I was watching LeBron James after he scored his 50,000th career point against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 4th.
Hitting 50,000 points is almost impossible. To put that in context, Michael Jordan—widely considered the greatest by many—finished his career with 32,292 points.
In the post-game interview, Lebron was asked, “How are you doing this at such a high level, at this stage of your career?”
Lebron is 40. And he still plays the game with the enthusiasm of an 18-year-old.
LeBron’s answer made me realize something very important. He said:
“I just take care of my body, put the work in, and stay true to the game. I’ve had the opportunity to play the game I love, and I’ve always been true to it. So I want to always give back.”
Stay true to the game
That made me stop and think about it. LeBron understands that he was given a unique opportunity to play the game at his level.
Now, does he love the game because he’s good at it or did his love for the game make him good?
I think it’s the latter.
It made me think about my own life.
I’m so grateful for the fact that I have the opportunity to write. And I’m not even talking about making a living as a writer.
Just this opportunity to share my thoughts with you. And that you’re reading it.
That’s my game. My opportunity. My calling.
I get to write for a living. That’s a privilege.
Hearing LeBron talk about staying true to the game made me realize that’s my job too. Stay true to writing.
What’s your game?
But this isn’t just about me. This is about you too.
What’s your game? What’s the thing you’d do for free, just because you love it?
That’s your purpose.
It doesn’t have to be flashy. It doesn’t have to impress anyone. It just has to matter to you.
Maybe it’s teaching. Maybe it’s building a business. Maybe it’s painting, investing, coaching, creating, learning, or raising your kids.
The problem? Most of us don’t stay true to our game.
We get distracted. We compare ourselves to others. We chase opportunities that look good on the outside but feel empty inside.
We forget what really matters.
There is no “something better”
Here’s the truth: there’s no magical “better thing” waiting for you. The grass isn’t greener somewhere else.
There’s only your game; the thing that lights you up, even when it’s hard.
LeBron found his game. And after 22 seasons, 50,000 points, and 41 Player of the Month awards, he’s still true to it.
That’s the real secret to his success. Talent matters. Work ethic matters. But purpose? That’s what keeps you going.
Don’t know your purpose? Try this.
For most of my life, I also didn’t know what my purpose was. I think I started realizing it after 5 or 6 years of writing. I’ve been doing this a decade now.
It takes time. No matter how smart you are, there are often things about your life that are hiding in plain sight.
Try the following to help figure things out for yourself.
- Identify your game. Write it down. Get clear. What’s the thing you can’t stop thinking about?
- Make a commitment. Decide right now to stay true to it — even when it’s boring, hard, or inconvenient.
- Act today. Spend at least 30 minutes today moving your game forward.
Don’t make it complicated. What’s the first thing that came up? Maybe something you’re afraid to admit because it might seem impossible. Just say it!
That’s how you build a life that actually means something.
LeBron’s legacy isn’t just stats. It’s his commitment to the game.
Do the same with your life.
Stay true to your game. And you’ll stay true to yourself.
