On JJ Redick Not Giving a F***

     The past week, NBA analyst and podcaster JJ Redick was named the head coach of the Los Angeles  Lakers. While Mr. Redick had a long NBA career and was a well regarded analyst, he had no previous head coaching experience. Moreover, Redick had both a business relationship and friendship w/ Lakers star Lebron James. Because of both of those things, that was the perception among some that Redick was not ready for this job and was only getting the position because of his personal relationship w/ James. During his introductory press conference, Redick was asked which perception that he was most looking forward to dispelling. Redick, very politely, validated the question, and then responded "I don't give a f***".

Instantly, his response became a meme-used by teenagers everywhere. While predictable, this consequence ignores the real wisdom behind Redick's comment. This is wisdom from which we can all learn. Redick was not trying to be flip or be dismissive of a reporter simply trying to do her job. His point was that he is not going to waste energy on other people's perceptions. Working w/ kids, you try to continually reinforce to them that the only person who they can control is themselves. It's not possible to control other's perceptions, of us so it's a waste of energy trying to change them. Rather, we should focus our energy on things that we can control.

This was Redick's point. And this is, hopefully, what kids (and all of us) can take his comments. The memes are funny, but hopefully the kids can glean the wisdom amidst the vulgarity. After saying that he didn't give a f*** about changing perceptions, he said that he was going to focus on coaching his team, winning championships, and helping his players maximize their careers. It's a great lesson that there will always be those who will criticize us over things that we can't control. As frustrating as that may be, our best response is just to excel in the things we can control. People's perceptions will either change or they won't. As JJ said "I don't give a f***.

(The link for the actual comment by Redick: https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/1805361394512282016 (https://x.com/BleacherReport/status/1805361394512282016))

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