I (M21) played football all my life and even committed to play at UConn. I tore my rotator cuff before even getting to UConn and the rest is history.
Recently a buddy of mine hot drafted to play in the NBA. I am beyond happy for him and I couldn’t believe the news. After a while this feeling of disappointment in myself took over. The past 24 hours have been rough on me mentally simply because I feel like I’ve fucked up. I have a beautiful girlfriend, a nice apartment, a paid off car and I have been a firefighter for over a year now and I love it. BUT when he got drafted, I feel like my life is inferior?
The more I write, the dumber I feel but I’m curious if anyone has ever had this feeling?
Comments
You don’t have to be better than other people, you just have to be better than you were yesterday. If you can do that consistently, you’re a success at life.
You celebrate them.
“I have a beautiful girlfriend, a nice apartment, a paid off car and I have been a firefighter for over a year now and I love it.”
Sounds like you’re living the dream yourself. There are a lot of folks who would kill to be in that position. I’m engaged to be married and own a beautiful home, but I’ve got a car payment and I hate my job so you’ve got a few up on me, brother. Have some perspective.
Nope, I’m 5’6″, I never bothered with the dreams.
Lol how exactly did you fuck up? Cause u tore your rotator cuff? How really is that your fault? You listed a bunch of blessings majority of Americans do not have. Be grateful for the stuff you have. Regarding not being drafted – it’s VERY difficult to get drafted and even if you are it’s a dog fight to get even on the bench let alone starting lineup. You don’t know what journey that guy is going to go through. Some don’t even play 2 years and are off to play in the Chinese league. Not that I’m wishing bad on him, I’m just saying its a different path with immense pressure and media on you 24/7. You sound like you have a peaceful life . If youre still passionate about football / basketball, you def can still be around it by either coaching junior teams / podcasts / graphic design / small media channel on YouTube etc…do anything to scratch that itch but never think you’re a fuck up. You’ve accomplished a lot and you can also say you tried…that’s better than regret
I’ve found that the more i try to avoid or change uncomfortable feelings, the more intense those feelings become. It’s when I acknowledge those feelings and accept them that the feelings lessen.
I’d say what you’re feeling is normal. You loved sports, got injured and now you’re sad you’re not playing. Makes sense. Just think to yourself “I’m sad because I’m not playing sports” and accept it. Don’t fight it, dont avoid it. Then move on. Dont be the next uncle Rico from Napolean Dynamite.
Same boat. I ran track in college and many of the guys I ran with went on to compete on the Olympic stage, a few played football also an went got drafted to play in the NFL, and I ended up back home working in a machine shop.
It’s normal to occasionally feel like that.
As long as you don’t let it take over, you’ll be fine.
I just tell myself that all I will ever amount to is a failure and someone that is there for people to use for their happiness and to achieve their goals, can never be disappointed that way. And if things start going well, find a way to sabotage it and get back to where I previously was. Gotta know your place and know your role.
For a 21M you’re doing AWESOME! What have you got to prove? You haven’t missed anything. Your buddy might play football for years and make millions just to get TBI induced dementia and depression like most nfl players in their late 40s. You’re a hero firefighter dude! We need a lot more guys like you than guys like him.
Someone needs to be the rich guy, someone needs to be the poor guy.
Some one needs to be hot, someone needs to be ugly.
Someone needs to be a celebrity, someone needs to be a nobody.
We all have a part in this world, we need to play our part.
Acceptance is key to figuring it out.
Comparison is the thief of joy. No need to Compare yourself to him because you have plenty to be happy about in your life. Happiness isn’t about having what you want but appreciating what you have. Plus CTE is no joke and I don’t envy any professional football players personally.
Comparison is the thief of joy
You are still more fortunate than maybe over 95% of the world’s population. Count your blessings.