Being a successful athlete requires intense preparation. Sure, lacing up the sneakers and heading to the court and relying on your God-given abilities can take you a long way. But without the thousands of hours in the gym working on your shot, the endless film and video study sessions, and the constant practices with your teammates, you will never reach your full potential.

 

From my days playing basketball as a child growing up in Dallas, I have seen numerous athletes who were taller and faster than me, but they never could take it to the next level. And the same was the case during my 12 years in the NBA. What set me apart? My relentless focus and willingness to work hard.

 

The same is true today. Although the word “former” now precedes my job title of “professional basketball player,” I use the same energy in planning for my life after the NBA, as I did while playing.

 

You as the future leaders of tomorrow must follow those principles. Focusing on what you type of an adult you want to become, and having a willingness to work hard to achieve whatever goals you set for yourselves.

 

The span of an average NBA career is four years. That means that everyone must take full advantage of the opportunity when it is presented to them, and build on their “career after the career.”  You should always prepare yourself for the career that you want and a possible career afterwards…

 

I was one of those guys who, according to the odd makers, weren’t supposed to make it because of my size. That’ something I’ve heard from my elementary school days. Then again, even if I was 6’8 and could play both guard and forward, a knee injury or some other mishap could have ended my career. But, against all odds I went on to become a 12 year veteran NBA Ball Player and becoming a Slam Dunk Champion. I began early on working with my business advisers on charting a productive life after my playing days ended.

 

Many of my friends believe that all I do is spend all day kicking back with the money I made and playing golf. It is true that I am fortunate to have made a very good living while playing with the Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timber wolves, Sacramento Kings and the Orlando Magic, but when those big paychecks are no longer available, that means you have to watch your money more carefully and allow it to work for you. That’s where strong work ethics, comes in.