DELAYED PROMISE

SPORTS HEADLINE-2007 #1 OVERALL PICK MAKES LONG AWAITED NBA DEBUT
Greg Oden was supposed to be 'next'. He was called the best true center to enter the NBA from the college ranks since Shaq. He had the footwork of Bill Russell, the shooting touch of Patrick Ewing and the athleticism of Alonzo Mourning. But before even his first preseason practice he experienced soreness in his right knee and went season ending micro-fracture surgery.

Oden finally made his debut Tuesday night in a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings. In less than 20 minutes on the court, Oden scored 13 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and blocked 2 shots.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Life is full of setbacks, unexpecteded pitfalls and unfortunate obstacles. Things will rarely go as you always plan or hope that they will go, so the question is-how will you respond? Physical injuries have a pretty set course, get treatment, get the injury repaired, get rehab and work your way back. Recovering from emotional or other personal setbacks seems to have a less clear path but in reality the road back is very similar. Take the necessary time to work through the stages of whatever you have to overcome but always have the knowledge that at the end of the road your victory awaits you.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
One of the hardest things to deal with when starting a business is the time that you often have to incur as you slowly grow your clientele. While you can clearly see the merits of your product or service and it's so clear to you why this is the best thing since sliced bread, it may take some time for the rest of the world to come around. Having the focus, determination and unshakeable belief that what you have to offer is the best option out there and you can perform it better than anyone else may be the difference between a great idea and an amazing, fulfilling career.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Our finances have such an impact on every area of our lives. When times are good, it seems like nothing can get us down. When times are tough, it seems that the hits just keep on coming. Recovery from financial setbacks can seem and feel like a never ending road. It's so easy to focus on what you don't have, can't afford or are missing out on. But take the opposite view instead. Look at all of the lessons you've learned, the amazing opportunities ahead and how much you will be able to appreciate the sacrafices you've had to make.

GAME PLAN-
This one is really simple. Whenever you are faced with a setback or a significant unexpected challenge, rather than just focusing on the problem, look past just the solution to the ultimate outcome. Believe that you will emerge stronger, smarter and better after all is said and done.