Ser distinto: Manu Ginóbili at TEDxBuenosAires

Summary

En este inspirador discurso, Manu Ginóbili reflexiona sobre su trayectoria en el baloncesto, desde sus inicios humildes hasta convertirse en un campeón olímpico y jugador de la NBA. A través de su historia, destaca el valor del esfuerzo, la autoconfianza y la capacidad de adaptarse y aprender continuamente. Ginóbili también explora los diferentes talentos necesarios para tener éxito en el deporte y la importancia de trabajar en equipo. Finalmente, comparte su incertidumbre sobre la vida después del baloncesto, consciente de que las emociones vividas en el deporte son irrepetibles.

Takeaways

• 🏀 Manu Ginóbili es un apasionado seguidor de las charlas TED y le entusiasmó la idea de dar una charla sobre 'ser diferente', aunque al principio tuvo dudas y miedo.
• 🎯 A los 15 años, Manu no era considerado un prodigio del baloncesto, pero su pasión por el deporte lo llevó a entrenar más duro y a seguir los pasos de sus hermanos mayores.
• 💪 A pesar de no destacar inicialmente, Manu trabajó incansablemente en su desarrollo físico y mental, dedicándose a mejorar su juego y a convertirse en profesional.
• 🌍 Un momento crucial en su carrera fue su participación en el Campeonato Mundial de 1997, lo que incrementó su confianza y lo impulsó a seguir desafiándose.
• 🇮🇹 Tras su paso por Argentina, Manu emigró a Italia, donde su carrera dio un salto significativo al jugar en un equipo de segunda división y luego ser fichado por uno de los mejores equipos de Europa.
• 🏆 Con el tiempo, Manu ganó campeonatos en la liga italiana y europea, consolidando su lugar entre la élite del baloncesto europeo antes de dar el salto a la NBA.
• 🇺🇸 En la NBA, Manu enfrentó dificultades iniciales debido a lesiones y un rol limitado, pero perseveró y eventualmente se ganó la confianza de su equipo, los San Antonio Spurs.
• 🥇 Su victoria en los Juegos Olímpicos de 2004 con Argentina le dio una confianza incomparable, y regresó a la NBA con una mentalidad renovada y sin nada que demostrar.
• ✨ Manu reflexiona sobre lo que realmente significa el 'talento', concluyendo que es una combinación de habilidades, trabajo en equipo, altruismo y autoconocimiento de las propias limitaciones.
• ⏳ Manu se pregunta cómo será su vida después del baloncesto, consciente de que nada podrá igualar las emociones vividas en su carrera, pero abierto a enfrentar nuevos desafíos en la segunda mitad de su vida.

Q & A

¿Qué sensación tuvo el orador cuando le ofrecieron hablar sobre 'ser diferente'?

El orador sintió miedo e incertidumbre porque nunca había reflexionado o analizado profundamente lo que significaba ser diferente. Le preocupaba sonar arrogante o presumido al hablar del tema.

¿Qué lo motivó a mejorar en el baloncesto cuando era adolescente?

El orador tenía una gran pasión por el baloncesto y quería seguir los pasos de sus hermanos, quienes ya eran profesionales. Esto lo motivó a entrenar más, ir al gimnasio, ver videos y mejorar su juego.

¿Qué cambio mental experimentó después de participar en el Campeonato Mundial Juvenil?

Después de formar parte del equipo nacional en el Campeonato Mundial Juvenil, el orador experimentó un aumento en su confianza y autoestima, lo que le permitió jugar con más seguridad y fijarse metas más ambiciosas.

¿Cómo describió el orador su llegada a la NBA?

El orador describió su llegada a la NBA como un cambio radical, pasando de verlo por televisión a formar parte de ese mundo. Sin embargo, los primeros meses fueron difíciles debido a lesiones y un rol limitado en el equipo.

¿Cuál fue el punto clave en su carrera que le dio más confianza?

El orador considera que los Juegos Olímpicos de 2004 fueron un punto clave en su carrera. Ganar la medalla de oro con el equipo argentino, eliminando a Estados Unidos, le dio una confianza superlativa que cambió su mentalidad en la NBA.

¿Qué talento considera el orador más importante para el éxito en el deporte?

El orador considera que establecer objetivos claros y no desviarse de ellos es uno de los talentos más importantes para el éxito. La capacidad de enfocarse en una meta y hacer todo lo posible para alcanzarla fue crucial en su carrera.

