie Hammontree, Einstein had problems in elementary school, not with the coursework, but with other students. He felt isolated and alone.
In addition, Einstein’s teachers felt that he was disrespectful because he asked them questions that they did not have answers to.
LeBron James had an epic meltdown when a call didn’t go his way in the closing seconds of regulation against the Boston Celtics several nights ago.
I’m not a fan of either team. I have watched replays of the play and it’s pretty clear that the Celtics’ player struck James’ arm as he was going up for what would have been the game-winning layup. A foul probably should have been called, but it wasn’t.
James’ reaction was just that, a reaction, not a response. For all his antics after the missed foul, the referees did not change the call and James and the Lakers would go on to lose in overtime.
We can learn from Einstein that everyone has struggles of some sort. Einstein’s struggles were with classmates, not the coursework. We may struggle with our bosses or our colleagues, or we may struggle with too much work, too little work, or even redundant work. We are human and struggle is normal.
We can learn from LeBron that we can only control what we can control. If LeBron were to zoom out and see the whole picture, he would have realized that the call wasn’t going to be overturned. He could have put his energy into getting ready to make the next winning play and help his team win the game in overtime.
Struggle is normal. Be aware of that and accept that fact.
Learn from your struggles. If you find yourself about to fall into an epic meltdown, zoom out and see what you can control and what you cannot. Recognize what is in your control and what is not.
Forward, always!