Four Things Every Child Can Learn From the Miami Heat Winning Streak

The Miami Heat have now won 23 consecutive games.

Last night, the Miami Heat won again for the 23^rd consecutive time.  The Heat beat the Celtics 105 – 103.  As a true Heat fan, I could wax poetically about how excited I was to watch the Heat vanquish the insufferable Boston Celtics.

In truth, if I was the braggadocios, obnoxious Heat fan, I might even want to push my chest out and talk smack to all the Heat haters.  Of course, I would never do that because that would be childish and I know you expect better from Supaman’s dad.  So instead of celebrating last nights win, I am going to reveal four things about last night’s game that every parent would be wise to share with their child.

I.   Follow Your Plan

The Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra is fond of saving that the Heat have to “stay the course”.  I haven’t spoken to Coach Spoelstra but I believe the expression is a suggestion that everyone would benefit if they 1) developed a sound plan of action, 2) expected that there will be peaks and valleys and 3) have faith in the plan and your ability.

Last night, Coach Spoelstra could have done a number of things such as throwing in the towel when the Heat were down by 17 points; he could have replaced all his starters with the players on the bench; and he could have changed his overall game strategy.  Thankfully, Coach Spoelstra “stayed the course”.

Do your child the favor that Coach Spoelstra has done for my Miami Heat.  Help your child develop a worthwhile and sound plan of action for anything that they want to do.  Once that plan of action is established remind your child continuously about the merits and soundness of the plan and support and encourage them to “stay the course”.

II.   Stay in the Moment

Good or bad it seems like human nature urges us to lose focus on the one and only thing that truly matters – the present.  When I think about the present, I am reminded of the quote “Yesterday is history, tomorrows a mystery, today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present”.

Children will have a leg up in life if they learn as early as possible that the only moment that matters is the present.  Learning to play each game one game at a time, playing each possession moment by moment is the way that the Heat were able to win last 23 consecutive games.

Against the Boston Celtics, whether the Heat were winning, losing or tied, the Heat focused on the only possessions that mattered.  Each and every time that the Heat were on offense or defense, they focused exclusively on the vital present 24 seconds of each shot clock.

Your children will benefit greatly if they do what the Heat did last night – ignore the time that has already elapsed and ignore the time that remains and simply stayed focused on being in the moment.  Like the Heat, your children will be champions when they learn that the only moment they can control is the present.

III.  Fight Until the Clock Strikes Zero

At one point in the second quarter the Heat were losing by seventeen points.  The Boston fans were going crazy and the fair weather Heat fans were hanging their heads.  Fortunately, the Heat remembered what both groups of fans had failed to acknowledge – the game has four quarters and the game is played for a minimum of 48 minutes.

Make sure that your children know and appreciate what the Heat knew when they were losing by 17 points.  You still have time to turn things around.  Just because thing start poorly don’t mean they have to end badly.  Just as easy as things can go bad, where life remains you can still turn things around in your favor.

The Heat understood that the game just like life continues four quarters and not two.  Each game is played for 48 minutes not 24 minutes.  Life is the same way.

In the words of the late great Coach Jim Valvano “don’t give up, don’t ever give up”.  The Heat didn’t give up and your children should never give up either.  Make sure that they know that if there is still time on the clock, you still have a chance to get the outcome that you seek.

IV.  Expect Others to Root Against You

Last night’s magic numbers were 18,624 plus 29.  18,624 is the number of Boston fans packed into the TD Garden to watch and cheer for their beloved Boston Celtics.  Twenty nine is the number of other NBA teams, cities and fans who each and every night root against the Heat.

Teach your children what the Heat have learned to do over the past three seasons.  Embrace the negative energy of others and use it to fuel your cause.  Use your time and energy striving to reach your goals by focusing exclusively on and only working solely with those who share your hopes and dreams.

Last night five Heat players on the court, ten Heat players on the bench and a small collection of Heat coaches and trainers found a way withstand all the negative energy coming from 18,624 plus 29.  If the Heat can find a way to win despite those odds, remind your children that they can find a way to be successful too.

What do you think? Post a comment below!