Resting the Kickstand: Deion Sanders on Balancing Ambition and Presence

Remember the days when bike riding was our passport to adventure? We pedaled everywhere, reaching our destinations with determination and freedom. Upon arrival, we’d put down the kickstand to steady and secure our bikes. Without a reliable kickstand, a bike would topple, never staying in one place and often risking damage. That simple kickstand grounded our bikes, offering stability.

Recently, with rumors swirling around college football about potential head coaching openings, Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders was asked about his interest in other positions. True to form, Deion responded with characteristic candor:

"I’m happy where I am, man. I’m good. I got a kickstand down. . . . It means I’m resting. I’m good. I’m happy. I’m excited. I’m enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here. Truly do. Next question.”

With his kickstand analogy, Deion quashed the speculation. His metaphor painted a vivid picture for everyone in attendance. The idea of the stand being down carried a powerful and clear message, delivered with stunning simplicity.

Deion’s words conveyed a deeper truth: he was fully present. At its core, "being where your kickstand rests" means focusing on the here and now, rather than being distracted by past regrets or anxieties about the future. It encourages individuals to engage deeply with their surroundings and experiences, fostering mental clarity and emotional stability.

Deion, a highly competitive individual, hasn’t lost his drive by putting his kickstand down. A bike with its kickstand lowered can still move forward. Being present doesn’t mean turning off ambition—it means harmonizing ambition with mindfulness.

Balancing ambition with presence requires embracing present-minded ambition—directing current actions to contribute meaningfully to long-term goals without becoming consumed by the future. It means staying engaged with the journey, not just the destination.

This mindset also reshapes how we approach relationships. By avoiding the trap of instrumentalizing connections—seeing them purely as tools for future gains—we build genuine, lifelong bonds. Prioritizing authentic connections and finding joy in the present moment leads to greater fulfillment. After all, true productivity stems more from the quality of present relationships than from potential future achievements.

When we put the kickstand down, we focus on daily actions aligned with our main work, staying proactive in areas where we can make a positive impact. Concentrating on what we can control now, rather than worrying about uncertain outcomes, deepens our connection to the present and fosters a healthier work-life balance.

Being present doesn’t mean silencing ambition; rather, it quiets distractions, enabling us to focus on the task at hand. Life’s journey may require us to move to a new place or pursue a new endeavor—no one can predict the future. But for now, with the kickstand down, we find stability and clarity.

And in that moment, we are grounded, fully living in the only time that truly matters: the present.

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