Prominent NBA basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander frequently offers insights into his style of play. Making decisions on the court based on competence and confidence is one of his main tenets. Instead of pushing himself into positions where he feels less secure, he places an emphasis on selecting shots that fit his skill set.

Consider yourself at a shooting range with a variety of targets varying in size, shape, and distance. Although you're most proficient at hitting round targets up close, you can also hit smaller, farther-off square targets. You would probably have a low success rate if someone told you to hit the square target far away each time. Instead, you can develop a solid track record and increase your confidence by concentrating on the shots you know you can make on a regular basis.

Gilgeous-Alexander's philosophy encourages players to learn and improve on their weaknesses at their own pace while remaining loyal to their strengths. This strategy not only keeps performance high but also avoids the frustration that comes from continuously pushing oneself beyond one's comfort zone, which can produce subpar outcomes.

Players like Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrate how concentrating on one's own strengths and making small, steady progress is essential for long-term success by staying true to what works for them. This way of thinking applies to many other areas where consistent performance and ongoing development are valued, not just basketball.