Defining Greatness: Inspiring Others and Finding Joy
What is Greatness?
Greatness is not something that is confined to one person. It is about inspiring the people around you and creating a lasting impact. When you inspire someone to greatness, they, in turn, inspire others, creating a ripple effect that can last forever. As individuals, our challenge is to figure out how our own stories can motivate and impact others in a way that encourages them to create their own greatness.
The Importance of Rest and Perseverance
A quote from an English teacher, Mr. Fisk, resonated deeply with me: "Rest at the end, not in the middle." This quote has become a guiding principle in my life. I believe in pushing forward, never resting, and constantly striving for improvement. Even when faced with challenges and uncertainties, I choose to keep going, knowing that I will figure things out along the way. This mindset has helped me overcome obstacles and continue building towards my goals.
Finding Joy in Family
What brings me the most joy right now is being with my family. Spending time with them, especially during the summer months, is incredibly fulfilling. Being able to do things together that I couldn't do before because of training or other commitments is priceless. Watching my daughter Bianca grow up and experiencing all the moments I missed with my older children Nathalie and Gianna due to my basketball career brings me immense joy.
Defining Love
Love, to me, is synonymous with happiness. It is a beautiful journey that has its ups and downs. Whether it's in a marriage or a career, love requires perseverance and determination. It is about weathering the storms that come your way and emerging stronger on the other side. Love is about putting yourself in someone else's shoes, understanding their feelings, and making decisions that will help them grow. It is about supporting and caring for someone or something that you hold dear.
The Influence of Parents
My parents played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. They instilled in me the importance of imagination, curiosity, and hard work. They didn't just tell me that I could accomplish anything; they taught me that I had to put in the work to achieve my goals. Having a fundamental belief that anything is possible when you work for it gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. My mom was a constant presence in my life, while my father played a pivotal role during a critical time in my basketball journey.
Learning from Failure
I had a summer when I was around 10 or 11 years old where I played basketball and didn't score a single point. It was a challenging and frustrating experience for me. However, my father's unwavering support and love taught me an important lesson. He hugged me and said, "Whether you score zero or score 60, I will love you no matter what." This unconditional love gave me the confidence to fail and the determination to improve. From that moment on, I dedicated myself to practicing and honing my skills, knowing that failure was an essential part of the journey towards success.
The Power of Compassion and Empathy
As a leader, one of the most significant challenges I faced was learning how to foster compassion and empathy towards my teammates. It was about understanding their emotions and finding ways to push them to reach their full potential. Compassion and empathy don't mean being soft or lenient; it means putting yourself in someone else's shoes and making decisions that will benefit them in the long run. It is about getting the best out of your teammates, even if they may not appreciate it at that moment.
The Importance of Collective Success
In our society, individual achievements can be remarkable, but they rarely reach their full potential without collective effort. The challenge lies in figuring out how to work together and leverage each other's strengths. As a leader, my role was to bring my teammates together and create a sense of unity. It wasn't just about passing the ball; it was about impacting their behavior, motivating them to work harder, and pushing them to be their best. Sometimes, it meant setting boundaries and making tough decisions to ensure that we stayed focused on our common goals.
The Excitement of Losing
While losing may not be enjoyable in the moment, I find it exciting because it presents an opportunity for growth. It allows you to identify weaknesses and areas that need improvement. Losing exposes vulnerabilities and forces you to find solutions and strategies to overcome them. For example, when a college basketball player I know experienced a tough loss in the finals, I encouraged her to watch the game and study it. By facing her mistakes and understanding why they happened, she could learn from them and avoid making the same errors in the future. Losing is not a setback; it is an invitation to learn and evolve.
The Fear of Starting Over
After playing basketball for 20 years, the thought of starting over is daunting. It raises questions about what the future holds and what new challenges lie ahead. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, even for someone like me. However, I found that embracing change and uncertainty can lead to growth. When I had to face a career-threatening Achilles injury, I confronted the possibility that my basketball career could be over. This realization prompted me to think about what I wanted to do with my life beyond the sport. It pushed me to explore new opportunities and embrace the process of starting anew.
The Mentality of Process and Craft
In my book, I delve into the importance of process and craft. Process refers to the preparation involved in becoming the best version of oneself. It includes aspects such as injury recovery, studying the game, and continuous improvement. Craft, on the other hand, focuses on the actual performance and the tactical aspects of the game. Through meticulous analysis and attention to detail, I have honed my skills and developed a mindset that allows me to excel on and off the court. This book serves as a basketball bible, offering insights into my approach and strategies for success.
Teaching Children the Value of Hard Work
One of the best ways to instill the value of hard work in children is through leading by example. When I wake up in the morning, my daughter accompanies me on my training sessions. It has become a special father-daughter bonding experience. It allows her to witness the dedication and effort required to achieve one's goals. Similarly, my younger daughter practices basketball every day, understanding the importance of consistent effort and perseverance. By demonstrating these behaviors, we can inspire and motivate our children to embrace hard work and pursue their dreams.
