Ambition and Motivation

From top to bottom we see a Rose Gold Presidential Rolex, a camouflage Bentley Continental GT owned by AC Milan star Mario Balotelli, and a penthouse in New York on Park Avenue overlooking Central Park and the city. All are almost awe-striking sights (except the camo Bentley, why would Mario do that to such a beautiful car?) These are all things that will make us feel really shitty about ourselves as we eat our Chicken (if you really fancy, Creamy Chicken) Top Ramen. Now consider how luxurious and expensive they are. The watch costs $31,000, the camo Bentley costs Mar-Mar 160,000 Euros (about $210,864 in U.S. currency) and while I can't put an exact price tag on the penthouse, NY property value near Central Park is in the multi-millions. It can almost make you sad. I'm here living like this while there are people who are living like that. When you start to get into that mindset, you either become really weak or sparks of motivation occur. Let's hope for the sake of progress everyone experiences the latter.

A lot of people will say that jealousy is extremely bad and no one should have it. I believe it is how you use it that makes it negative or positive. If you use jealousy to be bitter and spiteful towards everyone and everything, then you should probably transfuse that green blood out your system. BUT, if you were to use your jealousy as a means to go out and get for yourself, than by all means let it flow. Just make sure that it is only motivation. Personally, I don't believe you should want something because someone else has it. There is a lot of window-shopping/societal strings attached to wanting something. Because society said that a Rolex, a Bentley, or a penthouse are extremely beautiful things, people perceived them that way. Imagine if you were to say that someone's Rolex isn't nice, gloves are off.  But if it is something that will genuinely (emphasize that) bring you happiness, then go out there and WORK towards getting it. 

Musicians and athletes are quick to point out their haters or credit their haters for their success. Win a Grammy "Um I would like to thank God (artists seem to have lapsed on crediting him lately though), my producers, my family, blah blah blah and my haters of course, can't forget them. They really keep me going." Win the championship, get naked, pop bottles and douse each other in Moet, hit the mic like "I gotta thank God (athletes seem to credit him much more), my family, the fans, the organization, my teammates, a lot of other blah blah blah and finally our/my haters. They said we couldn't do it so we/I worked everyday nonstop to get here." Notice the similarities? 

Now I have no problem with extrinsic motivation (motivation from external factors) but I believe that everyone should have intrinsic motivation (from within). Why does anyone need someone who speaks negatively about them to go out and grind everyday? Why can't you just naturally want to be successful. I always tell people I slid out my mom's womb wanting to take over the world, like the black Stewie Griffin. But I do. I don't have any haters or naysayers but even if I did I wouldn't use them as motivation because it's already innate. I see things in this world I want to change and the life I want to have for myself and everyday I do things to put myself closer to doing what I want to do. They may not be extreme moves or actions but if I'm going to the same place, it doesn't matter how many big steps or small steps I take, I'll get there eventually. Having motivation from within is what separates wolves from sheep. While sheep act on the actions of others and usually need help from others, wolves have the will to survive and prosper on their own account, even if that means going lone. The most successful and dedicated people are what they are because in my opinion, it was innate, with partial help from outsiders. 

Big city. Big dreams. Small person. When it comes to ambition, I think there is never too much of it someone can have. Everyone should shoot for the stars and want to be the best at what they do because even if you don't get there, you may still end up with a result just as enjoyable. I'm not fine with settling by any means but I'll never complain about how people want to live their life. At an early age, my mom always told me about my potential and what's out there for me and she reminds me ever so often. One of my favorite quotes, from one of my favorite movies, The Bronx Tale, "The saddest thing in life is wasted talent." Whatever talent I have, I'm making it my duty for it to not go in vain. That's why my mind is so set on becoming a powerful enough figure that I can put my own stamps on certain facets or maybe even all facets of society. My biggest goal is to be remembered, whether it is by many or a few, just knowing somehow my name will live on and not be forgotten will bring me ultimate satisfaction. 

