How Bad Do You Want It?
- Deonte Tatum
- Jul 31, 2025
- 1 min read
In the heat of battle, if all things are equal or unequal, it all boils down to one thing: how bad do you want it? Wanting something can be a very healthy thing when it’s connected to your dreams or life visions. Wanting something gets you up in the morning, gets you through hard days, and eventually to your destination.
Let’s face it, difficult times are going to come. Disappointment and failure are bound to happen sometimes. If the thing that you want stays in front of you and in you, you will make it through.
My first serious injury happened when I was 30 years old. I remember getting the surgery and, after the surgery, setting a few goals for myself. Here is my list.
Rehab as hard as I can every day.
Come back stronger and better.
Start dunking again
Learn about my body and why these injuries occurred.
The rehab process took about 9 months. I met all of my goals. I had to make my appointments for 5:30 in the morning so I could get to work on time. I did my at-home program faithfully. My physical therapist was always answering my questions about my body and the exercises he had me doing.
When you want something, there’s no limit to what you will put yourself through to obtain the dream.
That's a great prompt; especially when you're honest with yourself. The truth - we don't always want it as bad as we say we want it. There's levels to this (hard work) and that's okay.