¿Cómo define el orador el verdadero significado del talento?

El orador cree que el talento no es solo hacer jugadas bonitas. Para él, el talento incluye muchas habilidades como entender lo que el equipo necesita, saber ceder el protagonismo cuando es necesario y disfrutar del éxito de los compañeros.

¿Qué desafío enfrenta el orador al retirarse del baloncesto?

El desafío que enfrenta es cómo lidiar con la falta de las emociones intensas que vivió en el deporte, como la adrenalina de los grandes partidos. Se pregunta cómo podrá encontrar satisfacción en una nueva vida fuera del deporte.

¿Cómo describe el orador la sensación de ganar una medalla de oro en los Juegos Olímpicos?

El orador describe la sensación de ganar la medalla de oro como algo único y emotivo. Recuerda con nostalgia cómo abrazó a sus compañeros al final del partido, disfrutando de un momento irrepetible en su vida.

¿Qué lección importante aprendió el orador sobre las limitaciones personales en el deporte?

El orador aprendió que es importante reconocer las propias limitaciones. A veces, aunque uno quiera sobresalir, hay equipos o estrategias que son mejores, y es crucial saber cuándo ceder por el bien del equipo.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Ser diferente: Un desafío personal

Manu Ginóbili reflexiona sobre su invitación a dar una charla en TED sobre 'ser diferente'. Al principio, se siente inseguro y asustado de hablar sobre el tema, ya que nunca lo había analizado profundamente. Recuerda su trayectoria en el baloncesto, destacando que no fue un prodigio como otros jugadores argentinos, pero sí tenía una pasión enorme por el deporte. A los 15 años, comenzó a entrenar intensamente para seguir los pasos de sus hermanos, quienes eran jugadores profesionales. Aunque era crítico consigo mismo, esa dedicación lo llevó a mejorar poco a poco.

05:05

🏀 Primeros pasos en el baloncesto profesional

A los 18 años, Manu se convierte en jugador profesional y se muda a La Rioja. A pesar de las dudas iniciales, se siente emocionado de seguir los pasos de sus hermanos. Aunque aún no creía tener algo que lo hiciera diferente, su evolución como jugador continuó. En Bahía Blanca, comenzó a desarrollar confianza y habilidades que antes no creía posibles. Un momento clave fue cuando un compañero, exjugador de la NBA, le dijo que debía ir a estudiar a Estados Unidos, algo que en ese momento le parecía imposible.

10:10

🌍 El gran cambio en su carrera internacional

Manu recuerda su participación en el primer Campeonato Mundial, donde, aunque tuvo un buen desempeño, no se sentía diferente. Sin embargo, haber sido parte del equipo nacional le dio un aumento en la autoestima y la confianza. Luego, se trazó dos objetivos claros: jugar en el Campeonato Mundial adulto y emigrar para competir con mejores jugadores. Tras un progreso lento en Italia, eventualmente fue fichado por uno de los mejores equipos de Europa. Este fue un punto de inflexión, ya que comenzó a sentirse parte de la élite del baloncesto europeo.

15:10

🏆 De Europa a la NBA: Un nuevo desafío

Ginóbili relata su llegada a la NBA con los San Antonio Spurs. Aunque al principio fue difícil debido a problemas físicos y un rol limitado, hacia el final de la temporada su confianza creció, y su entrenador y compañeros comenzaron a confiar más en él. Aunque no estaba seguro si tenía lo necesario para destacar en la NBA, sus logros en Europa y con la selección argentina le dieron la confianza necesaria para enfrentarse a este nuevo desafío.

🥇 El impacto de los Juegos Olímpicos

Manu recuerda los Juegos Olímpicos de 2004 como un momento clave en su carrera. Ganar el oro con el equipo argentino le dio una confianza inigualable. Volvió a la NBA con una nueva mentalidad, sin la necesidad de demostrar nada. Su relajación y confianza renovada lo llevaron a ganar otro campeonato de la NBA y a ser seleccionado para el All-Star. Reflexiona sobre el significado del talento, concluyendo que no se trata solo de hacer jugadas bonitas, sino de establecer objetivos, trabajar en equipo, y reconocer las propias limitaciones.

