Establishing Post Career Routines and Purpose

I bought my first house at 27. It wasn't a mansion, just a nice suburban home in a neighborhood I once spent 45 minutes vomiting up MD 20/20s during a “rich kid’s party” in high school. But this house, my dream house, held a significance that went beyond its walls.

I wasn't there for the closing. Instead, I was halfway across the world in New Zealand, chasing my basketball dreams. While my half-furnished home sat mostly idle, I spent the following three years concluding my average to above average professional basketball career.

When my career finally came to an end, that empty building became more than just a house,it was finally my home. At first it was bliss. No pressure to workout six hours a day, no living day to day with a suitcase by the door, ready to travel abroad on a minute's notice. I enjoyed the time spent reconnecting with friends and family, the many leisurely rounds of golf, and living with absolutely no routine.

As the novelty wore off however, reality set in..I was not an NBA superstar with loads of endorsements and an endless bank account. I was an overseas professional basketball player, and the financial security I once took for granted, no longer existed.

I dealt with a rollercoaster of emotions…a relief from the constant pressure to be elite, sadness at leaving behind a lifestyle I had grown accustomed to, and uncertainty about what the future held. I knew I needed to regain control of my life and establish a sense of routine and purpose again.

This led to the biggest question I faced yet, now what? For so long, my identity had been tied to my abilities on the court. I was now faced with the task of reinventing myself outside of basketball. It was a process that required some soul-searching, self-reflection, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone.

I wandered aimlessly for several years, not really sure what to do next. I initially went with familiarity, gravitating towards teaching, a career that mirrored that of my parents and offered some sense of comfort and stability. Unfortunately, teaching never really felt like the right fit.

I realized I never actually addressed my own goals and dreams. I went from no routine, to a routine I didn’t love. I needed to establish a post-career routine that provided purpose..?

First step was to build up my network. I started reaching out to former teammates and coaches for guidance and advice. This built up my support system which was crucial in helping me navigate the challenges of starting over and finding my place in the professional world.

I also had to come to terms with the fact that while I had Napoleon Dynamite level of skills, it would not directly translate to a new career. My time as a professional athlete had equipped me with intangibles like discipline, a strong work ethic and teamwork, I had to be open to exploring new opportunities and learning new skills.?

One of the most important lessons I learned during this period was the importance of maintaining adaptability. Like my life as an athlete, life after athletics may not always go according to plan. I needed to stay flexible and open to new possibilities, but also able to handle rejection and stay motivated, which was a skill I retained from my somewhat up and down basketball journey.?

Creating a structured daily routine became essential in navigating this transition. While I spent most days scouring LinkedIn and trying to build up my personal value proposition, I also set aside time for physical and personal growth, making sure I had a healthy balance between work and play. I also spent time exploring new interests outside of basketball in an attempt to broaden my horizons. Key takeaway, pickleball is fucking awesome!

While the road was not always easy, this experience taught me valuable lessons about routine. What should be added to your routine and what needs to be scrapped. Through this process I have learned how important aligning my routine with my passions and aspirations can provide much needed direction in my life. It was a life changing experience that shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.