WHAT WILL THEY SAY ABOUT YOU?
Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA legend Bill Russell died earlier this week at the age of 88, and in passing has been remembered by many as one of the most successful, most selfless, and most influential athletes in American history. Stories shared from those who knew him personally or witnessed his work paint a clear picture of who he was, the impact he had, and the legacy he left. Here are a few of the resounding themes of his life and career…
1) Bill Russell was a winner. In fact, Russell is widely regarded as the greatest winner in the history of sports. Check out this resume. His teams won two NCAA titles, an Olympic gold medal, and 11 NBA Championships. Eleven! (For some context, Jordan won six, Magic five, Lebron four, and Bird three.) Over the course of his career, he played in 21 winner-take-all games. His teams won all 21. Russell was a humble man, and the first to admit that he wasn’t the flashiest or most talented player in basketball history. But man did he play hard, and man did he know how to win.
2) Bill Russell was a great teammate. Plenty of great players have struggled to be great teammates, but Russell had a unique way of balancing his fierce competitiveness with an indisputable unselfishness. His high standards elevated the performance of his teammates instead of diminishing or demeaning them. His example and his leadership highlighted his priorities: he was committed to bringing out the best in those around him. “The most important measure of how good a game I played,” he once said, “was how much better I’d made my teammates.”
3) Bill Russell was a man of conviction. Russell’s commitment to making a difference stretched well beyond the basketball court. He cared deeply about important social issues and stood up for his convictions. He played a prominent role in the Civil Rights movement and even marched alongside the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. He faced racial taunts and threats with courage, and never backed down from a fight he believed was worth fighting. While awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation's highest civilian honor - back in 2011, President Barack Obama said, “Bill Russell the man is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men.”
Bill Russell’s passing got me thinking this week about that idea of legacy, and got me wondering what the people in my life might one day be saying about who I was and the resounding themes of my life and career. Don't get me wrong, that thought's a little unsettling, but I think it’s worth your time to do the same. (If you stopped in here today for a word of encouragement, please excuse me while I ask you to take a minute to consider your impending death :) It’s good for you to remember that one day people will be reflecting on the impact of your life and career, and it’s worthwhile to consider this simple question. When that day comes, what will they say about you?
Thinking about your legacy has value for today because - lucky for you - you are still here to create it. Today there are opportunities for you to do what champions do. To win in the important areas of life. To be a great teammate and bring out the best in those around you, and to live with courage and conviction where it matters most. Today there are opportunities to make an impact and add to your legacy...if you take advantage of it.
Bill Russell’s life serves as a great example - and his passing as a great reminder - that today matters. It’s worth to stop and consider…what will they say about you someday? And it’s worth living with the discipline and intention it takes to build an answer - and a legacy - you can be proud of.