In a piece titled “Letter to My Younger Self” that was published on The Player’s Tribune , Bryant touched on how spoiling his family and friends with gifts held them back and didn’t allow them to grow as people.
“Purely giving material things to your siblings and friends may appear to be the right decision,” Bryant wrote. “You love them, and they were always there for you growing up, so it’s only right that they should share in your success and all that comes with it. So you buy them a car, a big house, pay all of their bills. You want them to live a beautiful, comfortable life, right?”
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According to Bryant, the indulgence resulted in years of “hurt and pain” and him having to cut back on splurging on those around him. It was a “selfish” need to please and feel appreciated that drove him to shower his family and friends with gifts, not the fact that those people were truly in need.
He also addressed his strained relationship with his parents, where he indicated he should have never given them a financial role in his career.
“Before you sign that first contract, figure out the right budget for your parents — one that will allow them to live beautifully while also growing your business and setting people up for long-term success,” Bryant wrote. “That way, your children’s kids and their kids will be able to invest in their own futures when the time comes.”
