The Last Dribble: Why Sports Talk Might Just Save Your Career Transition

So there I was, on my way to pick up groceries and half-listening to the TED Radio Hour when I heard a completely new-to-me phrase that I now LOVE. It was Kate Fagan (sports journalist & Ted presenter) talking about basketball metaphors.  

I instantly thought about all of you out there on the verge of a big transition.  

I’m not particularly proud of this, but I’m a "sports-adjacent" person. Like, I know just enough to not embarrass myself (often) at parties but couldn't tell you who's in the playoffs unless my family suddenly cares.  Not that I don’t cry every time we all stand for the national anthem at a game…because I do.  But do I understand offsides…ever?  Absolutely not.  Am I confused about which goal or net is ours?  Probably.  🙄

Well, turns out I've been absorbing the wisdom of athletics all along, just through the language.

Fagan shared this gorgeous story about her dad who taught her basketball and would always say, "Make your last dribble the hardest." Initially just practical advice—pound that final bounce so the ball rises perfectly into your shooting motion (🤯!)—but it evolved into a life philosophy.

"It was really helpful off the basketball court," she explained, "because if I'm going to do something different, like, leave a job... you've got to propel yourself into the next motion, whatever that is."

Sound familiar? As you freshen up your linked in profile or box up your desk tchotchkes - maybe you are wondering if this change makes sense?  

What if instead of chasing that question down a rabbit hole you asked yourself - how can this last dribble really count?  Maybe that’s what you need.  Not the air slowly letting out of your balloon but a confident, intentional final bounce that launches you upward into whatever comes next.

I love how she added, "Maybe sometimes you don't know exactly where it's taking you, but you want some sort of forward energy." 

So often the future is full of uncertainty–in fact, we can never be entirely sure where we’re landing next.  But we know we need momentum.  

So what's your favorite sports metaphor for the season you are in? Are you "switching positions" to play to your strengths? "Calling an audible" because the original game plan just isn't working anymore? Or maybe you're "moving the ball down the field" - taking time to celebrate incremental progress? Perhaps you're "taking a timeout" to reassess your strategy before making your next move?

Reply back and let me know - I’d love to compile a list of our most beloved sports metaphors. And remember—make that last dribble thunderous.  Let it propel you forward into the next motion, whatever it is.  

Love you tons,

Marijke Ocean