Lebron James gave my 7 yr old a basketball
Feb 3, 2010 I Don't Like to Work
By: Greg Clement
BUT, it almost didn’t happen…
How do YOU overcome fear?
A good buddy of mine, Scott Scheel, gave me his tickets
to the Cavs/Memphis game last night. They’re 2nd row
right next to the visitors bench, so they’re decent seats, lol.
I took, Jonah, my 7 year old with me and we got to the
game a little early (early bird gets the worm) to watch
the players warm up, I mean they were right there
in front of us – so cool.
![photo[5]](http://www.idontliketowork.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo5.jpg "photo[5]")
Seeing a starry eyed 7 year old brought me immediately
back to when I was a kid.
A Cavs hostess walked up to us and asked Jonah if he
wanted to go on the court and be a “ball boy” and the
following is the conversation:
HOSTESS: “Hi, would you like to come with me and
go on the court to be a ball boy before the game starts?”
JONAH: (shaking his head) “NO.”
HOSTESS: (a little surprised) “NO? Are you sure?”
JONAH: “No, no I don’t want to.”
ME: “Jonah are you sure? I mean Lebron James could
give you a basketball. You have to go out there”
JONAH: “No, NO, No.”
ME: (to the hostess) “give me one sec and let me talk to
him real quick.”
Then what happened next is actually pretty remarkable
and it hit me like a ton of bricks at the end of the night.
I’m big on (usually) not forcing my kids to do things they
don’t want to do. Like, I wont force them to ride big roller
coasters, or jump off big diving boards – stuff like that.
And I was on the verge of letting Jonah decide that he
didn’t want to go out there.
I asked him why he didn’t want to go and he said he was
scared because I couldn’t go with him. I then said, “Jonah,
you have to go” in a sort of pleading way, and he said he
didn’t want to for the 5th time.
I then made the decision for him.
I know as a parent what’s good for him, and I can’t expect
him to always know at 7 years old. I told him basically to
man up and go out there and I removed any type of begging
or pleading from my voice. I wasn’t mean or demanding,
I really just told him, “YOU’RE going dude – you’re gonna
love this.”
The minute he “knew” he was going he jumped up and
walked out to half court. When I “burned the bridge”
he then had to take action.
![photo[1]](http://www.idontliketowork.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo11.jpg "photo[1]")
So he’s standing out there as a few players walked out
of the tunnel and handed the kids next to him an NBA
ball.
Then I saw LeBron walk out with 2 balls in his hands
and start walking right to Jonah and the girl next to
him. As he reached out I took this pic.
![photo[2]](http://www.idontliketowork.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo2.jpg "photo[2]")
Jonah didn’t say a word, he was speechless. LeBron
handed him the ball, Jonah didn’t say anything and
LeBron turned to warm up.
![photo[3]](http://www.idontliketowork.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo3.jpg "photo[3]")
To say he was on cloud 9 the rest of the night would be
a huge understatement. I mean it’s like Joe Montana
handing a little kid a football before a big game, it was
crazy. As people kept asking him all night where he got
the ball from you should have seen him retell the story
in his way.
And while it’s realllllllly cool that my 7 year old son now
has a memory that will last a lifetime (on the way home
he said “Dad, you can have the ball when I die” and my
heart melted) this story isn’t about him.
It’s about you.
Jonah almost missed it because he was scared of taking
action – he didn’t know what to expect. But when he did,
he was soooo glad he took that first step.
I know there a lot of very successful people reading this
right now but I also know there are even more who haven’t
even scratched the surface of what they can really do.
What’s one thing in life that you aren’t doing that you
KNOW you need to? One thing that would produce HUGE
results for you and your family…
I am thinking of a few for myself right now…
![photo[4]](http://www.idontliketowork.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo4.jpg "photo[4]")
P.S. And of course if you have a cool story of catching
a ball at a big game OR overcoming fear I’d love to
hear about it below
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Tags: greg clement, kids, motivation
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:53 am
Great use of “real time” experience…and this is a true blue thank you to Jonah and you.Now that’s TEAMWORK!!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:53 am
Great Story and lesson!
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:56 am
Great story! And what a game! They dominated and now your son has a lifetime souvenir.
We used to have seats behind the basket a couple years ago…man I miss those days!
Good luck.
