If you don't know the name Conor Anthony McGregor, you're probably a poor college kid who can't afford the Xfinity cable package (me) or you've been squatting with Patrick Star underneath his rock in Bikini Bottom. Whatever the case may be, it's time you catch up with the rest of the world and educate yourself on why McGregor is the athlete of our time. Now, I could talk about his 19 wins in the Octagon (we won't talk about his latest loss), his cat like fighting style that makes Clay Matthews wet his compressions or his 13 second knockout that played on ESPN more times than Tiger Wood's mistress scandal; but I'd like to concentrate more on why McGregor is the man outside the ring.
So, climb out from under your rock and let's jump into why we should be more like "The Notorious" McGregor.
1. He chases his dreams.
As guy who gave up the stable life as a plumber in Ireland and said, f*ck it, I want to punch people in the face for a living (or get punch in the face for a living), McGregor is a person who doesn't back down when the odds are stacked against him. At several points in his career, his family gave up on him and his friends belittled his dreams. Furthermore, the guy was close to being on welfare when he got the call to fight in the UFC and he didn't waste his opportunity. So if there is a message here, it's don't let people tell you what to do. You have one life to live so live it how you want!
2. He takes style seriously.
All too often, I see people walking around in this world not taking their physical appearance seriously. I hear the remarks that, "You're self-centered if your're constantly concerned with your appearance" or the passive aggressive question, "Why are you so dressed up all the time?" These comments often come from an individual whose wardrobe consists of Nike basketball shorts that are borderline capris, Jordan socks that are on their third day of stale stank and athletic T-shirts that say one of five colleges that they didn't even attend.
Our country's youth pokes fun at outliers who dress for success. The funny thing is, those that dress for success tend to see success in other areas of life. McGregor is one individual who embodies this. From his perfectly tailored suits to his flamboyant style, the guy knows how to stand out. Furthermore, he is obsessed with fitness and keeping his body in peek condition and he'll let you know it. The lesson here is that one aspect of your life can influence all of the others. So, instead of buying those $100 Nike sweatpants that you own six pairs of, go buy yourself a nice pair of $50 Chino's and stop dressing like a 7 year old in an A1 matching sweat suit.
3. He talks the talk.
If you haven't heard a McGregor press conference, go on YouTube and search "Conor Mcgregor trash talk" right now. I promise it won't disappoint. McGregor is not only a master of mixed martial arts, he is also a master of tongue lashings. He knows his opponents, he knows how to get under the skin of his opponents and he knows how to absolutely obliterate them verbally.
Now, I'm not saying to start trash talking your Grandma because she made one batch of bad cookies (which never happens) or to be a pick a fight with the Starbucks Barista. The lesson here is to be confident enough to stand up for yourself. Too many people today keep their mouth shut out of fear of hurting others feelings or saying the wrong thing only to kick themselves later for not saying more. Speak up, be loud and be heard because the world is full of noise. And, as McGregor says, "make yourself bulletproof" and don't let that obnoxious drunk guy in the overly small V-neck T-shirt get under your skin at the bar.
4. He enjoys every moment.
My favorite quality of McGregor's is that he enjoys every moment of life. From acting like a 4 year old on Christmas when seeing the Empire State Building for the first time to pranking everyone in site. McGregor may be a fighter but he balances his life by being a playful spirit. The guy literally beats people for a living and still finds time to smile. Enthusiasm is a trait that correlates with both success and happiness. All too many people today try not to show emotions, act excited or live in the moment and we are forgetting how to be people. To enjoy the little things, to not allow stress to consume our lives and to be happy in the skin we are in. The lesson here is to stay positive and laugh more. Laugh all the time. Live everyday like you're going to a parade and not a funeral. "One thing that is key to success is to celebrate your surroundings" - McGregor
Some honorable mention McGregor moments:
He almost kicked Conan O'Brian in the head.
He has more Thug Life videos than any other athlete on earth.
He spoils his friends.
He fought The Mountain from "Game of Thrones."
To sum it all up, be like McGregor and enjoy an exceptional life. You don't have to be an Irish freak athlete of nature to live a happier life. You just have to start living like you only have one life to live (how many times can I say life in a sentence). It doesn't hurt if you live life like every day is St. Patrick's Day (my Chicago people get what I'm saying)! So be like McGregor! Be notorious!
