Leon Best, the new striker at Newcastle United might not be a familiar name with many fans, including the Geordies' home fans but he might very well be the next big thing if his attitude is anything to go by.
To say that I admire his spirit is an understatement. In claiming that the No. 9 shirt at Newcastle United needs to be earned and not just worn because its available; it speaks volumes about the man's character. Leon Best eventually took a far less glamorous number 20. Whether or not Leon Best was pumping himself up to eventually be a Newcastle legend or shirking responsibility of the expectations to be bestowed on him with the donning of the legendary number 9 worn by Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand, this man has earned my respect for making such a clear statement to the fans. This statement is great news to the club of Newcastle because it reflects strongly on his work ethic.
In the modern day, such a work ethic is rare. In my country, many of this generation have long forgotten about the work ethic of "earning what you deserve". Sure, a 9-5 job pay the bills, but dreams are often left chugged to a side because they are just "too hard to attain". Many of the young people in my country prefer that things fall into their laps than working their asses off for something worthwhile once in their life. It might be a case of complacency in the modern age, it might also be the consequences of a prosperous and peaceful environment a country enjoys.
I believe there is no true greatness without sacrificing something somewhere somehow. The famed psychologists call it delayed gratification. Leon Best could wear the No.9 shirt, he could claim a privileged position in name or bask in the glory of his predecessors, the truth is he never quite earn it. The same to a man in every stage of his life. If you truly believe in something, then by all means make it your priority to work at it. No shortcuts, no slack, no distractions. Aspire so, work so.
There is no greatness without working at it. There is no respect without working at it. If you don't work at it, you don't deserve it anyway. Some things just need to be earned, but how much of you are you willing to give up on?
