Can anyone have a better first week at work than New York Knick point guard, Jeremy Lin? Just when we heard the last of Tim Tebow, we are already hearing the comparisons. You know you’re doing something right if you’re being mentioned in the same breath of Tebowmania. If he can keep this up, Linsanity is even more impressive because he literally came out of nowhere, while Tebow had some clout coming out of Florida and being a Heisman winner.

You know I love underdog stories as I consider myself one too. (I referred to Rocky in my ProBlogger Guest Post Review.) It’s only a week long, but the new sensation sweeping the nation is heading to linsane levels. Did you see how he dismantled my hometown Lakers? I saw a hilarious sign, say hello to the Yellow Mamba! How many new nicknames does he have? Anyway, what can we learn from Mr. Lin?

Persistence Pays Off

Even though he was undrafted, played sparingly with the Golden State Warriors, spent some time in the D league, he never gave up. Even Kobe Bryant had to recognize this.

“He has been phenomenal. We watched some tape on him. We came up with a strategy that we thought would be effective but he was knocking down his jump shot, penetrating, and he got around our guards. It is a great story. It is a testament to perseverance and hard work. It is a good example to kids everywhere.”

Family Support

Another angle the media is taking on Lin is his current living situation. He has a couch in his brother’s place. It is funny that the starting point guard of the Knicks only has a couch to call his home, but what struck me was his family support system. His career was up in the air and he leans on his brother. In another interview, he said he tries not to let the hype get to him. He and his family are private people and he would much rather stay home and spend time with loved ones.

Seize Your Moment

Lin’s number was called and he sure is making the most of it. If you watch his highlights, he doesn’t shy away. He slashes to the basket, deftly sets up his teammates, and confidently knocks down long-range jumpers.

Stay Humble

It seems he is quite grounded and not letting his phenomenal success get to his head. He seems to build on every game and looking to improve every time out. This should bode well for him in the long run.

Final Thoughts

I’m sure none of you are up and coming basketball stars, but whatever path you are on, keep Jeremy Lin in mind when you want to give up on your dream. When the going gets rough, find comfort that your family and loved ones are there supporting and rooting for you. After your hard work produces your opportunity, make sure you go into full Carpe Diem mode. Who knows when your next door will open?

After seizing your moment and you are enjoying your success, don’t let it go to your head. If you keep improving your game and yourself, you should enjoy a long ride. When you buy into your own hype, it is the beginning of the end of your roller coaster ride. If Lin can keep this up, the world will be his oyster. I heard interviews from marketing experts that China and the NBA are stepping all over themselves to align with the next NBA global icon since Yao Ming. NBA it’s Lintastic!

Stay Linspired, I mean, Inspired! Ok I’ll stop. :)
Buck