Many of you have probably heard of Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He is arguably one of the most polarizing figures in sports these days. I find it ironic that the criticism he has received is related to his religious convictions and not some sort of steroid or sex scandal. He has been beaten up because of his religious convictions.
Whether or not you think that Tim Tebow can play quarterback in the NFL is not really the issue. What I find to be interesting is that the kid has received a ration of grief because he has been public about his Christian beliefs. Regardless of your religious affiliation, you have to marvel at a culture that is picking this kid apart because he has faith. I mean, last I checked, faith in anything is a good thing.
Meanwhile, our other heroes’ constant pursuit of short-term glory or gratification always ends badly. The list of highly regarded athletes whose bubble burst is growing by the minute. Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriquez, Brett Favre, and now even baseball’s newly crowned National League MVP, Ryan Braun, who tested positive for steroids, are all clearly focused on their own short term success or pleasure. What is that they say? “Adversity develops character, power reveals it.”
I am not a big fan of Tim Tebow or the Denver Broncos. I am, however, a fan of anyone who embraces who they are and takes the path less traveled. My guess is that this guy has already won. He is not concerned with what people say about him. He is convicted about who he is and not fearful of standing up for what he believes. I rarely put much stock in men because we are all so perfectly flawed. However, at this time when our paper-thin heroes continue to cheat or take short cuts for their own person gain, I have no problem with someone doing it their way and letting the chips fall where they may. Now, don’t get me wrong, Mr.Tebow may have his own scandal someday. I reserve the right to use this current period of time as an example of what our culture concerns itself with rather than put him on a pedestal. My point is that concern over a man’s beliefs is trivial compared to someone cheating others and themselves.
There are no shortcuts for your business. There will always be a price to pay if your focus is continually on the short term. If you are willing to put up with the long-term consequences, then I wish you the best of luck. If you understand that a life worth living and a business worth building are filled with hard work, constantly improving yourself, and meaningful connections– then you are on the right path. And that is the path less traveled.
Warmest Regards,
Mark Potter
@markricepotter
P.S: Here’s something that’s sure to make you laugh. It is SFW (safe for work):