I have to admit, what annoys me the most about ambition and motivation is how often people speak about it but show no efforts to make it observable. You say you want to be the best athlete, but you're sitting in a room of reporters instead of inside a gym getting stronger, faster and better to bring truth to your words. I haven't heard of a man to make a million dollars sitting on a couch watching millionaires live. Don't see many people in top-floor penthouses wearing Rolex's staring out their window with a tailored suit, smoking a Cuban cigar, drinking Hennessy by tweeting or making a Facebook status about it. People have to start making a priority of letting their actions speak for themselves more. I'm a victim of being the guy wishing and wanting things but making lackadaisical efforts to get them, while I talk negatively about people who do the same. Right now, I'm writing this blog when I probably should be out in the streets trying to make my lofty goals reality someday. But I'm not and that sort of makes me hypocritical. However, I've had MANY nights where I've sat up all night in a cold sweat, daydreaming, plotting how my dreams will come to fruition. I've also never been one to care about people's opinions to take two middle fingers to face and let me live. I believe a person's actions should outnumber their words/statements 100/1. For every time a ball players says that he is better than someone, he should have hundreds/thousands or hours logged into perfecting his craft. A musician should be in the studio/practice room more often than they boast, and so on and so on for many other people in any profession. Ambition may have a different meaning determine by Webster but you simply just gotta have the drive and will to WORK! That word is so important and can't be stressed enough in any of my blogs (I believe that word is a constant). I touched on that already so I'll move on. 

I have modest wants. An all black 1972 Plymouth Cuda (short for Barracuda) with gold BBS', a sailboat and unlimited cooking supplies and ingredients. I love to cook if no one knew that. I don't really care about making lots of many and being able to live a luxurious lifestyle. I just want something comfortable. Fuck a Rose Gold Rolex. How many of you actually know what rose gold is? It's actually an alloy metal, 50% gold and 50% copper, so you are paying $31,000 for a watch that is comprised of half penny. Think about it. And why would I fiend for a car that is made by another car company whose cars are significantly cheaper (Bentley is owned by the Mercedes group). I'm afraid of heights so me living on the top floor is not the move, EVER. (FUCK ALL THE SKYSCRAPERS IN THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY THE SEARS TOWER, YEAH I SAID SEARS THROW HANDS ABOUT IT). However, by all means, if your goals are to make millions of dollars and own some of the things I mentioned and more, go do it. Who am I to try and diminish your goals? Just remember to never forget what it will take to get there and that beating the pavement gets you somewhere sitting on your ass doesn't. 

"It's Gotta Be the Shoes!"

I WANNA BE LIKE MIKKKEEEEEE! Sound so soulful don't you agree? Haha. Today is MJ's 50th birthday. Yes, Michael Jeffrey Jordan is 50 years old. I can't be the only one having a hard time fathoming this. It could not have been that long. To many people, mostly our older siblings (if you are close to my age) or older relatives, it was not long ago that watching Jordan suit up in that black and red laced uniform with that iconic 23 stitched in his jersey was a regular. I may only be 18 years old but I have had years where I was conscious enough to witness him in his glory days bring success to the Windy City. I remember times where my family, all eight of us, (my little sister was not born yet) would sit crowded in a room watching Bulls games with tons of excitement and anticipation of what spectacular play Michael was going to do. Don't even mention playoff time. The TV didn't show another channel besides NBC, hearing Marv Albert's legendary voice call games, almost always in dramatic fashion. And honestly, there was no better way.

I fondly remember the 97' and 98' NBA Finals. I was probably in the exact same position both times, directly in front of the TV almost blocking everyone else's view (partially the reason I have to wear glasses to my grave). In 97, MJ played Game 5 with the flu and it showed as he could barely run and had to be helped to the sidelines and locker room on many occasions. Little do people know that Jordan was bed ridden until 5:50p.m. THE GAME STARTED AT 6PM! So the man came from spilling his guts on the floor to scoring 38 points and cold-bloodily hitting the game clinching 3. HOL' THE FUCK UP! Name another person ho would have even thought about picking up a basketball while inflicted with the flu. I remember when I had the flu in late December all I could think about was who was gonna write my obituary and what picture they were gonna choose as I laid in my bed in nothing but my underwear and one white sock. I was praying nobody will ever see my 8th grade graduation picture. I looked like I was trying to look at two objects at the same time in different directions. But back to Jordan, the guts, the heart, the will it took to step on that hardwood and put on a performance like that in which it was nicknamed the infamous "Flu Game" (the black and red colorway of the Air Jordan 12's were given the same nickname that day). In 98', Game 6 produced arguably the greatest moment of his career. 4th Quarter, under 20 seconds, Michael steals the ball from Karl Malone, dribbles done the court, sizes up Byron Russell, then separates himself from him and nails the game-winning shot all while down 1 (Jordan previously hit another game-winning shot over Byron Russell in the 97' Finals in Game 6 *Coincidence?*). That's venomous. I watched Michael do all of this and I have to say each time my family and I and possibly everyone else around Chicago went berserk. We were no longer people, but crazed followers of an almighty, immortal soul. There was tons of celebrating throughout those streets, mostly shouting and violence of every form. But it was awesome to experience nonetheless.

