(photo credit: bigstory.ap.org)
This week Michigan State University’s Adreian Payne made a remarkable decision. No, it was not the decision to take the opportunity to play pro basketball and earn tons of money vs. returning to school to earn his degree. That’s a remarkable opportunity he’s earned either way and one most of us, admittedly, probably don’t relate to.
However what we can relate to and become more remarkable by is considering HOW Adreian made his decision. In his press conference Sunday night Adreian, a junior, made clear that the decision — specifically how he made the decision — resulted from him taking his time (he decided just hours from the deadline to declare himself for the NBA draft), relying on many people he trusted, reflecting on his values, and choosing what was best for himself.
He took his time. Adreian announced his intent to return to Michigan State at a press conference just hours before the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft eligibility deadline. We often feel rushed to choose a path or to please someone relying on us and our decisions. In most cases, we don’t have to rush and are better off not making our decisions quickly.
He listened. Adreian listened to many, many people including his coach Tom Izzo, those connected to the NBA, former Michigan State basketball players, his friends, and others closest to him. He recalled and considered what his grandmother, who raised him, would have said (stay in school!). He then tried on how it would feel by literally going back and forth with his decision, at times deciding to go pro, then reversing.
He reflected on his values. In his own words he said he wanted to become a better leader and also said, “I like doing things the right way. And with me graduating, I can set a standard and be a role model for the kids who look up to me. … And look up to not just me, but athletes in general.”
He made his own decision. Adreian said he finally made his decision the day before the deadline after talking one more time to his two high school coaches. It was clear from his comments at the press conference that he reviewed everything with them and used them as a final sounding board. Ultimately, he made the choice his own. “I am mentally tough,” Adreian said. “I listened to people. But at the end of the day, it’s my decision.”
How do we make our decisions? Will we be remarkable by breaking down the elements of our choices before us, listening to others, considering our values, and then deciding for ourselves what the right decision is?
Remarkable Resources:
- Hear the entire press conference at YouTube as well as other commentary at MSUSpartans.com.
- Another quote from Michigan State coach Tom Izzo about Adreian: “Every single player … wants to go pro. And they want to go as fast as they can go. That ‘s normal. He looked at some other factors, some of the dreams and goals and he has kind of put them all together. He did a phenomenal job of putting it all together.”
- For another great story about Adreian Payne and his relationship inspiring a girl with cancer (and she inspiring him), check out the article and video from The Big Ten Network on CollegeSpun.com.
- Read a really thoughtful article on the considerations of college players when deciding to stay in school or turn pro by Mark Isenberg at CoachGeorgeRaveling.com.
Notevole 