“I’m only here so I don’t get fined.” This eight-word phrase was uttered over and over to reporters at last week’s Super Bowl media day. That’s because Marshawn Lynch was fined $50,000 by the NFL for blowing off reporters following a game in Kansas City earlier in the season and he wasn’t about to be fined again.
This eight -word phrase also reflects the attitude of everyone at one time or another; whether you’re a sorority girl in chapter on a Sunday or at work at 7 a.m. after a night out. Sometimes we commit to things we don’t want to really be a part of, or maybe dread just that day.
We committed to these things because at some point in time we saw the benefits they would provide to us, and we made the conscious choice to commit to these things for ourselves. Successful people learn to put a smile on their face.
A negative attitude never helps. A positive attitude can only bring good things. Buck up ladies and gents. Dress your best for that 8 a.m. required attendance course because you know this is something you are doing for yourself. Never let others see that you disrespect yourself enough to disrespect where you spend your time.
“So ya’ll can sit here and ask me all the questions ya’ll want to, I’m going to answer with the same answer: I’m here so I won’t get fined.” Smirk. It’s been made into a meme, a Vine, and a top video on YouTube. Lynch has disrespected himself by disrespecting where he was spending his time. His career in the NFL entails press conferences and time spent with media reports. His lack of desire to speak with media reflects his lack of desire to be in the NFL.
Next time you go to join a club, really consider the time commitment. Do not waste the club’s time if you do not plan on investing in it. If you invest in something, it will return the favor. Never waste others’ time just because you are OK with disrespecting yourself and wasting your own time.
Commit to the things that matter to you. Simplify. Prioritize. When you start to ask for more hours in the day, is not only you who will be thankful for committing to only those things that matter to you but so will others. It’s a character value that has become rare: investing your time with passion. Be where you are because you put yourself there, not because you think that is where you should be. You will never get anywhere if you do things because you think you should do them, not because they are right for you.
So why did you go Greek? Why are you a STEM major? When the hours get shorter and your hair gets grayer, will you be happy with your choices?