⏳ El inevitable fin de la carrera deportiva

Ginóbili reflexiona sobre el final inevitable de su carrera como jugador de baloncesto, consciente de que su 'fecha de caducidad' como atleta llega alrededor de los 40 años, mucho antes que en otras profesiones. Se pregunta cómo enfrentará la vida después del deporte, sabiendo que ninguna experiencia futura podrá igualar las emociones intensas que vivió en momentos como los Juegos Olímpicos o las finales de la NBA. Se enfrenta a la incertidumbre de lo que vendrá y si realmente desea seguir destacándose en otras áreas de su vida.

Keywords

💡Diferencia

La 'diferencia' es un tema central del video, donde Ginóbili reflexiona sobre qué lo hace distinto. Aunque al principio duda sobre cómo abordar el tema, a lo largo de su carrera descubre que la diferencia no radica solo en el talento natural, sino en la capacidad de trabajar en sus debilidades, fijar objetivos claros y entender las necesidades del equipo.

💡Talento

El 'talento' es uno de los conceptos más recurrentes en la charla. Manu menciona que le dijeron que tenía mucho talento, pero él mismo se cuestiona qué es el talento y cómo se manifiesta. Explica que el talento va más allá de habilidades innatas; incluye la capacidad de fijar metas, adaptarse al equipo y sacrificar el protagonismo individual por el bien colectivo.

💡Objetivos

Los 'objetivos' son claves para el éxito de Ginóbili. A lo largo del video, menciona la importancia de fijarse metas claras y trabajar incansablemente para alcanzarlas. Estos objetivos lo llevaron a mejorar su desempeño y a destacarse en equipos tanto de Argentina como de Europa, y finalmente en la NBA.

💡Confianza

La 'confianza' aparece como un elemento crucial en el desarrollo de la carrera de Ginóbili. Después de participar en campeonatos importantes, como el Mundial Juvenil y los Juegos Olímpicos de 2004, su confianza aumentó significativamente, lo que le permitió jugar de manera más relajada y con mayor éxito en la NBA.

💡Esfuerzo

El 'esfuerzo' es una constante en la vida de Manu. Desde joven, trabajó arduamente para mejorar su físico, ver videos de partidos y perfeccionar su juego. Aunque reconoce que no trabajó más que otros, su esfuerzo estuvo enfocado en las áreas correctas, lo que le permitió desarrollar una carrera exitosa.

💡Limitaciones

Ginóbili destaca la importancia de reconocer las 'limitaciones' propias. Comprender cuándo no se puede hacer todo o cuándo hay un equipo o estrategia mejor es crucial para el éxito. Esta autoconciencia fue una de las claves para que Ginóbili pudiera adaptarse a diferentes roles a lo largo de su carrera.

💡Equipo

El 'equipo' es central en la filosofía de juego de Ginóbili. Subraya la importancia de entender las necesidades del equipo y estar dispuesto a sacrificar el protagonismo personal por el bien común. Para él, el éxito personal siempre estuvo ligado al éxito del equipo, y aprender a disfrutar de los logros colectivos fue fundamental.

💡Desarrollo

El 'desarrollo' es otro concepto clave. A lo largo de su carrera, Ginóbili fue mejorando poco a poco, tanto en su físico como en sus habilidades. Desde sus primeros años en Argentina hasta su consagración en Europa y la NBA, el desarrollo continuo fue esencial para su éxito.

💡Transformación

La 'transformación' se refiere al proceso por el cual Ginóbili pasó de ser un jugador que no se destacaba en su juventud a convertirse en uno de los mejores del mundo. Esta transformación no fue inmediata, sino un proceso de mejora constante basado en el trabajo, la confianza y el aprendizaje de sus experiencias.

💡Oportunidades

Las 'oportunidades' juegan un papel fundamental en la historia de Ginóbili. Desde su primer contrato profesional hasta su llegada a la NBA, cada paso en su carrera fue resultado de aprovechar las oportunidades que se le presentaron. Sin embargo, también subraya que estas oportunidades solo fueron valiosas porque él estaba preparado para ellas.

Highlights

Manu Ginobili reflects on his journey from doubting his abilities to embracing the challenge of 'being different.'

At 15, Manu didn't see himself as a basketball prodigy compared to others like LeBron James or Lionel Messi.

Despite not being considered a standout player, Manu's passion for basketball fueled his determination.

A pivotal moment in his career came when a former NBA player encouraged Manu to study in the U.S. and pursue the NBA.

