It is my understanding that as of this writing the tallest players in the NBA, Shawn Bradley and Yao Ming, are both seven feet six inches tall. That is really, really tall! It is almost as tall as an eight-foot ceiling. You've no doubt heard many times that to play in the NBA, you have to be tall, right?

What about the shortest player? That would be Earl Boykins of the Milwaukee Bucks who stands five feet five inches. He is the second shortest player in NBA history.

So, I can honestly and truthfully say that I am indeed taller than an NBA player. Seven inches taller in fact! But would I dare to play a little one on one with Earl Boykins? Not hardly.

But have you ever thought about what it is like for Earl when he plays against Shawn and Yao? They are a little over two feet taller than he is! Now that's not to say it would be any easier when Earl plays against the average NBA height of 6'7"! But what would it be like playing a very competitive game against someone two feet taller than you are?

It could be reasonably assumed that if you were 5 feet 5 inches tall many people would tell you that you could never play in the NBA. If by some wild circumstance you did make it into the NBA, being so short and playing against players so much bigger than yourself, it would be most difficult to perform, right?

Earl doesn't let that stop him. He is the shortest player in NBA history to score thirty points in a game! He has done it on a number of occasions! If you know anything about the NBA then you know that if any player scores thirty points in a game it has been a terrific night. But for someone who is 5'5" to score thirty points in a game on a number of occasions is remarkable!

I'm sure there were plenty of people who told him, "Earl, basketball is for big people, and the NBA, well, that's for professional giants, certainly not you."

And, of course being five feet five inches tall Earl has heard all the derogatory "short people" remarks his whole life.

But there he stands, five feet five inches tall, playing successfully in the NBA. It's not how much talent and natural ability you have, but rather what you do with what you have. It's what you choose to do with your life.

You will never, ever get everyone's "okay" and approval for the things you desire to do in your life. In fact, those who have not succeeded are the first ones to tell you that you can't succeed either.

Have you noticed that the world lacks people who constantly encourage others? The sad reality is that people are quick to point out all your shortcomings and slow to give you any praise for your accomplishments.

But regardless of what any one else says, it is still up to you to decide to do with your life. Do you think Earl had to work hard? I would say that perhaps he had to work even harder than the taller players did.

And yet, so many times in life, those with lots of talent don't need to push as hard. It makes you wonder sometimes where they would be if they did. But, many people with less natural ability and talent push and work harder, and as a result, develop their full potential.

Don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams, goals and desires. Don't talk yourself out of them either. Live life with excitement and push toward your full potential.

By the way, Earl Boykins is not the shortest person to ever play in the NBA. That honor goes to Muggsy Bogues, who is five feet three inches tall. And Muggsy is also the shortest player in the NBA to dunk the basketball!

So, how tall are you?