This chapter’s message is directed primarily to my younger readers or those who have some influence over them.
I’ve found two things on my journey through life that will never leave me—my education and my faith. No matter what happens to me, both are always with me. The same may or can be true for you. As a high achiever all my life, I have found myself surrounded by some people who are attracted to me because of the achievements I’ve attained—what I’ve done. They’re the type of people who leave you just as quickly when times are bad. I saw that happen when I was with the Dallas Mavericks, at the apex of my career. When I suffered a career-threatening knee injury, all of a sudden, the so-called friends who used to pal around with me just left. They dropped me like a bad habit because it didn’t look like I was ever going to play in the NBA again. I quickly learned who my true friends were. At that time, I also realized that no matter what happened to me personally or in my career, two things would always be with me: what I had learned and what I believe. One is an actual, physical, tangible experience, and the other is part of your personal and spiritual growth. One you can display symbolically on your wall in the form of a diploma, and the other hangs in your inner being. You can take your diploma off the wall and rip it into shreds, but you’re still educated. Your faith can be shaken to the core, but when you regain your balance, your faith remains. Education and faith never leave. Friends come and go. Family members pass away. Fame and fortune can be temporary. Success can be fleeting. Education and faith, if you have them, will be with you throughout your life.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