Playing in Italy marked a turning point as Manu started to realize his potential and stand out in European basketball.

Manu highlights the importance of self-evaluation and being tough on oneself, which drove his growth as a player.

Winning the 2004 Olympic gold medal with Argentina gave Manu unparalleled confidence and changed his NBA mindset.

Manu discusses the evolution of his talent, emphasizing that hard work and adaptability were key to his success.

Teamwork and understanding the needs of his teammates and coaches were crucial in his development.

Manu stresses that giving up the personal spotlight for the benefit of the team is a valuable talent.

He talks about understanding his limitations and the importance of working within a team structure.

Manu acknowledges that basketball has an expiration date and reflects on the challenge of transitioning into life after sports.

The emotions of his biggest victories, such as the 2004 Olympics and the 2005 NBA Finals, are irreplaceable and hard to replicate in post-basketball life.

Manu grapples with how to maintain purpose and stand out in life after his basketball career.

He questions whether he even wants to replicate the intensity of his basketball achievements in his next chapter.

Transcripts

Translator: Jose Fernandez Calvo Reviewer: Sebastian Betti

[Manu Ginobili]

[Being Different]

For many years I've been following TED, I like to listen to their talks.

And the truth is that I'm a fan.

From the moment they told me of the chance to be on the other side of the camera,

or the other side of the stage, I loved the idea.

The problem was when they told me what they wanted me to talk about.

They said: "Being different".

Right there I hit the hand brake and started to rethink the idea because,

really, I was not sure of being able and capable of talking about that.

Also, I was very scared.

How could I talk of such a subject, firstly I'd never thought about it,

never analyzed it.

Never been asked about it.

And could I talk about it without sounding conceited or arrogant?

But I loved the challenge.

The road from thinking about getting to today,

being in front of the camera and analyzing what happened to me, how it was,

how I felt about, how all these steps in my career happened

to arrive where I'm standing now.

And, truthfully, I enjoyed it a lot.

And I liked it and hope you will understand.

That I'm trying to step back from who I am

and simply explain it like a spectator that sees each step.

Because at 15, nothing, absolutely nothing, would lead you to think that I would make it,

at all, in basketball, absolutely.

I was no child prodigy, at all.

I was no Lebron James,

or Messi or

Scola o Nocioni in basketball.

Already at 15 it was known that they would eventually play on the national team.

My case was very different.

I was very thin, very small.

The only thing that made a difference, that might make a difference,

but did not make me different, was a great passion for what I did.

I really loved it.

Also at 15 my brothers were pros.

They lived off basketball.

I did not want to be less than them.

So from that moment on, I began to dedicate much more time to it.

I started going to the gym.

Started pushing my mom to get me a dietitian

to try to grow and develop better.

I star watching videos of basketball.

And, as soon as I finish seeing the videos,

bam! running down to the court to try to copy them.

But I remember that I played games and when I finished I returned home,

either happy for having won and played well

or sad and depressed for having done badly,

but I self-evaluated in the mirror.

I stood by the shower and yelled at myself: "You hack!"

Or, "What a disaster! That's how you're going to make it to the National League?"

Or, "That's how your going to be like your brothers?"

And I was tough on myself.

But if things went well, I sort of cheered for myself.

Encouraged myself.

Said to myself: "that's the way to go!"

So, well, all those hours I put in, dedicated to, basketball

little by little bore some fruits.

I felt I was growing a little, more developed.

Started jumping a little higher.

And at 18 I get the chance to become a professional basketball player.

I went to play in La Rioja, with many doubts,

obviously, like any 18 year old kid going 1500 km away from home.

But with many doubts I make it there.

Full of enthusiasm.

Very happy to be following in the footsteps of my brothers and living off basketball.

But I still did not believe I had it in me.

I did not believe I had anything that made me different.

I played some games, all-in-all I did well,

but nothing made me stand out above

any kid of my age playing in the National League.

Barely some traces or things that hinted at a transformation that might make me

into a very good player in the National League.

But not much more than that.

The next year I go back to Bahia Blanca.

Go back to Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca.

And that development slowly continues, but I feel it.

Little by little things come more naturally.

At times I have great games were you see things

that a few months before I did not believe I could do.

But there is a key moment that year,

it is a chat with a foreigner that played with me, that had played in the NBA.

He had played 2 or 3 years in the NBA.

He sits me down and tells me; "You have to go to USA.

