Not quite a year later [in time] but a full NBA cycle later, I can finally breathe and have taken the start of off season to reflect back on my first season – my rookie year. We wrapped up our playoff push at the end of April and the last 3 weeks have been occupied by a ton of walks by the lake and Paw Patrol with my little. It has taken me all 3 weeks so get back to a sense of normalcy after a very intense 10 month journey.
I know social media can make everything look like a dream, but it has been a journey (to say the least). I can honestly say that every single day was different. There were a lot of days I didn’t know what to expect, or even what questions to ask…and frankly I operated in survival mode most days. I don’t even think I realized it until about 8 months in. In just the first 3 months of the job I was “remote” and met the team in various training grounds, then I navigated moving my family across the border, lived in the Covid madness of not one by TWO countries [that had very different rules], worked through my own personal setbacks while trying to gain and maintain my professional prowess. Add in the travel schedule, and yeah…this past season took everything I had to offer – I’m not too proud to say that because even though it didn’t feel like my BEST, I know that my 80% might be someone else’s 100%. I pride myself on being available, working my butt off, and delivering results. Some days I felt like I was a duck in water…I looked cool, but I was paddling like hell underneath just to stay afloat. I have never felt as spent as I did at the end of the season, but after some time to rest and recharge, I wanted to share a few lessons I learned or re-learned this year:
- I learned how to lose. I had to constantly reframe and remember to look to the bigger picture, make adjustments and move on. The season is 82 games. We had our streaks as a team, and in true alighnment, I had my own personal ups and down.
- Relationships are EVERYTHING. You can be boundaried and still create meaningful relationships
- Call the baby ugly. Sometimes you have to call things what they are. Not everyone will love the approach, but everyone will respect the principle. I don’t always do things conventionally and often say things very bluntly. It’s never out of spite and part of being on of a team is understanding ALL of your teammates.
- Optional is OPTIONAL. Give people the onus to make their own decisions without and underlying motives.
- Schedules are only as accurate as the moment they are sent out. Be adaptable. Be flexible.
- Be a smile [and/or a hug]. You never know how your energy affects others.
- Mid day naps keep you functional. This schedule is not for the faint of heart. Find what works for you. No one cares about your well being more than you do.
- Mind the business that pays you. When you worry about what is happening in your lane, you kill unnecessary stress and drama in its tracks.
- Slow and steady is an acceptable speed. Be resilient and find a way to win.
- I learned all the travel hacks…and quick. I posted all about this in 💎 #13!
One thing I was told about midway through the season, by one of my closest advocates in the organization, was that how I fulfilled my obligations in year 2 would look nothing like how I did them in year 1. I didn’t fully understand then, but I now know I am better equipped, have a better understanding, and can finally provide my own structural foundation to stand on, that I honestly didn’t have in year 1.
Rookie season, it’s been nice. Year ✌🏽, I’m coming for you and my wheels are spinning. The world better get ready for the fire I’m about to bring.