6 | NPAR
Understanding the power of encouragement
Written by : Larry Taylor Guest Columnist
No matter who you are or what you do , everyone needs some encouragement throughout life . As a former college basketball player , I know firsthand the ups and downs that athletes go through during the season . Great teammates will recognize when a player on their team is struggling , and will go out of their way to lift that teammate up . The power of encouragement is only shown when we are selfless and understand that our lives are not just about ourselves , but also about the people God has placed in our lives . The amazing truth about encouraging others is that this tool can be used in all aspects of life . I see a great amount of people that wake up every day and are only focused on themselves because they think that will allow them to be truly happy . I am writing to tell you that this could not be further from the truth . I am writing to let you know that when we take the focus off ourselves and apply it others we are allowing more happiness to occur in our lives . The power of encouragement is a real thing . Understand that the people around you will need your encouragement daily . They are counting on you . I know that the power of encouragement can change lives , and I would like to share with you three gifts that can come from utilizing this tool .
1
Real Purpose – When we invest in others around us we are creating real purpose for our lives . The people that only invest in themselves and no one else will find down the road that lonely “ success ” is not success at all .
2
Opportunities – As a leader , every single day is an opportunity to encourage others . If you are a coach , then one of the most important aspects of your job is to make sure your players feel just as encouraged when you lose as they do when you win . The power of encouragement brings opportunities for relationships to be formed , lives to be changed , and real growth to take place .
3
Self-Growth – Any time you sacrifice something to help someone else then you are improving yourself . The power of encouragement is an action that pours into others , but also pours into your own life in the long run .
Larry Taylor is a native of Englewood , Florida . He graduated from North Port High School in 2012 , and he still holds school basketball records for most points in a game , career assists , and career steals . Taylor went on to further his basketball career at Liberty University , where he was a member of the 2013 Big South Conference championship team and played in the 2013 NCAA national tournament . Taylor ended his college basketball career at Southeastern University in Lakeland , Florida . He ended up scoring over 1,300 points for his career , while also receiving all-conference honors his senior season . Taylor graduated from Southeastern University in 2016 with a bachelor ’ s degree in Sports Management . He is currently a graduate assistant for the men ’ s basketball program at Southeastern University , as well as working towards a master ’ s degree in business administration . Taylor has started his own non-profit organization called Vertical Vision that holds basketball training for youth to pro-level players , conducts community outreach events , and awards scholarships to college students in need . Vertical Vision ’ s mission is to help people keep their eyes on their purpose in life regardless of the trials and valleys that may come their way . One day , Taylor hopes to expand Vertical Vision nationwide and reach inner city youth in major cities with basketball camps , scholarship opportunities , and life mentorship .