If you’re in the business world and you’re looking for some inspiration try Kevin Durant, the NBA’s 2014 (MVP). If you’re into the NBA you know it takes hard work to become an MVP. There are striking similarities between the business world and KD. Many businesses around the world have humble beginnings like Mr. Durant. Many businesses can’t get that capital needed to start a business for a variety of reasons. Many don’t the angel investors needed to get a business off the ground but they have passion and a desire to succeed. Consider the following points derived from KD’s overall character and 2014 MPV speech.

1. Humility- If you’ve watched Mr. Durant play basketball you will see why he’s the 2014 KIA MVP. He is consistent at producing, talented, and is a team player. Off the court you can see he’s a humble guy, he is the true epitome of an American role model. He doesn’t let all the glitz and glam go to his head. Whether you’re looking to start your business or you’re already established consider the humility that Kevin exhorts. A person may have that 1 billion idea or be the most talented at what they do but if they’re arrogant who will want to work with or do business with that person? If they’re just starting out in business there are many people who can help them, people who’ve been around the block a couple of times and back. I’m willing to wager they don’t like arrogance.

2. Knowledge- Two of the ingredients that can be credited with Kevin’s success are wisdom and understanding. The definition of wisdom is “knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life”, Merriam-Webster. If you read and learn about Kevin’s life you’ll see wisdom both in KD and his mother. Ms. Pratt had the understanding Kevin and his brother needed to have something to do instead of being inside after school so she aligned them with what she thought was best, a great decision that continues to inspire many. In the same fashion businesses thrive and succeed because of wisdom and understanding. If you want to start a business and succeed acquire wisdom and understanding. How do you do this? Research, mentorship, and asking God.

3. Acknowledging God- During his speech KD acknowledge and attributed his success to God. Despite the many hardships his family had to endure they overcame. KD is a testament to people everywhere you can achieve success despite the odds.  In the business world you may not be able to get a loan or get the financial backing you need to launch your brand but there’s someone in your corner who you might have over looked for help. There’s a saying in the bible Ecclesiastes 9:11 “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. We didn’t determine when and where we’d be born, God did.

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