For Tola Ogunlewe, the only thing that’s certain is that at some point, things will change. Whether it’s this year, next year, or a decade down the line, something will shift the course of your life. Whether or not you’re prepared for that change can make all the difference in how successful and satisfied you are once it happens. This week, Ogunlewe talks about transitioning in and out of sports and shares his thoughts on preparing for the future to find fulfillment both on and off the court.
It’s important to understand how the game works, he says. That means coming to terms with the fact that you may play for 20 or 25 years, but probably won’t play professionally for 40 or 50. What will you do after? What skills do you have to put to work once your time as a player is up? It’s a mental exercise to start while you’re still in the game. When you reach the professional level, everyone you’re competing with used to be the best in their hometowns. What sets you apart from them? What makes you unique? Learning to see what you bring to the table is a valuable lesson that will put you on the path to reaching your fullest potential, no matter what the future has in store.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand the long arc of the game
- Prepare for changes before they happen
- Built mental fortitude
- Think beyond the talent
- Identify the qualities that make you stand out