Not in My House: Lessons from Dikembe Mutombo on Resilience and Bouncing Back from Rejection
When you take the elevator to the top, don’t forget to send it back down so someone else can take it up too." — Dikembe Mutombo
Today, the world lost not just a basketball legend, but a symbol of resilience and determination—Dikembe Mutombo. I had a different post all teed up to go, but when I heard about Mutombo’s passing, it felt right to rewrite it with him in mind. Known for his shot-blocking skills, finger wag, and unwavering spirit, Mutombo’s life wasn’t just about basketball. It was about standing tall, literally and figuratively, in the face of adversity. It’s a message that resonates deeply with so many of us navigating challenges in our careers, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Like Mutombo, we face blocks—whether they’re biases, setbacks, or moments of self-doubt—but it's how we respond that defines us.
For those of us navigating the professional world, Mutombo’s legacy offers a reminder of what it means to persist, to block the challenges that come our way, and to never quit—no matter how tough the game gets.
“Not In My House”
If you followed Mutombo’s career, you’ve probably seen the iconic moment: an opponent goes for a shot, Mutombo swats it away, and then comes that signature finger wag—“Not in my house.”
What made Mutombo stand out wasn’t just his talent, but his mindset. Every block was a reminder that setbacks didn’t define him; they were just part of the game. His defense was fierce, but his resilience was even fiercer. No matter how many times an opponent tried to score, Mutombo stood his ground.
Life’s rejections and challenges are like those shots opponents take—unexpected, relentless, sometimes disheartening. Whether it's a job rejection, a missed opportunity, or facing bias in the workplace, these moments can feel like shots to the heart. But in those moments, we can all channel our inner Mutombo and say, “Not in my house.”
The Man Behind the Finger Wag
What many people might not know about Dikembe Mutombo is that his journey to NBA greatness wasn’t always smooth. He didn’t even start playing basketball until he was 17. Seventeen! Imagine that! While others were learning the game from a young age, Mutombo was still finding his footing. That kind of “late start” might have discouraged most people. After all, how many times have you heard someone say, “It’s too late for me,” or “I’m too far behind”? And if I’m being honest, I’ve caught myself saying something similar more than once recently.
But Mutombo didn’t see his late start as a barrier—he saw it as motivation. He worked harder, practiced longer, and refused to give in to the idea that he had missed his chance. It’s a lesson for all of us who feel like we’re playing catch-up in our careers or personal lives: It’s never too late to start, and it’s never too late to get where you’re going.
Rejection Isn’t the End
In life, we get blocked. Maybe not on the basketball court, but in our careers, in our personal goals, or in spaces where we feel we don’t belong. Sometimes, we face bias, doubt, or the kind of quiet rejection that makes you wonder if you should even try again. But if Mutombo’s legacy teaches us anything, it’s that when life blocks our shot, we have two choices: we can walk off, or we can go for the rebound.
Mutombo didn’t quit after a block, and neither should we. He embraced every challenge, turned rejection into fuel, and used every “no” as motivation to get that next “yes.” In our professional journeys, we might feel the weight of bias or the frustration of being passed over. But Mutombo teaches us that resilience is the key to success. It’s not about how many times we get blocked; it’s about how many times we go back and shoot again.
Giving Back and Leaving a Legacy
Mutombo’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. He was a humanitarian, dedicating his life to giving back, especially in his home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His foundation built hospitals, improved healthcare access, and provided hope to countless people.
This part of his life reminds us that success isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about lifting others up, sharing our journey, and creating opportunities for those coming behind us. In your career, you might feel the urge to quit when things get tough, but remember—you’re paving the way for others. Your perseverance isn’t just about your success; it’s about inspiring others to keep going too.
Don’t Quit—Block, Rebound, and Keep Playing
So, how do we honor Mutombo’s legacy in our lives, our work, and our careers? We stay in the game. When rejection hits, we block it with determination. When doubt creeps in, we rebound with resilience. And when we’re tempted to quit, we remember that every block is just a step toward a bigger win.
We keep showing up, pushing through, and doing the work, knowing that every effort we make—no matter how small—gets us closer to our goals. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about personal victory; it’s about making a lasting impact on the world around us.
And as you keep moving forward, just remember…
“wah fi yuh cyaan un fi yuh.”
~ Meisha