You have to study in an American university.

if you go and spend 4 years there, you'll end up in the NBA."

I look at him like saying "Impossible!

This guy wants to be my friend or something, says it to motivate me or make me feel good".

There, in '97, comes a very important step in my career

that was playing the first World Championship.

And although I did well, we had a great championship, it was a great success,

still I did not feel different in that environment.

Moreover, I was nowhere near the best player nor a team leader of that national squad.

But when I was back, knowing that I had been part of the National Team,

knowing that I was among the elite of the kids my age of the whole country,

its like, within me, a change began.

Mostly of self-esteem, in confidence.

So I played what would be my last season in Argentina

with a lot more confidence.

Holding my head a little higher.

Immediately I set myself two clear objectives.

One was to play in the adult Word Championship next year, at age 21, in Athens.

And the other was to emigrate.

Try to measure up against players better than me, to try to raise the bar.

Its like I thought that in Argentina I had done what I wanted to do.

I accomplish both objective.

First I go to the World Championship and then to Italy.

In Italy it's all slow progress, step by step.

Because I arrive to play in the second division in Italy.

I don´t start with what would be, I don't know, Milan in football.

The next year we make the cut to rise.

So now I'm playing in First Division.

I feel that I'm still standing out, that things that are different happen to me,

but I still think this is because it was a small team.

A team... the typical surprise team where, yes, I stood out

because it was a group of players with slightly more limited talents.

But the next year along come the, supposedly, best team in Europe

and buys me off this team, buys my contract, from this smaller team.

And then its like, yes, I'm where I wanted to be.

A team with chances of being champions.

A team with great players.

In which I was going to, at the start, have a minor role.

I'm not saying that I would never play, but I wouldn't be a starter nor have

the weight in the game that I was having in the second division team.

Obviously.

But there is where the biggest quality jump of my career happens.

We were champions, I remember, of the Italy Cup;

that is a minor cup, but local.

Afterwards, of the Italian League.

And after that, of Europe.

At that moment, happens

what had happened 3 years before by saying:

"that's it, I'm here... this is what I came for. I came to win a championship, to improve,

to compete with the best, but those that are now around me

are not better than me".

I considered myself part of the elite of the European Championship.

Then, the next step, natural, and the only one left, was the NBA.

And then it happens.

The San Antonio Spurs come along - they had picked me a couple of years before -

but decide to hire me.

And, well, I arrive in a totally different world,

that I had seen only on TV until a few years ago,

which I really did not expect to reach or be a part of.

But, well, it happened to me.

There it was, and I was not only going to take it.

But I wanted to improve.

I wanted to succeed and do it well.

For the first time in my career, that year, I was in trouble.

I could not get the continuity, regularity of play,

that I thought I could have.

I was carrying many physical problems.

I had got hurt in the World Championship, in 2002.

And each time I got some playing time, I got hurt.

And, also, I simply had a very limited role.

I got my orders, I had to stand in that corner and wait for the play,

do this, do that, but I did not feel I was

giving the game all I had within me.

So these were 3, 4, 5 pretty complicated months,

during which I never lost confidence in myself,

I knew that with time it would come,

but I was getting a little impatient.

The truth is that, yes, by nature, I'm impatient.

But well, towards the end of the season things start changing slowly.

I notice in my teammates and in the coaching staff a growing trust.

At times they started giving me 25 or 30 minutes on court.

Closing games.

They set some play for me, so that I could call it.

And that started to make me feel good.

But, I tell you the truth, at this level I start again to feel

what I had felt before, saying:

"I don't know, I'm missing things, I don't know if I have what it take to become

a great player in the NBA or to stand out, rise above the average".

Something that did start to happen during the next two years.

But above all for one single fact.

A key landmark in my career, in Argentine basketball

and in the history of Argentine sport,

that were the Olympic Games of 2004.

What I felt, and what my team felt in that moment, is unique.

Cannot be repeated to any athlete that has not been in that situation.

I get goosebumps right now just remembering.

And all we went through generated a superlative confidence.

That is, after winning that Olympic Championship,

after celebrating with my teammates, its like I returned to the NBA

with a totally different mentality.

Knowing that I had nothing to prove.

I was Olympic Champion with my Argentine team.

We had eliminated the USA and there was nothing I had to prove each day.

It was not like the year before.

So, with that calm and having got rid of all that pressure

I start to play more relaxed.

