Pay Yourself

So these guys dressed up like 80s aerobics instructors, dubbed themselves “Dogbone” and played in Hoopfest (Spokane, WA) the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world. They were carrying a boom box that bumped the Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited” while bedecked in leotards. I didn’t even mention the glued on handlebar mustaches. They were the intentional laughing stock of the tournament and some teams simply refused to play them opting to take a forfeit instead.

Honestly, these guys were making a mockery of basketball in some respects but the comedy was a great idea for paying yourself. For Dogbone, they’re just having fun, each member mutilating their feet by playing on asphalt with canvas Keds. I’m sure these guys have jobs like the thousands who travel into Spokane on flights booked months in advance. We’re all Dogbone. We need a payoff everyday for the hard work and it gets overlooked.

I used to criticize myself after my pursuit to play professional basketball came to a close because it seemed like I was supposed to grow up, start swinging golf clubs and running marathons for cathartic purposes. The problem was that I hate running if it involves only running and golf is an endorphin killer for me. My payoff is hoop and I have a game tonight, tomorrow night Saturday and Sunday. I’m convinced that most people have chosen a job, career or temporary employment that isn’t a dream job. It’s nothing shameful because your kids need real electricity to keep warm and real food on the table. Working worked for the 7 dwarfs and it works for you and I. But you young guys and girls aren’t working yet, likely, and you’re developing your affinities for the activities you enjoy. It is and will be these activities that serve as payment after long days of giving your best energy to the thing that pays your salary. You’re more than a  tradesman, exchanging goods for currency. Shoot, for your adults, you’re even more than a mom or dad. You’re more than a student. Chances are, you are an artist, athlete or some other gift bearing soul that has neglected…YOU. Man, pay yourself. Do the thing that you currently or formerly looked forward to (It goes without saying that the activity should be moral and legal right?) For every day you’re enlivened, you could be a step closer to discovering purpose within or beyond the daily grind.