Not Making the Team Doesn’t Define Your Worth: Lessons from My 6 G-League Tryouts.

We all face moments in life where our efforts don’t pan out the way we envisioned. For me, that moment has happened six times. That’s right—I tried out for the NBA G-League six times, and I didn’t make it each and every time. If I’m being real, the sting of rejection hit hard, especially the first few times. But what I learned from those experiences has had a lasting impact, and today I want to share those lessons with you.

Redefining Failure

Here’s the thing about failure: it doesn’t define you. When I first stepped onto the court for my G-League tryouts, I carried high expectations. Not making the cut left me feeling defeated, and I initially saw those tryouts as “failures.” But over time, I began to view them as opportunities for growth. With every tryout, I gained a deeper understanding of my game, my mindset, and my overall approach to life.

Failure isn’t a dead-end—it’s a detour. Each setback gave me the insight to reflect, adjust, and come back stronger the next time. The key is to look at what you’ve learned, not what you’ve lost.

The Power of Persistence

Let’s talk about persistence. Trying out for something six times after failing to make it five is no small feat. There were days when I questioned my path. “Should I keep going?” “What’s wrong with me that I can’t make the cut?” But each time, I dusted myself off and got back to work. Why? Because I knew that persistence would take me farther than any single tryout ever could.

Every time I stepped onto that court, I gained more than just feedback from the coaches. I gained mental toughness, resilience, and a deeper connection with my true self. I realized that my value wasn’t tied to whether or not I made the team—it was tied to how I responded when things didn’t go my way.

The Lessons Are in the Journey

Here’s what I’ve learned through my six G-League tryouts:

1. Patience is a virtue: Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Each tryout taught me that improvement comes from consistent effort, not instant success.
2. Feedback is a gift: After every tryout, I walked away with specific feedback. Sure, some of it was hard to swallow, but I used it as fuel for my next attempt. What feedback are you receiving in your life, and how can you use it to become better?
3. You control your narrative: You decide how you interpret failure. For me, not making the team no longer meant I wasn’t good enough. It simply meant I wasn’t ready yet. Changing that perspective helped me keep moving forward.
4. Self-worth isn’t tied to outcome: I realized early on that whether I made the G-League or not, I was still valuable. Your worth isn’t defined by whether you hit a particular goal or make a certain team. It’s defined by your character, your attitude, and your ability to persevere through tough times.

Moving Beyond the Tryouts

While I never made the G-League, those experiences have shaped me into a better player, coach, and person. Each tryout was an opportunity to fine-tune my skills, deepen my resolve, and learn more about who I am and what I stand for.

If you didn’t make the team, the cut, or the promotion—guess what? That doesn’t reflect your worth. It’s simply a moment, and moments pass. What matters is how you choose to use the experience to grow. Your journey is about more than a single setback. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and understanding that your worth is far greater than any external validation.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re trying out for a basketball team, applying for a new job, or pushing toward a personal goal, remember this: your worth is not defined by the outcome. You are more than your successes and failures.

Don’t let a “no” stop you. Let it propel you forward with more determination, insight, and drive. Rejections aren’t the end—they’re just part of the process that shapes you into the person you’re meant to be. And trust me, that person is worth more than any tryout result.

Stay resilient, stay persistent, and remember: you’re worthy, whether you make the cut or not.

Jeffery D. Johnson Founder & CEO | NASM Certified Trainer | Youth Development Specialist | Basketball Enthusiast

#resilience #basketball #selfworth #leadership #growth