Anytime is a good time to work on and better yourself, but the new year is the popular time to make changes that improve life. With 2025 just hours away, here is a collection of NBA-inspired thoughts and resolutions to keep in mind as you enter a new season of your life.
Be yourself
The world has never seen a basketball player like Victor Wembanyama. His physical attributes are extraterrestrial and his skills are otherworldly in their own right. He is special because he is truly unique, a one-of-one person, and he won’t change for anybody. There is so much power in being unapologetically yourself and sticking to the things that make you you. In 2025, be the Wemby of your family, school, job, or basketball team. Channel the combination of talents you have that no one else does and you will shine.
Be well-rounded
Gone is the age of specialists in the NBA. Players need to be good at multiple things to succeed. The Boston Celtics dominated the league in 2023-24 because they had no holes. All of their players, especially superstar Jayson Tatum, embody what it means to be versatile. In life, you can dominate like the Celtics if you expand your game. Try new things. Hone multiple skills. If you’re good at many things, you’ll be valuable in any situation.
Add by subtracting
When Paul George left the Clippers for the 76ers last summer, Norman Powell described the move as “addition by subtraction”. He got some flack for the statement, but he’s come out backing up what he said this season by playing career-best basketball and helping keep the Clippers firmly in playoff contention. This year, find the obstacles blocking you from being great and get rid of them. Whether it’s fake friends, lack of motivation, or a bad coach, subtract the negativity from your life and become the star you know you can be.
Bet on yourself
One of the greatest undrafted players the sport has seen, Fred VanVleet has gotten to where he is today under the guidance of his mantra: bet on yourself. In 2025, bet on your success and double down. Take chances and risks with the belief that things will work out. Apply to your dream school. Ask that person for their number. Start that new blog. If you believe in anyone on earth, make sure it’s you!
Find voices of guidance
The young Spurs have overperformed this season, and a big reason why has been the steady veteran presence and leadership provided by future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul and NBA champion Harrison Barnes. As a young person, it’s invaluable to have a role model or two who you can go to for advice and knowledge when you need it. Even when you’re older, you still need to have people whose wisdom and opinions you trust surrounding you. Having positive voices who can show you the ropes and help guide you through the ins and outs of life will help you reach new heights.
Work hard at everything you do
Everyone knows the story of the improbable rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Once a gangly awkward teenager starting life in a new country, the Greek Freak ascended to NBA legend status by grinding nonstop and never giving up. In 2025, put your best effort into everything you do. Strive for excellence with every school assignment, blog post, or drill at practice. You can’t be great if you don’t put in the work!
Smile more!
Did you know that it’s psychologically true that if you fake a smile, you will eventually start to feel happy? It’s no fun being sad, and life is infinitely better if you can find joy in anything you do. Approach every day with the same positive, room-enlightening attitude that Boban Marjanovic brings to the basketball court. When you do, you’ll find that everything is better.
Feel free to share your own resolutions for 2025 with @finleykuehl on X. Happy New Year, Bench Mob fans.
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