NBA Trades, Career Growth, and the Power of Intentionality
The big recent NBA trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers was a shocker. Two all-NBA players—Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis—swapped cities in a transaction that shook the sports world.
And some of the reasoning for moving Luka was…interesting…to say the least. His former team was very concerned about his conditioning, to the point that they shipped him off.
One of the guys on his new team, LeBron James, is known for his conditioning program. To the point where he spends more than $1 million a year keeping his body in optimal shape. And it pays off—he continues to compete at a high level as he hits 40.
Whether LeBron’s workout ethic will rub off on Luka remains to be seen. What has always impressed me about LeBron is his intentionality.
Here’s my question for you: How intentional are you with your career plan?
Many, many of us don’t have a million dollars to devote to growing our careers. That doesn’t mean we can’t be intentional about the next steps we take in our career journeys.
Here’s what I want you to know: A great career for you doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by choice. Every professional, no matter their industry, faces the same question: How will I succeed? The answer lies in discipline, intentionality, and continuous growth.
The Blueprint for Long-Term Success
Think about elite athletes like LeBron. He invests in himself—his body, his mind—every day, helping him maintain peak performance. And that same principle applies to your career. Here are a few ways you can take charge of your own professional growth:
Commit to Lifelong Learning: The world is changing fast, and staying relevant requires constant skill-building. Read industry trends, take courses, and seek mentorship and coaching. One of the biggest career pitfalls is assuming that your current knowledge will always be enough. The most successful professionals are always looking to learn and grow.
Develop Strong Habits: How do you build on your success? Consistency, consistency, consistency. Carve out some time for reflection, planning, and personal development. Those three ingredients will help you create a strong foundation for growth. Small, daily actions compound over time. Setting clear goals and tracking progress is a key component of intentional career success.
Surround Yourself with the Right People: They say that we are the average of the five people we spend time with. Every great player needs to be surrounded by a solid team. Make sure that you are benefitting from networking with the right peers, the right mentors, and the right thought leaders. Are the people in your circle encouraging your growth? Or are they holding you back?
Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being: This is so important, and sadly overlooked. Your longevity in your career depends on you taking good care of your physical and mental wellness. Burnout is a real thing, everybody. The better boundaries you set, and the more self-care you do, will help you keep burnout at bay. A well-rested, mentally sharp professional will always outperform one who is running on empty.
Playing the Long Game
Raw talent and ambition might get you ahead, but sustained success and sustained excellence require intention. Luka Doncic’s future in the NBA will depend on more than just his otherworldly skills—his long-term impact on the Lakers and the league will be shaped by his discipline and commitment to his craft.
And the same is true for you. What small, intentional choices are you making today to make sure you thrive five, ten, or even twenty years from now? The key to sustained success isn’t luck—it’s a commitment to continuous improvement. Are you ready to make that commitment to your career—and yourself?
I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career journey. I’ve written a guide on how to escape the work hamster wheel. Click here to download yours.