Tim Duncan is a legend.
The 6’ 11’’ power forward for the San Antonio Spurs was one of the best to ever play the game of basketball.
Funny thing is, even the most die-hard basketball fan (like me) will never see an old Tim Duncan highlight come across their Instagram or TikTok feed.
That’s because Duncan was different.
There was no razzle-dazzle to his game. He didn’t beat his chest after a timely dunk; he was more apt to lay the ball up and run back on defense with his head down.
There were no behind-the-back passes; he was more of a chest pass kind of guy.
And if he was 15 feet away from the basket, he seldom tried to swish a jumper. Nope, Tim would shoot a bank shot. Off the backboard, through the hoop.
Tim Duncan’s game, effective as it was, was actually pretty boring to watch. But it won him two NBA Most Valuable Player awards.
His commitment to sticking to and mastering the basics of basketball earned him the nickname “The Big Fundamental.”
While most players were working on their dunks, he was developing an indefensible baby hook shot. When they were working on their fancy “rocker step” moves, he was mastering a drop step in the low post that got him easy layups. And while they’re sitting at home with no NBA championship rings, Tim has FIVE.
Why am I writing to you about a long-retired basketball player?
Well, because Tim Duncan represents what most of us have gotten away from. We’ve lost sight of the fundamentals of success and life.
Too many of us want the championship rings without developing skills, executing a plan, or even having the courage to step onto the court. We walk around with our hands out, expecting wealth without work. We fail to understand that success comes from participating in the fundamental flow of giving and receiving.
While everyone else is going for fancy and fun, be the one who sticks to the indefensible basics that work every time. Like mastering your craft. Being of service to others. Giving with no expectation of receiving anything in return. Surrounding yourself with the right friends, coaches, and mentors.
The life you desire will be built on a foundation of fundamentals.
Be the Big Fundamental.
Tim Duncan your life to the very top.
If you were to ask me which QOD episode is my favorite, today’s episode with Les Brown would be it. If you would listen to this clip everyday for the next year, your life would become unrecognizable. Because it’s about the fundamentals. The basics that are so easily forgotten. What you give is what you get.
Source: The Power of Purpose
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