#31: On Luck and Gratitude

Randomness, luck, life

“You’re lucky!”

(Spurred by a great conversation with some fellow teammates)

When our new teammate Nehemiah (Nemo) Mote was asked about making a huge momentum-changing play he made against us in our rivalry match last season, he was humble in reflecting on it and called it “lucky.” While the luck of any single play in volleyball is debatable, it prompted a further conversation about luck and the role it plays in all of our lives. 

Nemo and I just before had spoken a bit about the path of his career, and was also humble about the amount of strength, grit, and resilience he has shown in overcoming innumerable obstacles along the way: difficult situations, devastating injuries, chronic pain, recently the unique challenges of quarantine in Australia, having to work landscaping or odd jobs just to get by while waiting on a contract...just to name a few challenges. So when I heard him say he was lucky, I was reminded of a Peter Dinklage anecdote that has stuck with me: 

When talking with the Times, Dinklage initially said, “I feel really lucky.” But then he reflected on his choice of words and added:

Although I hate that word—“lucky.” It cheapens a lot of hard work. Living in Brooklyn in an apartment without any heat and paying for dinner at the bodega with dimes—I don’t think I felt myself lucky back then. Doing plays for 50 bucks and trying to be true to myself as an artist and turning down commercials where they wanted a leprechaun. Saying I was lucky negates the hard work I put in and spits on that guy who’s freezing his ass off back in Brooklyn. So I won’t say I’m lucky. I’m fortunate enough to find or attract very talented people. For some reason I found them, and they found me.

Our professional choice to play volleyball (or become an actor) is a risk. I would consider it entrepreneurial, with the same difficult start-up problems (and relatively low percentage of long-term “success”). There is a big spectrum, but professional players who are not on their national team's top roster might start their careers netting $500-$1000/month or less. From there, you have to grind, “get lucky,” and find or attract good people, good situations, or good opportunities where you can work and hopefully show your play, your work-ethic, your character, perform, and GET RESULTS...and hopefully that leads to more good opportunities.*** 

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On Gratitude

Still, one can stay grateful. Because there is still an incredible amount of randomness in life and in volleyball.

Last week we played a promotional kick-off match to start the season. It was AMAZING to have fans in the gym again. When I walked into the arena I saw a fellow competitor sitting in the stands, Karli Allik. A guy who last season took an opportunity to grind and show himself in the Bundesliga— had a great season, was clutch against us in a key match, fought his way onto his Estonian national team and got a better club team contract. Unfortunately, just weeks ago he took an unlucky landing and tore his ACL. A guy with character who got hit with some bad luck and has to sit in the stands for awhile. All the best for your recovery, Karli.  

The practice before the match I took an unlucky landing and…sprained my ankle. It was the same ankle that kept me out 3+ months in my first professional season in Switzerland.

Luckily, it was just a grade 1 sprain with some minor pain and swelling. Tape me up and I’m ready to go.

Then I got to compete, enjoy, and win the Supercup with my team.

Certainly not all are so lucky. 

***After University, I was lucky to attract my agent, Chiara Castagnetti, who helped guide my professional career and put me in situations where my character and hard work had the chance to show themselves. And where I was surrounded by other great people who helped me in so many ways on my path of becoming the best player and person I can be.