Playing basketball or any sport for your whole life will do something to your mind. It turns you into a natural competitor. If you are like me, then you are a bit more competitive than others and carry that mindset with you after the game is over. I've mentioned in a previous post how growing up in the ranking system makes you subconsciously compare yourself to the next man. With this kind of mindset, I spent a lot of my early years focusing on the flaws of my peers rather than what good they bring to the game. I wouldn't say I was a "hater", or anything close to that nature, if you were good I would recognize that fact. There would just always be a "but" added at the end of every compliment I gave. "He's good, but I killed him when we played". " He can play, but I think he's overhyped". Always something to keep whoever I was talking about humbled.
As I enter my 7th year as a pro, that mindset is long gone. This doesn't mean that I lost my competitive drive, I just don't feel the need to argue who is better than who, and why. Since I've adapted this way of thinking, I have become more confident in myself because I no longer have the urge to always compare and compete with someone, and it allows me to focus solely on myself and my abilities. It's alright for everyone to be great in their own respective ways. We have enough coaches and critics focusing on our weaknesses, so let's appreciate what good we bring to the table. This overseas hooper lifestyle is almost like a brotherhood, and I want all my brothers to be successful in their own ways. We should celebrate everyone's accomplishments whether they’ve reached their goals faster than you or it's taking them a bit longer. I've even had players I know personally get in the way of my own goals by being signed to a team that was considering me as well. I could have resented them for it, but I genuinely congratulated and rooted for them and I was more at peace because of that decision.
Hopefully a fellow competitor reading this can gain a new perspective on what it really means to compete. And while we are learning to celebrate other people, never forget to celebrate yourself. I personally feel like I've been humbled and dissatisfied for so long in my career, that I never actually sat back and appreciated all that I have accomplished. I never play for accolades or attention, but it used to bother me a little when I would go unrecognized for something that I felt like I truly deserved. These things don't get to me as much these days because I know who I am.
Know yourself, and get those flowers you deserve.
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