Going to the Portland Trail Blazers, who actually took the time to invest in me, was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to me in my career. I got to a small market where I could focus on basketball, basketball, basketball. No distractions.
Interpretation
Investing in oneself and focusing on one's passion can lead to significant success.
Clyde Drexler emphasizes the importance of finding the right environment to nurture one's talent. By choosing to play for the Portland Trail Blazers, he was able to dedicate himself fully to basketball without outside distractions, which ultimately contributed to his success in his career.
In practice
In a motivational speech about finding the right opportunities, I would use this quote to highlight the importance of supportive environments.
Growing up, people will tell you that you have a better chance to become an astronaut than becoming an NBA player. So when you finally get to the NBA, you've beat the odds. So when you put on that jersey, everything else is downhill.
All I wanted was to be big, to be in show business and to travel ... and that's what I've been doing all my life.
I learned at a young age to dribble with both hands, and that allows me to be more creative when I go against bigger and stronger opponents.
If you want to protect yourself as an actor, always work with good people
Opportunity is latent in the very foundation of human society. Opportunity is everywhere about us. But the preparation to seize upon the opportunity, and to make the most of it, is to be made by every one for himself ... he will be self-made or never made.
Arsene Wenger asked me to have a trial with Arsenal when I was 17. I turned it down. Zlatan doesn't do auditions
The bold enterprises are the successful ones. Take counsel of hopes rather than of fears to win in this business.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.