Victor Wembanyama just led the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals. He embodies a central idea in The Growth Equation’s latest book, The Way of Excellence: he is not scared to lay it on the line; he cares deeply; he makes himself vulnerable.
You could see it throughout the entire Western Conference Finals series—in the way he played; in the way he processed victories and defeats; in the way he spoke to the media.
This is the same player who, earlier in the season, took flak for crying following a hard-fought game. His response: “Personally, I refuse to carry the burden of having to hide my emotions.”
So it wasn’t surprising that, following this past weekend’s Game 7 victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Wemby had big feelings. You could sense enormous joy mixed with a massive release. All of this heartfelt effort—the physical blood, sweat, and tears; the emotional and psychic toll—was finally paying off. A huge milestone on an already extraordinary run.
We love it when there are such clear examples of the ideas we write about that break through in the culture. So we thought this would be a good chance to share a direct excerpt from the new book.
Try Hard and Give a Damn
“Caring is cool. You are not going to be the best anything—including the best version of yourself—with an attitude of nonchalance.
The best athletes care deeply. The best artists care deeply. The best leaders care deeply. The best coaches care deeply. The best teachers care deeply. The best doctors care deeply. The best writers care deeply. The best scientists care deeply. The best parents care deeply.
Caring deeply is the cost of admission to a big and textured life.
When you hold yourself back because you fear failure or looking uncool, you sacrifice growth and potential—and mastery and fulfillment and intimacy and love and all the other good stuff in life—for short-term safety and comfort.
It’s a trap. Get over it.
Fear, doubt, and insecurity are all part of human nature. You can either go through the motions and be superficially cool (but actually boring). Or you can step into the arena, lay it on the line, care deeply, make yourself vulnerable, and fully live your one and only life.
The world doesn’t need more mediocrity or going through the motions. The world needs more people putting themselves out there and giving it their all. The world needs more people who have the guts to care.
“Try hard and give a damn.”
Hopefully, Wemby is an inspiration to you. He’s certainly a refreshing character to us. We can’t wait to watch him compete for an NBA championship.
P.S., if you found this resonant, you’ll love The Way of Excellence. It’s a perfect time to read the book. It’s currently 23% off here.
P.p.s., The New York Times/Athletic reached out to Brad for a conversation on Wemby and Caring Deeply. You can read the piece they wrote here.
