How to Maximize Every Moment
Big moments rarely happen by accident. What looks like an overnight opportunity is usually built on years of saying yes, showing up, and doing the work when no one is watching. Long before doors open and attention follows, there are days of preparation that do not get noticed. There are small decisions to stay with the work even when results are not clear. It is easy to focus on the moment when things finally come together, but the real story is often in the steady work that made that moment possible.
Many people think success is about who you know or being in the right place at the right time. Those things matter, but they are not the whole story. Opportunity often meets people who are already moving, already serving, and already building something with purpose. They are not waiting for a chance to appear. They are getting ready for it.
Growth does not come from chasing attention. It comes from choosing work that matters, building real relationships, and staying committed to the process. Over time, those choices shape both the work and the person doing it. And when new doors open, it is not because of luck, but because the groundwork has already been laid.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of three unforgettable days in San Francisco with HBCU Endzone and sharing the lessons that stayed with me long after the trip ended. This Super Bowl postgame reflection goes beyond the game and into meaningful conversations with students, a powerful sit-down with NAMI CEO Daniel Gillison Jr., and a moving talk with Hall of Famer Harry Carson about men’s health and prostate cancer. Along the way, I share why purpose will always matter more than hype and how real impact is built through follow-through, collaboration, and genuine connection. If you’ve ever wondered how a single conversation can open the door to something bigger, this episode is for you.
“Some people will hover around the green room for the opportunity to get a selfie, when the true meat and potatoes are being served in the main auditorium.” – Dr. Derrick Burgess
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:26) Welcome to TimeOut with the SportsDr. Podcast
(00:01:21) How HBCU Endzone opened doors and why mission matters
(00:04:19) Feeling out of place and choosing the path less traveled
(00:05:34) Why real connections matter more than selfies
(00:06:39) The danger of chasing access instead of value
(00:07:00) What football taught about fighting life’s hardest battles
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(00:14:10) The power of being poured into by a mentor
(00:13:53) Using events to serve a bigger cause
(00:15:14) How NAMI supports families and young people with mental illness
(00:16:32) The value of access
(00:18:11) Why real connections matter more than quick meetups
(00:18:47) Tip #1: Follow-up as the difference-maker
(00:19:18) Tip #2: Acting on the conversation, not just having it
(00:20:21) Tip #3: Adding value by connecting people
(00:21:28) Follow-through turns contacts into opportunities
Key Takeaways:
“I connected with some amazing people who are really making moves behind the scenes that for me is really more important than being able to get a selfie with somebody for just a second to say that I met them.”
“When someone’s able to sit down and really just speak life over your vision… what you’re doing is meaningful, what you’re doing is impactful.”
“I feel that the power of collaboration is even stronger than being able to just try to do things on your own.”
“When you’re able to help others, that makes it easier for you to be a part of other organizations as well.”
“My main tip for you would be to follow through, make that connection.”
Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:
Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243
Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com
Other Links: https://www.hbcuendzone.org/about
This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.
