In Derrick Rose’s autobiography, I’ll Show You, one of the things I was most interested in reading about was how he handled his career-altering injuries. After being the youngest person to ever win the NBA’s MVP award, he tore his ACL during a routine play of a game. His very real shot at an all-time great career was gone.
That extremely unfortunate play weighed heavily on fans. Many of whom personally rooted for Rose not just for his talents but for the fact he played for his hometown Chicago team. But the emotional impact had to have been the worst for Rose himself. Ironically, Rose says his injuries gave him the opportunity to enjoy his life more. He was so fixated on becoming great and winning more accolades, he never stopped to enjoy any of the success he earned up to that point.
“I always looked at it that way. I was holding off on vacays because hopefully one day I’d win a championship. Then I’d kick back.”
“I should have gone out to eat more. I should have gone to brunches. I should have gone to concerts more.”
“All these injuries. It happened to slow me down and give me some time to really enjoy living. I felt like I didn’t enjoy my younger years the way I should have.”
I’ll Show You by Derrick Rose with Sam Smith
Ten years later, the Bulls draft another home grown talent. During his rookie year, he returned to the University of Illinois to have his jersey retired. While he was there, he asked his veteran teammate, DeMar DeRozan, if being there reminded him of his college days. He responded:
“Hell yea, I wish I would have enjoyed college more. You know what I mean? I was so caught up in thinking, like, I’m about to do these six months and go to the league. You know what I mean? I ain’t enjoy it like I should’ve.”
DeMar DeRozan, speaking to Ayo Dosunmu, source: Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose was so focused on winning a championship, he never stopped to appreciate that he had made it to the NBA. DeMar DeRozan was so focused on making the NBA, he didn’t enjoy his college years.
The goals we have today were likely built upon achievements we made yesterday. These quotes from two NBA players are instructive that it’s important to enjoy the success you currently have while still pursuing your goals for the future.