632 Jay Williams: Life is Not an Accident

Apr 25, 2018

Jay Williams, a former NBA player turned ESPN analyst, shares his incredible journey of resilience after a life-altering motorcycle accident. He dives deep into the challenges of identity loss, battling depression, and overcoming addiction. Jay emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, teaching conscious awareness to his child, and creating a personal advisory board for accountability. His reflections on fame, relationships, and the urgency of connection highlight the deliberate choices he's made in redefining success and greatness in life.

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ANECDOTE

Ego, A Motorcycle, And A Life Pivot

Jay Williams rode a new Yamaha R6 out of ego and lost control, crashing at 70 mph and suffering life-changing injuries.
He says that crash was the day his true life and self-discovery began.

INSIGHT

Trauma As The Start Of Identity Work

The accident forced Jay into depression, addiction, and repeated surgeries but also began his psychological awakening.
He reframed the trauma as the start of his life's real lessons and growth.

ANECDOTE

Rock Bottom, Addiction, And Public Pity

Jay attempted suicide twice during his recovery while battling chronic pain, surgeries, and loss of identity.
He also experienced public pity that kept him stuck in his former self-image.

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“WHAT HAPPEN IF I WERE TO LIVE MY LIFE WITH NO EXCUSE?”
When I was injured as a pro athlete I felt I had really lost myself. I felt like my identity was stripped away from me.
I began comparing myself to my past -- to what I could have been. I doubted my entire future.
Chances are you’ve been through something similar. Maybe it was the loss of a job. Maybe you lost someone you depended on emotionally.
I eventually came to a realization. I could continue down this self destructive path, feeling like a helpless victim in a cruel world, or I could take my destiny into my own hands.
In the end, I decided to have faith that maybe this happened for a greater cause. I felt like maybe I was meant for something else. Something more important.
On this episode of The School of Greatness, I had the chance to sit down with someone who knows a lot about having to reinvent themselves: Jay Williams.
If you aren’t familiar with Jay Williams, he’s a former NBA pro. He came from a home that was surrounded by abusive relationships. When he was drafted at a young age, he didn’t know how to handle the fame and money.
His ego got in the way, and he ended up in a motorcycle accident and put his career on hold.
After a long recovery and massive amounts of physical therapy, he wound up back on the court only to suffer from injuries again. And again.
He came to the same cross road: either stay a victim and fall into a life of extreme hardship or take it as a sign he was meant for something else.
Today, Jay Williams is a television personality, motivational speaker, and successful businessman.
He says that his life, the parts that he values the most, started after his accident.
Hear all about his inspirational journey and why it's worth it to believe life happens for a reason, on Episode 632.
Some Questions I Ask:
What would make this the most powerful interview you’ve ever done? (5:40)
What’s your biggest vulnerability? (7:24)
Is there anything you’re still suppressing? (12:38)
How did your father handle working for you? (16:04)
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your father? (18:47)
You felt like there was less of a team in the pro league? (24:04)
Did you get back on the court for a little bit? (29:12)
What was it like when everyone felt entitled to your money? (48:32)
Why couldn’t you have a conversation with your fiance about everything that was going on? (56:09)
Have you ever tried to facilitate communication between your parents? (1:01:28)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
The beginnings of his family (6:23)
The one lesson Jay would teach his future child (11:11)
The abuse he witnessed as a child (14:53)
His relationship with his father today (16:55)
Jay’s motorcycle accident (21:28)
How the people around him influenced his change (27:28)
What an advisory board is (40:07)
Why some people can’t escape their past identities (48:56)
How he was able to successfully shift his career (52:10)
What he wishes his dad would say to him that he hasn’t (58:32)
How he is going to manage his busy schedule and his family life (1:04:08)

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