True Happiness

The Lakers just one the NBA Championship. For many of the players this is the culmination of a lifelong dream. They worked hard, persevered in a constant effort to improve and make it to the next level. They endured setbacks and tribulations but finally achieved the ultimate success in their profession.

I watched the game at a bar in my hometown with two high school friends. Sitting near us was a huge Lakers fan, literally, the man was over three hundred pounds and decked out in purple from head to toe. He chanted defense when the Lakers needed a stop and cheered wildly when they sank their free throws. As the final buzzer sounded, he erupted into a euphoric display of emotion, running around high-fiving all of his fellow Lakers fans and talking smack to the Celtics' supporters.

I watched in amusement as this behemoth celebrated as if he was part of team and he had accomplished a lifelong dream. He hadn't. I'm certain he's a huge fan, but what does that entail really? It means you "invest" $200 on an authentic Kobe jersey and spend 84+ nights a year drinking beer and yelling at your television when the refs call Kobe for a foul?

What if this man spent more of his valuable resources, time and money, finding ways to improve his life? I'm certain he would enjoy more real happiness, instead of the fleeting false happiness that comes from celebrating others achievements.

Instead of cheering for the players he should begin emulating their drive and work ethic in his own life, because real happiness is spawned by achievement. That's why the players are truly happy, they've worked hard and achieved the pinnacle of their profession.

If you want to be really happy you will dedicate yourself to the pursuit of achievements that are real and meaningful to yourself. Such as making the varsity, being accepted to a good school, graduating from a good school, getting a good job, earning a promotion, finding the person that you want to spend your life with, building a strong marriage, raising a loving family, purchasing your dream home, helping your children succeed. These are real and meaningful achievements that foster authentic happiness.

So what should our fanatic Lakers fan do? How about investing some time in himself and working to transform his body. That's a real and meaningful accomplishment that could be achieved with some hard work and perseverance. Plus I'm certain that women will be more attracted to a healthy and fit man, than a 300 pounder wearing a purple tank top with another man's last name stitched on it.

Then he could apply the lessons he learned from his transformation to all aspects of his daily life. He could find solutions, overcome obstacles and ACHIEVE TRUE HAPPINESS.

Rhetorically, how insane is it that we live in a nation of obese sports fanatics? I enjoy watching sports but wouldn't we all have more fun if we shut off our TV's and went outside and played sports instead of just watching them?

Today, I woke up with a smile on my face because I knew that later in the morning I would run as fast as I possibly could. When was the last time that you pushed your limits and ran as fast as possible? You watch athletes do it all the time on TV, but when was the last time that you truly sprinted your heart out? It's an amazing feeling and it's free!

And you know whats even better? Improving your speed so that your fastest becomes faster and faster.

I've strayed tangentially from my intended topic, but my main point is, invest more of your time and money into your own achievement. Stop spending so much time and energy cheering for millionaire athletes. Instead invest yourself in things that truly matter.

Best,
Chris Krueger

PS: If you're ready to invest in yourself and transform your body, you can take the proven and direct path to true health and fitness http://www.tscheartofachampionprogram.com/
Kobe Photo by Keith Allison