Gregg
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Very powerful point. I was burned so badly in the RE meltdown, my whole world was turned inside out. Fear has been front and center in getting out there and making offers. Will I make the right decision? Will this work out?
Somthin bout from here there no way but up.
Thanks Greg. Thank your son for his brave action.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:59 am
Very powerful point. I was burned so badly in the RE meltdown, my whole world was turned inside out. Fear has been front and center in getting out there and making offers. Will I make the right decision? Will this work out?
Somthin bout from here there is no way to go but up.
Thanks Greg. Thank your son for his brave action.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
That is so Awesome!!! I have a 7 year old son also Joey, He would have tripped on himself!!
I love your site but I am a Preston Ely Man Freedomsoft! God Bless!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:02 pm
That is SOOOOO COOL!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Greg at first i clicked your message just to see some quick pics of what you were talking about but then when after I read the story I was dumbfounded to say the least. What a wonderful point and lesson you just gave me. It is imperative that we all take it to heart and take action and seize life instead of idly sitting by and waiting for our ship to come in. Thank You so much
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
How cool is that! That melted my heart too when he told you that you could have the ball when he dies. As a new Dad with a 12-week old boy at home, I can’t wait for those moments.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Cool story, Greg.
Good Dad work in `making`him go!
Fear is so disarming, but as you said, once we slay it, it`s like we`re a new person.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Greg that’s awesome. I could just imagine how it would feel as a kid meeting and getting a B-ball from MJ. You son will never forget that moment!
Take Care.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Great story and life lesson.
It also reminds me one I learned as a teen. Similarly, my father noticed that I had been invited to try out for the All-City Band. Although your son was scared, I was indifferent. Yet, the results were the same: I didn’t want to do it, and he did exactly the same thing you did. He didn’t give me the option to not try out; I made it in; and I gained a lifetime memory too.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Hey Greg, that is AWESOME for both you and Jonah! Cherish that moment bro…
I have several memories of James that I cherish everyday. I have too…
God Bless! Frank
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I remember when I was in High School I got to be a batboy for a game for the Red Sox during spring training. It took a bit to get me out of my shell and there was one foul ball that went up the net behind the batter and I ran out to get it. It looked like it was out of reach as it was rolling down and I heard the crowd start to say “awww” because it looked like I wouldn’t catch it, then I dove and caught it and the entire stadium cheered. I felt like I made the catch of the game.
Glad you son went out and did that, that is really awesome.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Awesome true story. There are always going to be obstacles out there, they will make you stronger. Now is the time to take action and reap the rewards. Thanks for sharing……….
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Hi Greg, this is such an inspiring story as I am one who is fearful (was until I read your story). This will make me try harder from this day forward.
Thank you very much
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
What an awesome story and lesson! Jonah, you’re the mannnnnnn!!! Awesome! Awesome!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Great story. I think we all need to push the kids a little more.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Greg,
That was great. I coach my grandsons 5th grade basketball team. Last year (4th Grade) we had a similar opportunity. My team got to stand on the court in line and slap the hand of the Nugget’s players as they came on to the court. It was really fun for them.
Roger Richey
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Man that is awesome, both my son who has just turned 10 and myself are huge Lebron James Fans- this made my day and also made me envious at the same time! but most of all I am happy for your son, because he just received a basketball from probably the greatest athlete I have ever seen- kind of magic/Jordan hybrid if you will- and to think LeBron is still a kid himself it is scary how good he is already but even more scary how good he will be when all said and done- possibly the best ever- and that is saying a lot! Awesome story thanks for sharing with me!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Greg, good teaching moment!
Someone once told me, “When you accomplish something great, it feels good! When you can teach someone else to accomplish that same great thing over and over again, and you see the joy it gives that other person, that really feels great!”
Kudos to you my friend!
George “The Savvy Investor” Patlan
Ps. Don’t you just love being a dad! I do!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Inspiring and “Good on ya Jonah”. Lessons like that can really set you up for life.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
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February 3rd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Greg; More Dads need to be spending time with the kids like you are doing. Both of you are so lucky to have this memory forever. I especially like the part that he will will you the ball. That was so awsome!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Greg, you mentioned that your son, after the 5th time, said no, because obviously he was still scared. You stepped in to make the decision for him because you knew what was best for him. That’s great, but what would your son had a done if you weren’t there to burn his bridge for him?