I start to feel the recognition not only of my teammates and coaching staff

but also of the rivals.

And that changed much within me.

It change much because when you play already knowing, and with that respect

you do it in a more relaxed and confident manner.

So, from there many things started to fall in place.

Once again we won an NBA Championship.

I was named All-Star, that is the elite; the 24, theoretically, best players in the NBA.

So that, if it was unthinkable to play in the NBA, imagine being part of that group.

So I started to notice that too many things had happened.

This could not be chance.

And that there was something.

So I started thinking,

or really, I think here now too:

What was happening?

What was there?

Why me?

Why me?

Had I worked much harder that the rest?

I'd think not.

Because, yes, I had worked hard, but not more than the others.

Talent, is the word I came to.

The word they kept telling me.

A lot of talent.

But, What is talent?

Or, How many talents are there?

So I got to think and yes, the talent I had at 20

was very dificult ..

very difficult! ..

very different from what I later added to my game.

I, with the rough talent I had at 20 was possibly the same one I have now...

would not get me anywhere.

One had to keep adding things.

So I came to the conclusion that, after all my experiences with teams,

that there are many talents.

A very important one is to set oneself objectives.

Set an objective and not be distracted.

Not wander around but go for it, identify it,

and do everything within your reach to achieve it.

Another important talent is to understand what is happening around you.

What does your team need?

What is your coach's idea?

What is missing?

What can you add so that your team can give that jump in quality?

Well, identifying all that and being able to supply it.

Another important thing is to know, at certain times,

to give up the personal spotlight so your team wins.

So, I can be, me or anyone, 30 points for the team

and enjoy it because, its true, its fun. Entertaining.

But when you give the next step maybe you have to score 10

and be a decoy and pass to you teammate

so that you teammate is happy too.

Another important talent is what I just said

is enjoying playing with your teammates.

No always thinking about yourself.

But be happy when I pass and my teammate scores.

When I see that a rookie that plays with me is growing,

and is developing into a better player.

Because beyond feeling good and altruism, it helps the team.

The better my teammates are the better my team will be

and the more chances I'll have to win.

And last, but not least,

is to understand your limitations.

There are times when you just can't.

You can´t do it all.

Even if you think you can, sometimes you can´t.

There is a team that is better.

A strategy that is more important than you shining.

And I have been lucky, possibly, in all my teams

of playing with some of the best players with uncommon talents,

not those that are seen in the spotlight, but that were the first

to volunteer to defend the best rival.

That were the first to fight it out inside when the match got rough.

And that the thought never crossed their mind

that they would be the subject of the post-game interview.

That the fans chanted their name.

That was not the objective.

The objective was to make the small contribution for their team to win.

And then enjoy it together.

I think that those 5 that I mentioned are what brings it all together

to make a winning team and a complete player.

They are very important things to make a difference with the one next to you.

Some players have one and its enough.

Others have three.

Others have all five and are the ones that make a difference.

But are not stuck on the feeling, on the idea,

that talent is only making the pretty play.

Because it isn't

All this I just explained is what helped me

stand out in the world of basketball.

Something I've dedicated, basically, my whole life to.

But, regrettably, has an expiry date.

An expiry date that is not 65 or 70

like a lawyer, an accountant or any worker.

My maximum expiry date is 40.

Where are normal person that studied basically is just getting started.

How do you face that when I know a new life starts,

a different life outside sport, where I've never been?

A life without the adrenaline secretions

or the type of emotions I've lived before.

But that's normal. They won't be there

How can I repeat the feelings I had when the final whistle blew in Athens

and I hugged, almost crying, my friends and teammates

of the National Team enjoying a gold medal?

Impossible.

How can you repeat the tingling in the stomach, the pressure I felt, before the game

number 7 against Detroit in the 2005 Finals knowing there were 20.000 people

watching in the stadium, plus more than 100 million watching at home on TV.

and I knew with certainty there was no tomorrow, that I could not fail?

The winner would party.

The loser went home down-headed.

How can you repeat that?

You can't.

How can you do that at 40 when you made it

simply, to the mid point of your journey?

How will the second half of my life be, when I know that absolutely nothing

I do from now on will be even remotely similar

to what I've done before?

To what I did before: at 30, at 28, at 32.

How can I stand out, be noticed in whatever I do from now on?

And what makes me think about it most is:

Do I really want to?

Thanks.