Control What You Can Control

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Last week, after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks, the iconic Inside the NBA crew—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny “The Jet” Smith—offered an emotional farewell to their historic run on TNT. The moment marked the end of an era, as the network’s NBA broadcast rights came to a close after decades of unforgettable coverage.

For years, Inside the NBA wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural cornerstone. With its perfect blend of raw analysis, humor, authenticity, and heartfelt connection, it won 21 Sports Emmy Awards and earned a reputation as one of the greatest studio shows in sports television history.

Starting with the 2025–26 season, the show will move to ESPN and ABC under the NBA’s new 11-year media rights deal. The format and cast are expected to continue—but change, even welcomed change, can still carry a weight of uncertainty.

Longtime host Ernie Johnson has been the show’s steady compass since 1990. His blend of humility, integrity, resilience, and grace has made millions of viewers feel like they knew him personally. Whether he was speaking on basketball or life, Ernie always made you feel seen.

During the farewell, Johnson shared a powerful reflection:

“Things are uncertain right now. It's not like this is it. It's like we had this season and then we don't really know. We have never taken for granted what we get to do here. It's special. Meeting with the fans, signing stuff and taking pictures—that is the best part of taking the show on the road. And you think, wow, is that not going to happen anymore? That is the bittersweet part.”

Then, in classic Ernie Johnson fashion, he gave us a lesson that transcends sports:

“We control what we can control—which in this life is precious little. Control your attitude. Control how hard you work. Control how you treat people. And that’s about it.”

As leaders, coaches, high performers—and simply human beings navigating this game called life—we all wrestle with uncertainty and the fear of change. Whether it’s a shifting industry, an evolving team dynamic, or a personal crossroads, the unknown often feels like a threat to our footing.

But Johnson’s words serve as a grounding reminder: Our power lies not in what we can predict—but in how we respond. Our power lives in the here and now, the present moment—not in yesterday or tomorrow, but where our two feet are.

As we near the midpoint of the year, many of us are grappling with wins and losses, momentum and resistance, joy and grief, clarity and confusion, endings and beginnings. But the invitation in this moment is to return to what is within reach:

• Our effort

• Our attitude

• Our treatment of others

That’s where meaning is forged—even in the messy middle. Life and leadership will always deliver their fair share of ambiguity. But how we show up in those moments is entirely up to us. In the words of Johnson: “We control what we can control.”

We don’t have to lead today. We get to lead today—ourselves and individuals who, just like us, are carrying invisible loads and battles that another person knows absolutely nothing about.

So wherever this message finds you—uncertain, exhausted, hopeful, energetic, in the dark, in the light, or somewhere in between—remember: You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. And right here, in this precious moment, you have the unique opportunity to lead with deeper grace, connection, care, humanity, and intentionality.

With the clarity that comes from letting go of what’s out of your hands, we cultivate the sacred choice to double down on what still is.

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