I'm not gonna talk about all of Jordan's stats and accomplishments because you can Google that shit and that's a lot of writing I don't want to do. If you don't feel like Googling, I feel you and I'll spread this link of all types of good stuff about Mike. http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1035/michael-jordan However, I want to focus on Michael's impact on the world in a more social and psychological view. We are possibly talking about a figure who is known throughout every reach of the earth from the highly populated countries to remote islands in the Pacific. Michael Jordan is the reason African-Americans for over 20+ years have been mistaken in foreign countries as him. It has happened to a homie of mine Kendall Mason a few times during his numerous stays outside of the US in foreign countries. Note that not only does he not hoop, he's about 5'5, light-skinned and resembles Pharrell Williams more than anyone else. Haha. I'm off that, he's cool people. But you get an example of his far-reaching icon status.

In 1985, Nike caught on to the stardom of MJ and gave him not only a shoe deal, but his own signature shoe. That may have been the 2nd smartest move the company made (refer to my very 1st blog post). Since then, Nike has become a multi-billion dollar organization, largely thanks to Jordan (Nike and it's subsidiary control about 77% of the shoe/apparel market). Unless there is a team sponsored by Adidas(weak) or Under Armour(weaker), expect to spot someone on a court sporting a pair of Air Jordans. They are universal. All around, people are crowded outside Footlockers and NikeTown's or anxiously by their computer credit-card in hand ready to purchase a pair of his illustrious sneaks. Also, currently at .The thirst! I know. But those are the lengths that people will take to become a little closer to the person they admire. Everyone doesn't have the opportunity to hit game-winning shots or score 40 on a nightly basis or be a legend. So buying a pair of his sneakers and possibly his jersey is one of the more convenient ways us ordinary people can be apart of his legacy.

What MJ did for athletes and sports in general is evident. He set a standard for greatness. His skill, his size, his tenacity and success are all things we easily recognize. But what we fail to look at is his will to not be complacent or second, his lack of fear, and his never-ending preparation to be ahead of everyone else. It didn't matter who Michael went up against, he played an average guy the same as if he were in a pickup game against Jesus. He never let up, never faltered. In practice, he ran faster and harder than even the fleetest footed of teammates, out hustled you on a daily basis, made you look foolish and even sometimes emasculated his teammates. MJ has been noted to have been abusive, verbally and physically, to his teammates. As vicious as that sounds, it worked and I'm sure none of those guys would give up their rings because he was a meanie. Michael demanded the best you had, because he gave the best he had all the time. That's going towards teammates and opponents. Jordan is possibly the most mentally tough athlete ever. He was always talking trash and getting in the head of the opposing player trying to guard him. Often he embarrassed them. Seldom did Michael get a taste of his own medicine. But the preparation was key. He was always the first person in the gym and for hours at a time, even when he had games or practice. Shooting hundreds or free throws, thousands of shots. Shooting and dribbling until his arms became 10 lb weights. Watching a lifetime amount of footage, studying you and your every move and tendencies and exposing it and taking it away from you when he met you on that glossy hardwood. Not accepting that he could not do a particular thing or go over his limits, extending them more likely.

Allen Iverson Crosses Michael Jordan

Michael's Game-Winning Shots and Misses 

 

MICHAEL JORDAN HAS FAILED MANY TIMES. That, if anything else, helps us realize that he is human after all. The story is well known, the man was cut from the team sophomore year. How many NBA players have ever not been on their high school basketball team without it being an uncontrollable, external issue? I read an article made about the coach who cut him and the coach simply said "I didn't think he was ready." We know the outcome of that mishap. Out of 24,537 FG attempts, MJ made 12,192 of them. That's about 50% which is absolutely unheard of, especially for a shooting guard of his caliber. Looking at it in a different light, that means that for ever shot Mike made, he missed one. A large part of those misses were probably insignificant ones that ballplayers often within games but believe that a lot were also shots in the clutch. People often believe that anytime Michael had a ball in his hands or went on an endeavor he succeeded. Not so much. He probably succeeded most of the time but he's no King Midas. Michael has missed game-winning shots, turned the ball over during crucial possessions and made bad business decisions. His term as Wizards GM and his current reign as head honcho of the Charlotte Bobcats are enough to make people wonder if MJ belongs anywhere besides on a court (bad draft picks, awful money mismanagement, lackluster coaching staffs and negligent over-watch of teams). But to me, that's what makes him still that much better than everyone else. By failing, you are given an opportunity to learn, which is the biggest positive in existence. If you learn and shake off frustration after failing, honestly, have you failed? No. Better believe that Michael Jordan is taking notes on his current misfortunes at the moment so that his future spills better fortunes. When Michael missed shots, he let his short-term memory, killer mentality take shape and kept going. Eventually, he knew he was going to destroy everything in sight.

