Someone had to say it.

So I’m saying it.

YOU’RE NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME.

Listen – the truth of the matter is – we all want a shot at the big time.

• We all want to play in the championship game,
• In front of an audience of billions,
• With a cash prize in the millions,
• Quickly racking up thousands of endorsements,
• Hundreds of awards,
• and so on.

None of us are crazy about doing the no-name fights,

in no-name arenas,

with no audience to appreciate us,

no opponent to fear us,

no compensation to reward us,

and no industry experts to praise us.

We’d rather skip that phase.

Remember in the movies – just about any movie that deals with an underdog victory?

The first third or half of the story is about the charismatic and personable underdog (that’s us)  being likable, but down and out.

He’s happy-go-lucky.  Talented, but never had a shot at the big time.

He’s good, but not great.

Then – something tragic happens.

He loses the girl to the bully.  Or someone dies.

All of a sudden, our hero snaps.  He goes from cheerful, to resolute.

He goes from endearing, to imposing.

And he goes through the training montage!

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all go through a 2-minute montage,

Complete with slow-mo,

A gym scene,

A running-in-the-snow scene,

Music swelling a crescendo, and…

VOILA!

We’re now championship material?

If only.

The truth is:

• Too often, too many of us want to get the shot at the championship before we start training.
• Too many of us want to have the guarantee of the million-dollar payout, before we start training with a sparring partner.
• Too many of us watch champions like Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and Serena Williams and Roger Federer and Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi…

We see the highlight reels, and then go into the backyard and attempt that other-wordly thing they just did.

Most times, we can’t duplicate it.  And we say: “Ah well.  Those guys/girls are just plain talented!”

Most of us ignore the fact that all of those people above, while wickedly gifted, ALSO OUTWORK EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEIR COMPETITORS, BAR NONE.

And they didn’t start working like that AFTER they had their opportunity.

They started putting in the work as kids.

So.

When you feel discouraged at your lack of progress…

When you pray and hope that you’ll get your big break today…

And you become dejected after it doesn’t materialize….

STOP.

You’re just working your way up the rankings.

You’re just going through your training montage.

You’re mad as all get out, and you’re not going to take it any more.

• Do a few more reps.
• Run a few more miles.
• Climb a few more feet.
• Jump a few more times.

Other people at your level aren’t doing that.

Other people at your level are sitting still, waiting for opportunity to meet them where they sit.

Get up.

Get out there.

Prove your worth.

Go out, and BECOME the person deserving of that million dollar title fight.

Because today, you’re not that person.

YET.

But you’ve got to FIND and BECOME that person… before the million dollar title fight finds you.

One of the most inspiring stories I’ve witnessed recently, was watching the George Foreman story on CNBC Titans.

To reach the pinnacle of the boxing world, so early in his life – Olympic Gold Medal, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, knocking EVERYBODY out (no one wanted to fight him)…

Only to disappoint the world by losing to Muhammad Ali…

to then retire, become a preacher for decades…

and then, at almost 40, DECIDE TO GIVE THE CHAMPIONSHIP THING ANOTHER RUN???

Here’s where Big George is different from most human beings.

He started at the bottom, all over again.

Fighting no-name fighters, in no-name venues, for chicken change.

He earned his way back to the top.

A heavy underdog in the championship fight, he almost lost it all.

But see – he’d prepared for this moment.

And he won.

The George Foreman Comeback

The young George Foreman was talented.  And he still worked really hard.

The older George Foreman was older, slower, and less conditioned than his opponents. So he worked even harder than young George did.

The older is a greater champion than the younger one ever could have been.

Because this time, he was truly ready for the prime time.

The truth?

You’re not ready for the prime time.

Yet.

Don’t sit back and complain. Get ready.

Your opportunity is coming.

Be great today.

Don’t cry to quit.

Cry to keep going.

You’ve already felt the pain – you may as well get the reward.

– Eric the Hip Hop Preacher.