Believe to Achieve
Resilience:
Buffy Coleman's story is a true success story. Standing only 5ft.-7in. tall, he has been able to do something that most short people aren't expected to do and that's play professional basketball. He persevered and defied the odds by becoming successful at reaching his goal. Buffy moved from a small village in Louisiana to New York City chasing a dream in which he had no family, no friends, while not knowing anyone. He had no blueprint or handbook on pursuing such a lofty goal. He also did not have the platform of college to display his skills while accomplishing a lofty feat. This is a testament for individuals from rural areas to always think outside the box and not confine their thinking to what they see others from their rural area traditionally do. One must have a vision and see what others can't. Our thoughts are like magnets, we attract what we think. Have a vision, work towards the vision and stay steadfast in pursuit of the vision while manifesting the end result. Many times people will impose their fears on others based on the fact that they don't have the courage to operate outside of their own comfort zone. Moving to New York was complete culture shock for Buffy. He learned an invaluable lesson in that in order to grow, one must be able to adapt and operate outside of their comfort zone. One must be comfortable being
uncomfortable.
Redemption:
Originating from the small town of Heflin, Louisiana, he was discovered by the Harlem Globetrotters by sending a video of his ball handling skills to management. He attended their 1993 Training Camp in which he left the camp for personal reasons but he redeemed himself and sent a video to Todd Davis, the Chairman and President of the World Famous Harlem Wizards. After reviewing the video, the Moonachie, New Jersey based organization signed Buffy to a deal. He ended up spending two great seasons with the Wizards. Buffy shares the story in which he was at the lowest point in his life after getting a chance to try out for the Harlem Globetrotters but then having to leave camp. But, through the ups and downs or when down & out, He emphasizes the importance of maintaining HOPE. Hope allowed him to look forward to another opportunity instead of giving up and becoming self destructive. The key for so many students that come from broken homes is to keep HOPE.
Entrepreneur:
Ultimately, Coleman has always wanted to become an entrepreneur while making his own impact in the entertainment business and he accomplishes this by changing the lives of kids all over North America with the Buffy Coleman Basketball Show since 1998!
Critical Thinking:
Every great invention or successful idea started with a simple thought. Therefore, we recommend that a student or individual brainstorm each day about their future. It strengthens one's thinking capacity while triggering the mind to explore future ideas and opportunities. Students may feel the current subjects that they are studying in school won't apply in their future Jobs or career. But, by maximizing their learning potential in school, it trains them to use their mind.
Faith:
Fear is a human emotion that's the opposite of faith. Fear paralyzes the creativity within one's mind. There are moments in which fear and doubt creeps into everyone's minds but we have the power within us to transform the doubt into faith merely by conjuring positive thoughts. Having a positive mindset while maintaining self confidence is important in realizing a goal.
Mental Strength:
Motivational speakers just activate what is already in every human being. We all have potential to be great and achieve our goals. Some people are born with the ability to overcome setbacks while the meek succumb to adversity. We help people to stay focused and create the mental structure to overcome obstacles by encouraging them to control what they can control. It's important to not quit during the journey but stay the course all the way to the finish line. It's not about the destination but the journey. Buffy was lucky to have both parents in the home throughout his youth. However, Buffy is not naïve and understands that so many kids in America aren't fortunate as he was to have a stable home with both parents. Therefore, he encourages students to stay mentally strong while staying focused to create a brighter future for themselves. Whatever life throws at you, take the punches and keep going.
Leap of Faith:
Successful people always take a leap of faith to attain what they truly want. Visionaries hold true to a vision and can see what others can't. They are pioneers that create holes in walls where there aren't any. Everyone encounters obstacles but what's more important is how one responds to the problem. One should focus more on the solution instead of the problem. Then, life becomes Disney Land when we don't panic during adversity but instead focus our attention on the solution. Expect adversity and stay cheerful through the journey. But, being a problem solver is what a true champion lives by.