What LeBron’s $1.5M Investment Teaches Us About Growth ??

How are you investing?

?? Reading Time: 4 Minutes

TL;DR

- LeBron James invests $1.5M annually in his body to stay at the top of his game — a lesson in the power of intentional investment.

- For knowledge workers, your brain is your ultimate performance tool. Strategic investments in skills, habits, and tools fuel long-term growth.

- Use LeBron-inspired strategies — like consistent effort, expert support, and playing the long game — to make 2025 your year of focused, meaningful growth.        

I read a mind-blowing stat the other day.

Lebron James reportedly spends more than $1.5 million every year on his body. That includes a personal chef, IVs, red light therapy, and more.

At 40 years old, LeBron is still playing at an elite level in a league dominated by younger athletes. He’s won 4 NBA championships, 4 league MVPs, and has been an NBA All-Star 21 times.

His net worth is $1.2 billion.

No doubt, Lebron was born with physical gifts. But there are plenty of gifted athletes who fail to reach their peak or fade out early.

Lebron, meanwhile, holds the record for most minutes played in the NBA (along with an almost absurd list of accolades).

And his secret to staying at the top is clear: relentless investment.

Which got me thinking:

What if we approached our mental growth and performance the way Lebron approaches his physical body?

Here are some thoughts. ??

Your Brain: The Ultimate Performance Tool

LeBron’s body is his ticket to success — and he invests in it accordingly.

For knowledge workers like us, the calculus is a little different. Success isn’t about muscles or endurance. It’s about what’s happening between our ears.

Your brain is the ultimate performance tool. It enables you to learn new skills, adapt to change, solve complex problems, and stay creative under pressure. Whether you’re leading a team, building a product, or planning your next career move, everything comes back to how well your brain is functioning.

And yet, how often do we think about investing in it?

For many of us, the answer is “not enough.”

We expect our minds to help us generate innovative ideas, pivot into new industries, or even launch new businesses. But just like LeBron’s body, your brain needs intentional investment if you want to stay sharp and perform at your best.

Of course, this doesn’t mean spending $1.5 million. It’s not about a plug-and-play formula.

It’s about figuring out your version of optimal investment — the time, energy, and resources that will fuel your growth.

What’s your version of peak performance?

Lessons from Lebron

LeBron James doesn’t just throw money at his body — he invests in it strategically. A quick look at his approach offers powerful lessons for how we can invest in our growth as knowledge workers.

Let’s take a look.

1. Prioritize recovery as much as effort

• LeBron's Approach: Red light therapy, IV treatments, and recovery sessions are staples of his routine. He understands that rest is critical for sustained performance.
• Your Move: Build recovery into your schedule. That might mean blocking time for reflection, practicing mindfulness, or simply unplugging to avoid burnout. Growth requires balance.

2. Invest consistently, not sporadically

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Happy learning!

-Stephen