The comeback

Thursday, June 18

There’s a great clip of Jalen Brunson, during a stretch where the Knicks were down by 29 points, going to the bench to speak life into the team.

“Play smart. Stick together. We’ve come back from far worse. Keep chipping away.”

It’s easy in these moments to dismiss statements like these. To think to yourself, or maybe even to say out loud, “Are you kidding me? 29 points? Let’s just pack it in. We’ll get them the next game.”

It’s a natural thing. How many times have you dismissed a leader trying to be positive in a difficult situation? But what Brunson said matters. He brought things into perspective and got specific.

Play smart. Calling them up, letting them know that this isn’t who we are. Get back to your identity.

Stick together. It’s not about one person, it’s about each of us. Every person playing their role. It’s the only way through.

Reminding them that while this is bad, they’ve overcome before. Speaking confidence. Countering a negative mindset with truth.

Keep chipping away. You don’t get out of adversity instantly. It’s step by step. Adversity isn’t optional, but your response is up to you.

Leadership matters but especially in times of adversity. But it’s not just about the message, it’s about you then going and living the message. Being the example.

You may not be in the place or season you want to be. Life happens. What you do now is what matters.
​
​
Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin