You hit a certain age and it's, are you still motivated to play?

"You hit a certain age and it's, are you still motivated to play? It's the motivation, the drive that kind of leads you, and the body goes, too." – Diana Taurasi

In the course of every individual’s journey, there comes a moment—a reckoning, of sorts—when the fire of youth begins to wane, and the strength of the body begins to fade. Diana Taurasi speaks with the wisdom of one who has seen both the brilliance of youth and the inevitable march of time. The question she poses is simple, yet profound: are you still motivated? Motivation is the essence that drives us forward in life, the unseen force that pushes us through the hours of toil and hardship, that calls us to strive for excellence in our endeavors. But as the body ages, this drive must face the very real limitations of the flesh. The challenge, then, is not just physical endurance, but the strength of the spirit to remain motivated in the face of time’s passing.

In ancient tales, the heroes of old were often celebrated not just for their physical prowess, but for the resolve of their hearts. Consider the story of Achilles, whose strength in battle was unmatched. Yet, as his story unfolded, it was not just his physical prowess that defined him but his motivation—the relentless drive to fight for honor and glory, even when the end of his journey was foretold. Achilles, like Taurasi, had to face the reality that time and death would eventually catch up with him. Yet, it was his will, his fighting spirit, that carried him through the battles of life, even as his body began to betray him. His story teaches us that motivations and drive can carry us further than the strength of the body alone.

Taurasi’s reflection taps into a universal truth: motivation is the heartbeat of any endeavor. In the world of sport, particularly in basketball, the body is the vessel that carries the spirit, but it is the mind and the heart that determine how far the body can go. As the body ages, the question shifts from how much strength can I summon? to how much will I endure?. It is the willpower and the internal fire that determines if one will continue to play, to compete, to strive, even when the body begins to falter. This question of motivation transcends sports and applies to all realms of life. When the external forces of youth and vigor fade, it is the inner drive that must continue to propel us forward.

The ancients knew this truth as well. Socrates, though in his later years, remained a man of immense drive. His body, frail and weathered, was of little consequence in comparison to his insatiable curiosity and commitment to his mission of seeking truth. Despite the limitations of his physical form, Socrates’ motivation to live a life of purpose and inquiry never wavered. His mind was unyielding, and his spirit was indomitable. His life serves as a reminder that true strength is not measured by the body, but by the spirit’s resolve to continue the journey toward something greater than oneself.

Yet, the recognition that the body does eventually fade is an important part of wisdom. The philosopher and the athlete, both, must come to terms with the fact that their bodies will not remain as they once were. King David, the warrior king of Israel, experienced this. In his youth, he slew giants and led armies. But in his later years, his body grew weak, and he was no longer the warrior of his prime. Yet, even in his weakened state, David's faith and resolve remained strong. The story of David teaches us that, even as the body fades, the inner drive—the heart—is what defines a person’s ability to continue their mission, their purpose, and their impact.

The lesson from Taurasi’s words, and from the wisdom of the ancients, is this: strength is not found in the body alone but in the resolve and determination of the spirit. When physical prowess begins to fade, the true test is not whether the body can keep up, but whether the heart and the mind can maintain the same level of drive and motivation. This is the true measure of strength. As we grow older, we must ask ourselves: What motivates me? How can I continue to pursue my goals, my passions, my purposes, even as the body weakens?

In practical terms, the lesson is simple: nourish both the body and the spirit. Understand that the external limitations of age or circumstance do not define you, but rather the internal drive to keep moving, to keep growing, and to keep striving toward what you believe in. Just as Diana Taurasi has made her mark on the basketball court, so too can we leave our legacy in our own fields by never surrendering to the passage of time. Motivation, the will to continue, will outlast the body, and that is what will carry us to the end of the journey, with purpose and dignity intact.