As we enter Day 2 of 365, the inspiring journey of Austin Reaves, the third-year guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, provides a compelling playbook for leaders, high performers, and anyone striving for excellence in 2025.

During the NBA Christmas Day games, Reaves delivered a stellar performance—clinching the game-winning layup and recording a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a thrilling 115–113 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

What makes Reaves' story remarkable isn’t just his performance on the court but the journey that led him there. He wasn’t a top draft pick or a highly touted prospect. In fact, he went undrafted in 2021 and had to earn his place through a two-way contract with the Lakers. Every step of his NBA journey has been a testament to resilience, preparation, and seizing the moment.

In his post-game interview on Christmas Day, an emotional Reaves shared remarks that were both timely and timeless:

"I’m not supposed to be in this position… I got lucky, put my foot in the door, and took advantage of an opportunity."

This sentiment offers profound lessons for anyone looking to elevate their mindset and performance in the year ahead.

The Power of Being Present

Reaves’ success is a reminder to focus on the present moment—the here and now. It’s easy to be swept up by lofty resolutions or long-term goals at the start of a new year. But real transformation happens when we stack good days together—building consistent habits, prioritizing well-being, and taking action over talk.

Ask yourself:

Seizing Opportunities, Not Waiting for Perfection

Reaves’ journey also teaches us that opportunities rarely come perfectly packaged. Many of us fall into the trap of waiting for ideal circumstances to act. But as leaders and high performers, we know that action breeds greater clarity and momentum.

Reaves didn’t wait for guarantees—he made the most of what he had, turning his two-way contract into an opportunity to shine on one of the NBA’s biggest stages with one of the league's most historic franchises.

Building Systems, Not Just Setting Goals

This time of year is often filled with "New Year, New Me" messaging. While it’s inspiring, it can also lead to burnout if it isn’t grounded in a sustainable approach. Reaves’ story underscores the importance of building systems, not just setting goals.

Consider these actionable steps:

Reaves’ story didn’t end with his Christmas Day heroics. Just three days later, he recorded a career-high 16 assists in a win over the Sacramento Kings. It’s not enough to seize one opportunity—we have to keep showing up, performing, and finding ways to add value.

As we embark on 2025, let Reaves’ journey inspire us to seize the opportunities in front of us, no matter how small or unexpected they may seem. Let’s focus our energy on the present, committing to sustainable progress, and letting our actions do the talking.

This year, the question isn’t whether opportunities will come—it’s whether you’ll be ready to take advantage of them when they do.

The answer lies in what you do today.

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