When you just starting out in REI, you’re like your son was… you may not have someone there to burn your bridge for you that knows what’s best for you. That means you are still there, like your son, left with the decision to burn your own bridge without anyones help.
Please give us some suggestions on how to get past that barrier.
Thanks
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Greg,
Great life lesson. It just doesn’t get any better than that. You and your son will remember that through your lives, long after you’ve forgotten about making 30,000 on a deal.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Aside from being an awesome story, this is a perfect example that life lessons are everywhere. Most people would have focused on the content (”My kid got a from Lebron James!”), but few can actually put it into context and take away something that will help put our own lives into perspective. Thanks for your insights Greg!
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:01 pm
So very cool and the points being made a very true.
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
This is a great story. I am in a sales slump and this has brought joy to my day. It also encourages me to go forward.
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Greg and Jonah, , , I’m 74 years old, , , and I did just what Jonah did.
Oh, I didn’t get a ball from LaBron, but my first blog comment was from a well-published author.
You see, I’m a techno-zero, an ol’ man who can’t figure out how to do anything online. I got so screwed up trying to load up a free WordPress that I gave up (for years).
Five weeks ago, I did what Jonah did, , , ‘I stood up and went out on the court’ and affirmed in my mind, “I’m going to do what I can do, and not apologize for what I can’t.”
I have studied the design and use of visual aids in public speaking every since I was 14 (60years). I know what works and what doesn’t.
(You’d think my knowledge would be worth something to speakers and teachers, , , and internet marketers, etc. I’ve always thought it is blog-worthy.)
And, Greg, if you want to see my version of your work check out my 2-3-2010 post (MethodMap.blogspot.com) featuring The Greg Clements Model, , , and if I had an affiliate link I’d plug it in there.
Thank Jonah for me.
Wayne
P.S. Some good “dadmanship” going on there, too!
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Great post Greg, you operate from a place of *wide open* and serve as prime example of how life unfolds when doing so, and it’s a beautiful thing
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:55 pm
that is cool. I know my 8 yr old son would have been excited. He was the same way with me going with him when he was scared.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Great Job! Jonah!
Great Job! DAD!
The Best,
Bob Deschner
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Fantastic story.
Go Jonah!
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Awesome story Greg and thanks for turning Jonah’s lesson into one we all can appreciate.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:06 pm
What a great opportunity to meet someone like Lebron. Jonah, you are sooooo lucky you have a father that cares enough about you to do what’s best for you.
Some day can I touch the ball!!
Great going Jonah–I’m very proud of
you, I hope Lebron gives me a ball tomorrow night!
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I’m happy for Jonah and his dad, but obviously more for son than dad.
The biblical prophet who bears the same name had his share of luck too.
There’s a lesson for parents in this story,and that is – During childhood, loving and responsible parents are better equipped to make decisions for their children, THAN the children themselves.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Greg: this is great for you to share this good experience. i am sure now your son know that Dad the right stuff – next time you ask him to go and meet someone he will agrees with you instantly. i am Jonah now in a different way – i was taken advantage of ~40k of car deal and i am healing slowly – when it comes to the business i want to jump in then i get the cool feet and i wish there Dad or friend who can insist on “get up and go” i know i will be there. thanks again for sharing…….appreciated
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I don’t usually leave comments anywhere, but this is absolutely amazing!
I am truly inspired.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Greg, I commend you for not only the obstacles you have overcomed to be where you at today, but for using this via to express some of the missing parts in being a father. Quality time is one of the first subjects I learned from in one of my parenting classes.
As of last year is when I first learned about you when I purchase SIMS 2 w/ Open Road. Since then I have attended SIMSTOCK in San Diego and read numerous messages on Facebook and Twitter. You are one of the very fews that live by what it preaches. Thank you for sharing the great experience and how much it means to you. Great message you have sent.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
[...] Lebron James gave my 7 yr old a basketball | [...]
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Love it man…great job!
(now get it autographed at some point and encase it…ha)
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Greg,
You should be proud too. You gave him that moment by taking the time to take him there! Kids grow up fast, enjoy every day!
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:01 pm
This is the kind of experience he can live over and over again – especialy with Dad’s helpful reminders.
Build it up in him so he can draw on it when he gets afraid again.
He can pull strength from this many, many times over.