Today after waking up, I remembered that today was his birthday and did almost a eulogy to him on Twitter and soon was to do  Facebook status dedicated to him. Then I was suspected of sucking his tip or being over the top. For starts, I can do what the fuck I want as long as it doesn't hinder the progression of you as an individual. Who is anyone to tell me the limits of admiration I can have for anyone? We have to appreciate the people we love and respect now because there will be a time when they have to leave us and it will seem too late. It may not seem original but I have profound respect for Michael Jordan and I admire him a ton. What he did is held in high regard to me. I apply a lot of his quotes and teachings into my current mindset and it has made me into the clear conscious, upbeat, confident, charismatic guy I am today. I wouldn't be the exact person I was today had he not existed, and I love the way I am. Michael Jordan has inspired more African-American males probably than their actual father. Before I get blasted, think about how many black males know Michael Jordan and how many of us get the pleasure (or unfortunate) to meet or know our dads. I rest that note.

Dear MJ,

My name is Josh Wilks (nickname Deuce Deuce, go ahead and call me it you an OG thug you got permission) and I just want to wish you a Happy Birthday. Enjoy those cigars and sexy strippers in H-Town tonight. You will be forever loved and respected. Your soul and legacy will live forever.

Sincerely,

A boy from Chicago

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/Michael-Jordan/michael-jordan-not-left-building A good article to read on him.

Valentine's Day

Ok so I'm back after a little hiatus. I just wasn't in the writing mood lately. But now I decided to do a Valentine's Day blog for all y'all soft ass individuals who populate a good portion of this planet. Alright, let's be real, if you got somebody to call your own, this was the second day you circled on your calendar when you got it right after your birthday. If you don't, you are probably bitter or somewhere with an incredibly high amount of NaCl. Or you can very well be indifferent about it like me or many other people. I don't think it's too materialistic or cakey or unimportant like some people have come out to say it is. It's a day for lovers and people who like each other (and women, they always want something). I'm not gonna hate on the happiness of others because I'm solo, hell I feel happy for them. It's nice to have someone special, especially when you consider how hard it is to find them and the work it took to get them.

That's where I come in. Instead of moping around about how you don't have anyone or just not caring, why not try your luck and go out on the prowl for someone to break your drought? If you don't know me by now, I'm about progress not complacency. You may not think this is the right time to say that but finding someone to add to the joy and complexity of your life is a positive (if things turn out well of course). I decided to make a short guide to attracting someone you like or are interested in. This may come too late for this upcoming VDay in four days but if you apply some of these tactics and they work, you should have someone to share the love with next year. Let's get it!

GET OUT YO DAMN HOUSE (AND COMFORT ZONE)
Okay, so you actually have to get up and do something if you want to find a mate. Yeah, that means getting your ass off of that couch at the party or putting down that iPod with Drake seeping out the ear buds. Being cooped up in your home or bedroom will not only hinder you from gaining new experiences, but it will also keep you stuck in your current mentality. Go out to parties, sporting events, the park, the back alley somewhere, just go places where socializing is a high possibility. And while you are there, be open to doing things that you usually wouldn't consider doing, like making the first move on some fines ass motherf***** you just spotted.

MAKE THE FIRST MOVE
Alright, you have spotted someone who sparks your interests or that you have immediate attraction too. That's good. Now go say something. Don't sit there just staring at them. I promise you will be in for numerous awkward moments if you do that because they will see you staring at them and get creeped out. So at this moment, put on your big boy/girl pants and say hey or something. Introduce yourself. Make sure at that moment that you two are no longer strangers. Show confidence. That is one of the most attractive qualities any one person can have. At the end of the night/day/conversation/whatever, exchange those 7 digits.

