How do I stay in a constant state of self-development in my fitness and my career, regardless of outside opinions or circumstances I can't control? For me, the answer comes down to one powerful concept: The Gardener Mindset.
“Don't spend your time chasing butterflies. Build a beautiful garden, and if they don't come, you'll still have a beautiful garden."
When I adopt this mindset, my focus shifts completely. I stop looking for quick validation and start building something meaningful that lasts a lifetime.
Playing the Long Game
Waking up every single day able to do what I love is how I want to live my life. In both athletics and business, longevity is my ultimate goal. I want to participate in the activities I love for as long as I have a desire to do so.
Even as I get older and the day comes when I can no longer compete at a high physical level in basketball, the gardener mindset ensures I won't be left behind. By planting seeds today, I position myself to stay connected to the game forever—coaching, mentoring, and giving back to the next generation.
As an Athlete: My goal is to build the discipline and gather the resources to train and compete at the highest level possible for me at any given moment. Whether that means a rec league, semi-pro, or the NBA, my approach never changes: push my mind and body to reach their absolute maximum potential.
As an Educator and Businessman: My intent is to build a system that always provides value, creating a clear pathway to educate and empower others regardless of where I am located. From young kids and recent high school graduates to college students and doctoral candidates, my mission remains the same: lifelong professional development.
The Power of Small Seeds
A huge reason behind my drive to keep planting seeds—even when the odds look stacked against me—comes from my faith in Jesus Christ and understanding the true power of a tiny seed.
As the scriptures remind us:
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
— Matthew 17:20
I have deep respect for those currently holding leadership positions and decision-making roles—they've earned their spot at the table. But I also recognize that life is always moving, roles naturally evolve, and everyone’s journey unfolds on a different timeline. My focus isn't on where someone else is sitting today; it's on staying rooted in faith, honoring my purpose, and knowing that my time to contribute at the highest level is coming.
Focus on What I Can Control
I respect the choices made by the coaches leading our team and the managers running our organizations—they have a job to do. What I focus on are the things within my own hands: planting the seed and watering it daily.
Over time, that consistent watering leads to a real harvest:
As a Gardener: A flourishing crop for personal use or financial gain.
As a Professional: A well-earned promotion or salary increase.
As an Athlete: More playing time and greater creative freedom on the court.
Even if my harvest hasn't bloomed yet, the absolute best option is to keep tending the soil. If a promotion hasn't come my way just yet, I view that extra time as a gift to study, learn from those ahead of me, and sharpen my skills. If I'm sitting on the bench during a big game, I use that time to observe the court and turn any eager energy into fuel for an intense training session right after the buzzer sounds. That way, when my leadership of the professional or basketball organization calls my name, I am fully prepared to step up and perform.
Keep Planting
When we focus on our own habits and mental growth, every season becomes an opportunity to win.
Leaders, coaches, and organizations will continue to evolve—and so will we. Control your own actions, learn from the leaders around you, nurture your goals every single day, and keep developing. The harvest will be abundant.
Until next time, keep planting.