Good daddy job Greg.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Good story brings back memories. I was thinking the same way hesitant about my new business in “Quantum” with doing short sales too at same time. I know it is the right step as when I enrolled and Believed that is when the change “happens”. We all need to take the leap of faith and get out of our comfort Zone. If not we will all be stuck in the same place in lives. To new adventures. Great to see in AZ.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I heard the coolest saying this morning while listening to a sermon on ‘FEAR’ by Pastor John Hagee. He said, “I’d rather try something big and fail, than do NOTHING and succeed.” How cool is it to go against all fear and see what awesome stuff God has in store for us if we just GO FOR IT?! Thanks for sharing your story and application and GO CAVS!!
Connie Lowery
Columbus OH – IO!
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:47 pm
I can’t believe it. I have been in a HUGE rut mentally for days and this story literally pushed me out of it. If Jonah can do it then so can I! Thanks Greg you are truly an inspiration
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:39 pm
That was truly an inspirational story that we all can learn from.
When I was a kid we didn’t have the money to do extra stuff like that. My mom was sick. Dad, who was also a teacher, taught day school, night school, & summer school, to keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table. Now in my first adult career (X30+ years), I’ve been witness to death – at all ages. Spend quality time with your children and other family members regularly. Don’t forget to show them but, also tell them how much you LOVE them – on a daily basis. It is time well-spent and the rewards reaped will last a lifetime. The lesson you taught Jonah that night and the pleasure you both derived – have been multiplied exponentially in sharing this wonderful experience with all of us. Thanks and Keep Up the Good Work! Hey, Jonah,,, WAAAHHHHOOOOO – GRRRREAT JOB, BUDDY!
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Greg:
I’m really happy for your son. It would have been better, though, if Kobe Bryant would have given him the ball, (I’m a Laker fan) Or, even Joe Montana – I’m a huge Montana fan.
I guess the rivalry is on now, eh???? GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Hey Greg,
I am so glad that you pushed Jonah to get out of his comfort zone. Just think, if he wouldn’t have done it. He would have regretted not going out there.
I’m sure you’ve already said this to him, but let him know that you’re proud of him for going out there and ask him what would have happened if he had not gone out there.
Keep raising that boy right, Greg! God bless you!
~ Ryan Thompson
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I can’t tell you the total number of levels touched by this story! THis real live parable is better than the bamboo parable you use! I encourage you to continue to tell this story. Although, now the pressure is on to find a bonding time for each of your other children.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Greg you are my HERO, my kids have Superman and I have YOU!
February 4th, 2010 at 5:06 am
Bro… that story was really, really GOOD. You make a great father and even better motivator and mentor for your son… whole family and all your supporters.
Remember… be a servant,
Cory Boatright
February 4th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Hey, Guy – I have 10 grandchildren and the most difficult job of a grandparent is to stop enabling the child and to let them learn by growing.
Your experience sent chills all over as what a great learning experience for Jonah.
Well done, and thanks for the great upper for today!!!!!!
Tom Fitzgerald
February 4th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Superb lesson for everyone and a nice father son moment. Fear and doubt have never help me acomplish any of the success that I enjoy. Quick story. I was a 14 yr old kid playing varsity football ( well actually sitting the bench on the team!) Championship game the two running backs in front of me get hurt. My number was called! The ground was frozen and felt like rocks. The other team was huge and mean and GOOD! I was ready but admittedly SCARED TO DEATH! I had a breif moment that I told myself ” I can’t do this, I’m only a freshman and I’m gonna get hurt1″ Something inside me purposely ignored that thought and the very next play I ran up the middle, untouched, 70 yards to the endzone to take the lead late in the game. A STAR WAS BORN. lol But more importantly “My inner champion was born.” God Bless and contiued success to all!
February 5th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Nice job Greg,
You have a great tool now to remind Jonah when he runs into his future hurdles. “Remember when you where afraid to get the ball……” Your right he won’t forget it.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:13 am
Awesome and memorable! I try to encourage my kids to do new and exciting things, because I know the memories created for them and me.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Woow! That’s awesome I want a basketball!
I’m glade you Made it!
March 15th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
That was friggin’ awesome!!! From the Ninja
July 8th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
The information here is truly unbelieveable. I look forward to reading more articles like this in the future. i like the NBA!
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:22 am
Awesome story. Very inspirational. I’m grateful for you sharing this with us. It got my mind stirring towards ACTION.