COMMUNICATE
Now that you have that person's number or you have been acquainted with them, talk to them. Communication is the only way things can move forward. Life is no dream. The other person is not just gonna walk up to you and ask you to be their girlfriend/boyfriend instantly. Time to put in work and this is the 500lbs. If you were the aggressor in getting the number, you should be the first person to hit them up. But then again if the other person doesn't have your number you have to hit them up first anyway otherwise their will be no conversation. Personally, I believe that humans nowadays have extremely poor communication skills. Social networking has a part of that but in the end people have just totally went in reverse when it comes to talking to one another. So don't be like everyone else, talk to that one person. HAVE AN ACTUAL CONVERSATION WITH THEM ONCE IN A WHILE WOULD YA. Saying "hey" or "what's up" and continuing to walk while in the halls is adding to the stagnation. Converse about different subjects or things you like in an effort to see what you two have in common. Talking to someone is important because it lets you know whether they are worth your time or not.

FLIRT
Unless you want to be friend zoned, you have to let that person know your intentions. Those intentions of course are to eventually date that person once you two get close enough that you pass out whenever you're in each others presence. So act like it. Break the touch barrier. Hug them, touch their hand, give them a small shove when you are joking with them. Say really smooth things. I remember I was talking to a girl and was like "Didn't expect to see Ms. Illinois just walking around here." Lame right? Well, she ate it all up. Haha. Be playful with them, compliment them. If you see them and they have on a well put together outfit, say that you like it. It makes them feel good and it will improve their disposition towards you. I tend to stay away from complimenting people on general things because there is a good chance it has been said before. Saying that someone has nice lips rather a pretty face can sound creepy and awkward and make people think you pay a lot of attention to detail, but it's genuine and different. Be sure to not overwhelm people with compliments though. It can get old and annoying. You might get to the point to where you're saying you like someone's skin texture just because you want someone to know how much you like them. In actually, you may start to push them away because no one can be completely flattered by a million compliments, makes you sound infatuated when you aren't even close to becoming their mate.

HAVE YOUR OWN LIFE
The hardest part of the courting process is knowing when to take breaks and that you have to give that person their space. You want to be around them so much and talk to them so much that you forget that you still have to live your life and do things alone. You shouldn't talk to the person you like everyday, unless you see them in the hallways or in class where you can't avoid them so you just acknowledge them to not seem like an asshole. Other than that, give them their space. Yeah you talked to them all day yesterday and you can do it everyday, but don't. You're gonna look really needy and annoying. They got shit to do, sorry. And it fluctuates daily, just like your day. So you should act like you got shit to do as well. Go to the gym, go out with friends, focus on your craft/work. Ignore a few of their texts when they text you or end the conversation early. It may make them angry but in an essence, that makes you much more attractive. It makes you more of a challenge. When people don't know about your whereabouts or what you're up to, it builds interests and the more you stay in their minds the better. Nothing more intriguing than mystery and curiosity.

TAKE YO DAMN TIME (BE PATIENT) and CHILL OUT
Hopefully, you nor the person will die anytime soon. So there is no reason to play things as if life is stuck on fast forward. Take your time when you are trying to build something with someone you like. If they didn't have another interest before they started getting involved with you it is unlikely that someone will pop out of nowhere and beat you out. Now it can happen, but don't count on it. And if it does happen, don't let it change your mindset. Still go out with the same plan. Rushing things causes confusion and problems. And it may cause discomfort within that person. You can't go from asking them what their favorite place to eat is to asking them to be your girlfriend/boyfriend when you met them two weeks ago. That's a big jump and it will get you negative results. And in terms of your attitude throughout the entire courting process, you should always be cool, calm and collected. It will happen if there is a connection. If you show that you are a genuine  interesting person, it's hard for someone not to like that. Unless they don't then grab that Kleenex.

ASK THAT FUCKING PERSON OUT ON A DATE AND IF THAT GOES GREAT PLUS A COUPLE OTHER ONE'S, ASK THEM TO BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND. I'M NOT EXPLAINING THIS ANY FURTHER JUST STOP BEING SCARED.

That's 7 steps if CPS didn't fail me on the math tip. 7 things to follow to go from sitting in your room asking yourself why you are without a significant other to hoping you used a condom or he used a condom when you two were last in the presence of each other. Now to clear something up, I am no guru. I'm about 15-85 or worse on the dating tip. But no one is perfect when it comes to courting, unless they married the first person they got. But that's highly unlikely to happen in abundance so expect lots of attempts and fewer successes. I just wanted to share what has worked for me and is commonly effective in the dating world. But nothing is absolutely sure to work, so don't be afraid to put your own touch on things if necessary. Alright, I've done all I can, so now it is up to you whether Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and splurging on yourself is your usual routine on Valentine's Day. Good luck hunting folks. And here are some links to some stuff you should listen to get in the spirit.