My whole career, I've been an underdog, I've been underestimated. Therefore, I've had a chip on my shoulder my entire career. Being drafted in the second round when you think you're supposed to be in the first round, a lottery pick, the chip grows bigger. And you have more to prove.
Interpretation
Being underestimated can drive you to prove others wrong and achieve more.
Malcolm Brogdon's quote reflects on the experience of being considered an underdog in one’s career, a situation that fuels determination and ambition. He describes how being drafted in a lower round than expected instilled in him a desire to prove his worth, highlighting the motivation that arises from facing doubt and adversity.
In practice
During a motivational speech to students about resilience in the face of challenges.
I was lucky I had a mom who had seen it all. From seeing my grandfather march in the Civil Rights era, she understood the depth, character, and stability you need to go through racism. She taught me not to accept it to but deal with it and be better than it.
I think, as a rookie, what guys need to be judged on most coming in the league is feel. Not skill, not shooting, not stats, not even passing, but that feel for the game, the ability to read situations and make the right play.
For me, personally, I feel like that's my duty while I'm on this earth is to serve others and use my blessing to bless others. If I'm not doing that, I feel like I'm not serving my purpose. That's my goal, that's my passion, and that's what I intend to do for the rest of my life.
Things aren't always going to go your way. You wake up one day, and things are rough. But then you wake up the next day, and things are going great.
Bad habits are easy and discipline is hard-and “easy” is where people gravitate. A good work ethic requires a painstaking daily effort. Easy typically leads to a life long list of problems but the discipline of having a plan leads to an extraordinary rewarding life. In the long run, the easy way makes life harder and the harder way makes life easier.
When I was 14, I would sit up in my room and write till my eyes would bleed.
To expect defeat is nine-tenths of defeat itself. [It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is best to plan for all eventualities then believe in success, and only cross the failure bridge if you come to it!]
I admire a lot of people, but in terms of sport I've always loved the mentality of Tiger Woods on a golf course. I always love his eyes when he's setting himself and focusing on his decision; he has a really strong, focused face and believes that he can make the shot.
Every day that you don't practice is one day longer before you achieve greatness
It is called working your ass off. The difference is what you are willing to sacrifice. For every writer who wants balance in their life, there is a guy like me who gives up a lot to make their dreams come true. There is always going to be someone out there that knows they have to compensate for maybe having less talent with harder work and preparation.
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