Give yourself a chance. Now, everyone can't play basketball. But

"Give yourself a chance. Now, everyone can't play basketball. But find something you're interested in." These words, spoken by Muggsy Bogues, the legendary basketball player who defied the odds, carry within them a message of empowerment, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one's true potential. Bogues, standing at just 5'3", became one of the most remarkable point guards in the history of the NBA, not because he fit the mold of a typical player, but because he was determined to find his passion and dedicate himself to it, no matter the obstacles. His journey speaks to the core of human perseverance and the truth that the pursuit of greatness is not about conforming to a predetermined path, but about embracing the opportunities that align with our unique gifts.

In the ancient world, great philosophers and thinkers understood that the path to fulfillment lay not in forcing oneself into a role dictated by others, but in the pursuit of something that ignited the soul. The Greek philosopher Socrates taught that knowledge and wisdom come from self-examination and the courage to follow one's curiosity. Socrates famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." What he meant was that each person must take the time to discover their own truth, their own unique purpose, and dedicate themselves to it with all their heart. In this way, the individual is not confined by the roles that society might impose, but liberated to carve their own path, even if it seems unconventional or difficult.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose genius lay not in following a single path, but in his diverse pursuits. Da Vinci, though known primarily as an artist, was deeply interested in anatomy, engineering, and mechanics. His notebooks, filled with sketches and ideas, show a mind unbound by conventional thought, driven by the desire to explore and understand the world in all its facets. Da Vinci’s ability to pursue a wide range of interests—drawing from one passion to fuel another—allowed him to leave a legacy that transcended his time. The lesson here is clear: the pursuit of passion does not need to be confined to a single arena. Just as Leonardo embraced multiple disciplines, so too must we have the courage to explore the things that excite us, even if they seem to differ from the paths laid before us.

In a similar vein, Muggsy Bogues offers us a lesson in the power of self-belief and focus. Born in a world that told him basketball was a game for the tall, the strong, the imposing, Bogues did not fit the typical mold. Yet, rather than succumbing to those limitations, he chose to embrace his size as an asset. He developed unmatched skills, agility, and a keen basketball mind, which allowed him to compete with—and often outplay—players much taller and more physically gifted. His journey teaches us that self-doubt is the greatest enemy we face, and that focus, dedication, and the willingness to try—even when the world tells us we cannot—are the true markers of success.

The challenge, however, lies not just in pursuing a passion but in giving ourselves the chance to do so. In a world that often emphasizes perfection and success from the outset, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of experimentation. Bogues’s advice is a reminder that we must first give ourselves permission to try, to fail, and to try again. The ancient Romans, in their teachings of stoicism, understood that adversity was a natural part of life, and that failure was not an end, but a step toward growth. The stoic Seneca wrote, “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” This wisdom reveals that it is action, not fear, that leads to the discovery of one’s potential.

The lesson here, then, is not to merely accept what life gives us, but to actively engage with it. When we are faced with doubt or uncertainty, we must push through, embracing the challenges that come our way. In doing so, we open up the possibility to discover our strengths and passions. Whether it is a sport like basketball, a pursuit in the arts, or an intellectual challenge, we must give ourselves the chance to explore, to grow, and to find that which excites us. As Bogues so wisely says, "find something you're interested in," for this pursuit is the foundation of a life lived with purpose and joy.

Therefore, let us take Muggsy Bogues' words to heart. The path to greatness is not always about conforming to the expectations of others, but about the courage to follow our own passion, no matter how unconventional it may seem. Let us not be discouraged by what the world tells us we cannot do, but instead, let us dare to try, to find what truly makes our souls come alive. And, in doing so, let us give ourselves the chance to discover not only what we can do, but who we truly are.