I recently joined a new gym and discovered a basketball court tucked away in the back. After finishing my workout one day, I decided to shoot around. What followed was unexpected and I felt a wave of emotion that I hadn’t experienced in years.
Basketball used to be a big part of my life. I made the varsity team in eighth grade and absolutely loved the game. I was fortunate to have an incredible coach who taught me far more than just basketball. He instilled in me the values of discipline, respect, punctuality, and an unwavering work ethic. With him, there were no shortcuts. The lessons he taught continue to shape the person I am today.
In those years, I dreamed of playing soccer or basketball at the collegiate level. But like many people, I made a decision based on the circumstances I faced at the time, not necessarily on what I really wanted to do. I chose to run track in college, primarily to secure a scholarship at a dream academic school. While I appreciated the opportunity and am extremely grateful for the opportunities Boston University opened up for me, I didn’t love running track. Slowly, I began to lose touch with who I was. I tried to fit in, but looking back, that was never truly me. At my core, I was simply someone who loved to play soccer and basketball and learn.
Picking up a basketball again after all those years was deeply nostalgic. To my surprise, I could still shoot fairly well. But beyond the mechanics, something deeper stirred inside me and I felt like I was reconnecting with a part of myself that had been dormant for years. Basketball had always been more than a sport. It was my therapy, my escape from challenges at home, and a vital outlet during difficult times.
In my younger years, I struggled with confidence. I was fast, too fast to control my layups and would often slam the ball off the backboard. I was also constantly in my head, overthinking everything. I now realize that my obsession with perfection was one of the main reasons I burned out. I wish I had allowed myself to let go and just play, to let the game flow naturally. One quote that resonates deeply with me now is from Michael Jordan:
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
I used to think success meant being perfect every time. I didn’t understand that failure was part of the journey, not a detour, but a necessary step forward. When I started shooting around again, the emotions hit me unexpectedly. I cried. I broke down because I realized how long I had avoided this part of myself, the part that once brought me so much joy and peace.
Even when I had the opportunity to work with Ray Allen, I struggled with self-doubt. I constantly questioned whether I belonged, afraid of judgment and unsure of my worth. While it’s healthy to believe you can improve because that mindset can push you, it’s equally important to cultivate confidence. That begins with your inner dialogue. As Norman Vincent Peale said,
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
Confidence comes from preparation and self-belief. When it’s game time, there’s nothing more you can do but trust yourself and play. I’m thankful for this journey, for every twist, every lesson, and even the moments when I felt lost. Because through it all, I’m slowly finding my way back to myself.
