Ambition – J.P. Pressley

I’m Choosing To Step Away From Basketball

September 22, 2018 No Comments

True story.

This year, for the first time since I was eligible back in elementary school, I won’t be playing organized basketball. And this isn’t because of some eligibility requirement or a gruesome injury.

Academically, I’m cruising. Physically, even with my asthma, I’m in one of the best conditions I’ve ever been in. Mentally, I’m tight. Shoot, I’m even growing spiritually.

I’m not ending my basketball career a month before the start of my final collegiate season because of a shortcoming in any of these areas. There’s no reason I can’t continue my college basketball career. But I’m choosing not to.

The opportunity cost is simply too high.

The Serious

The Process: Truly Understanding That Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day

August 23, 2018 No Comments

We’ve all heard the saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day. But a lot of us, myself included, often act like it was.

In some shape or form, we all desire to be or attain something we hold to be

The New Adult, The Serious

I’m Loading…

July 20, 2018 No Comments

I’m loading. Have been for a while. In fact, I’ve been processing since this last spring semester, working my behind off in the background so that the image that eventually appears is as clear, crisp, and sharp as can be. Without getting into specifics, I’ve been learning a lot throughout it all; enough to know that it’s time for me to hit the refresh button.

The Serious

Don’t Be Dead Before You Die

December 5, 2017 No Comments

Okay, I’m still trying to shake a mild concussion I got this past weekend so this post is going to be short (even more so than usual). I just want to remind you about one thing: don’t be dead before you die.

Confused? Don’t be. All I mean is that

The New Adult

Week 13 – Sometimes You Just Need A Break

November 18, 2017 No Comments

Sometimes you just need a break. Previously I’ve written about taking a Sabbath, but sometimes you need to take a break in addition to that. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The New Adult

Week 12 – Pick and Choose

November 11, 2017 No Comments

[The theme song for this blog post is “The Choice Is Yours” by Black Sheep. Yeah, this blog post has a theme song. I’m changing it up. The revolution will be televised.]

Over the last month and a half, things have gotten a bit hectic. Between midterms, basketball, creative writing, my business, this website, and a plethora of other things, I simply haven’t been able to do everything which as much vigor as I would prefer. I’ve had to pick and choose what activities I give precedence to, what I let my thoughts dwell on, and when and how long I fulfill other personal and external commitments. This is an important thing to master, because it’s applicable to every walk of life; regardless of age and background.

The New Adult

Week 3 – The Best Years

September 9, 2017 No Comments

Many people tell me college was the best four years of their life. And many high schoolers tell me that they just can’t wait for college; largely because they hear older people say it was the best time of their lives, and the Instagram feeds of their older friends often seem to back up this claim. Now I’m enjoying college, as are most of my peers, but having my college years be the best years of my life? I think that’s downright stupid.

The Serious

How Will You Be Remembered?

September 5, 2017 No Comments

How will you be remembered? When it’s all said and done, what are the things people will remember about you? What will your legacy be? What do you want your legacy to be?

The Serious

Ambition vs. Contentment: The Fine Balance

August 1, 2017 No Comments

If you follow the NBA even casually, you’ve probably heard of Kyrie Irving’s request to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers. And, perhaps more importantly, you’ve also probably heard the vastly different responses of various commentators, players, and coaches. Some say that Kyrie is out of his mind for wanting to leave a team that’s gone to the NBA Finals the past three seasons (and are highly favored to do so again this year), others say that he’s making a smart move due to his fervent ambition to be the face of a franchise, and still others say that if he’s not satisfied with his vital role on the Cavaliers then he’ll never be satisfied. All of these are valid points, but it begs a question that I believe many people wrestle with: what’s the right balance between ambition and contentment?