🧭 Growth Doesn't Happen Overnight

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Growth Doesn’t Happen Overnight: Jalen Brunson

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was a 2nd round pick who was told he was too small, too slow, and not talented enough for the NBA. He had been told that all of his life.

Today, he’s an NBA All-Star about to lead the New York Knicks to a top 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

How did he do it?

His journey began when he was younger, but his story today starts in 2015 when he joined Villanova.

Before he got on campus, he had a 3-year plan: The plan was to graduate, win a national championship, and go to the NBA.

So how did he do it?

1.  Jalen had an unwavering support system - From an early age, Brunson was bolstered by a strong support system. Jalen said, “I trust my father. I trust my parents because everything they have said has come true.” His father, a former NBA journeyman, provided Jalen with the tools and knowledge to succeed. He was said to have given Jalen “the answers to the test," but Jalen was the one who needed to put in the work. Jalen’s mother emphasized the importance of education, pushing him to complete his degree. The 3-year plan was a family decision, not just Jalen’s. This foundation of support and high expectations from his family not only built his skills, but also his confidence.

2. Hard Work, Discipline, and Focus - Villanova Assistant Coach Mike Nardi said, “If there’s one thing about Jalen it is he will not be denied.” Brunson is the model of the power of hard work, discipline, and focus. He sacrificed sneaker camps and national exposure to stay at school during the summers to get his degree in 3 years. Jay Wright said, “I’ve never seen anyone graduate Villanova in 3 years (let alone a player who won National Player of the Year).” Despite setbacks or criticisms regarding his physical stature or athletic prowess, he maintained rigorous training and preparation routines. His discipline in both practice and personal habits demonstrates how consistent effort and focus can turn potential into excellence.

3. Setting Goals with a Plan - Jalen said, “Setting goals is the first part of it, you have to set goals.” He wrote down a plan when he came into college and wrote down his goals every single year. His junior year, he wrote down his goals on his dorm wall: to win a national championship, to win a Big East championship, to be Big East Player of the Year, and to be National Player of the Year. Setting such precise goals helped him maintain focus and drive, pushing him to work harder and smarter. He exemplifies how clearly defined goals can serve as crucial motivators.

4. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome - Jalen said, “You can’t focus on the end result, you gotta focus on that process. Focus on that journey.” He may have goals, but one of the key elements of Brunson’s philosophy is focusing on the process rather than getting fixated on the outcome. His first 2 years, he wasn’t the star of the team. He had to defer, which was a new role for him, but he got through by focusing on the team, his daily tasks, and just getting better. He controlled what he could control and focused on growth. This process-oriented approach ensured that he was continually progressing, regardless of the immediate results.

So what can you learn from this and how can you make this actionable in your life?

1. Accept that it might be simple, but it isn’t easy - The concept of his dad “giving him the answers to the test” came back to me multiple times in researching this story. In life, the answer may be simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you want to lose weight, you know what you need to do: eat less and exercise more. We all know the answers, but you have to take action and create change. It comes down to not what you say, but what you are willing to do.

2. Remember that growth is journey - Growth doesn’t happen overnight. People see the results today, but it’s the standard you created years ago that created change. This story only talks about his college days, but he has used these principles dating back to his middle and high school years. People see success today, but they don’t see all the work, sacrifice, determination, and “failures” that it took to get there.

3. Set goals and high standards for yourself - Set goals and write them down. There is something about your mind seeing them every day and rewriting them that helps wire them into your brain. Have a high standard and dream for what you want to accomplish. Then set up a support system to help you when you face challenges. Sometimes we just need to dream more - it’s that simple.

Source 1: Jalen Brunson: Champion & Scholar's Road to the NBA

Source 2: Inside Villanova Basketball with Jay Wright: Jalen Brunson

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