Devon’s Wake-Up Call

Story of The Week

Devon was the guy everyone loved—fun, easygoing, and naturally talented. On the court or field, he could outplay almost anyone without breaking a sweat. But that was the problem: he never broke a sweat. Coaches could see it—Devon had no urgency, no drive, no switch to turn it on when it mattered. While others pushed themselves, he coasted, his talent carrying him just far enough.

At 14, one of his teachers decided to set him straight. After practice, the teacher pulled Devon aside and said, “Listen, Devon, this isn’t just about sports. It’s about life. Everyone loves being chill, but you can’t stay that way all the time. There’s a time for business, and a time to relax. If you keep this attitude, it’s not just sports you’ll fail at—it’s life. No boss wants someone who floats by. They want someone who works hard, leads, and achieves. You need to learn to flip the switch. You’re wasting your potential.”

The words hit Devon like a punch to the gut. He’d never had anyone spell it out so bluntly. That night, he made a decision: he’d change. On the field, he outworked everyone. In the classroom, he turned up his focus. Coaches started to notice a different Devon—not the talented kid who didn’t care, but the hard-working leader they wanted on their team.

By university, Devon was a basketball MVP. But what meant more was when his coach said, “Devon’s the hardest-working player I’ve coached in 10 years.” That switch didn’t just change his game—it set him up for life.

Are you coasting like Devon was? Do you have the switch, or are you stuck in neutral?

Stat of the week

The sporting goods industry is a global giant. Here are some financial statistics:

In 2023, the global sports equipment market revenue exceeded $160 billion.

Golfers in North America spend over $6 billion USD annually on clubs, balls, apparel, and accessories.

The athletic footwear market generates $70 billion USD annually, with iconic brands like Nike and Adidas leading the charge.

The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% from 2022 to 2030, reaching approximately $625.4 billion by 2032.