February 26

I almost died when I was a sophomore in high school. I caught a freak infection in my back that essentially paralyzed me from the waist down. I was in the hospital for a month and lost 53 pounds, leaving me weighing 131 pounds at six foot three. I was told I might not walk the same again and definitely wouldn’t play basketball again, my real love at the time. After months of therapy, I did walk, and I did play basketball, and in my senior year, I got to play in the Ohio North/South all-star game after a full recovery to health.

A few years ago, they were tearing down my old high school gym, and my father was able to get a cutout of the floor—the top of the key, which was my favorite place to take shots. It’s now in my home office to remind me that however low things get, there’s always a path through.

For most of my life, I’ve been wired toovercome, which means that I function best when there is an obstacle in my way or doubters telling me I can’t do something. This chunk of wood reminds me every day that I can and will overcome.

When you accomplish something meaningful, keep visual reminders of it around. They will help you keep your mind straight when things are uncertain and difficult.

Keep items around that remind you of who you are and where you come from.

What visual reminder can you create or keep in your environment to remind you of who you are and what you’re capable of?