Your Future, Your Call: Make the Right Move

Let’s be real: everyone loves a round of applause. Who doesn’t enjoy that swell of approval, the kind that makes you feel like the center of the world? But when it comes to making choices that define your path—whether it’s your AAU team, high school, or college—you’ve got to remember something crucial: applause fades, but the effects of your choices linger.

Think about it like this: life isn’t a Broadway show where you’re chasing standing ovations. No, it’s more like the marathon training behind the scenes—the sweat, the hard decisions, the unseen sacrifices. The stuff that makes you who you are, without an audience.

Now, here’s the kicker—making decisions that everyone approves of? It might feel good in the moment. You’re getting pats on the back, high-fives, and people saying, “Good for you!” But that’s fleeting. Eventually, the crowd moves on, and you’re the one left with the aftermath. And trust me, those popular decisions, the ones made to please everyone else? They can come back with a sting. Because, in the end, who’s going to live with those choices? You, and only you.

When you’re choosing an AAU team, there’s a tendency to go where the spotlight is brightest, right? The teams with the flashiest players, the big names. But are they the right fit for your style, your growth? What about your goals? You’re not just looking for a stage here; you’re looking for a place to develop, to build. That’s a whole different ballgame.

Then comes high school, another fork in the road. The school with the big sports reputation might be tempting, especially when everyone else is saying, “That’s where you have to go!” But here’s the question to ask yourself: is it the place where you’ll shine, where you’ll get the support to take your next steps, or are you just getting swept up in someone else’s idea of success?

College? Well, that’s the grand finale, isn’t it? The place where everyone’s waiting to see where you’ll land. But this decision—this isn’t about impressing the crowd at the graduation party or having the family brag at Thanksgiving. This is about choosing a place that’s going to challenge you, push you, and yes, make you work like you’ve never worked before. You’re not looking for a party; you’re looking for purpose. And only you know where you’ll find that.

So, here’s my advice. Make the choice that scares you a little, the one that makes you think, “Am I really doing this?” Choose what feels right for you, not for them. Trust that your instincts—quiet and maybe even a little unpopular—are smarter than any cheer from the crowd.