Basketball United
Chris Paul might be 40 and is still a star in basketball. Every morning, he's waking up and juggling family life and mindfulness, along with the kind of quirky rituals that only the elite manage to master. Watching him lead an entire team seems almost effortless, but there is a process to his magic.
The day begins by kicking off the Day with Rhythm and Family
Each day begins at Paul's home at 6:15 a.m. Paul and his wife help prepare the kids for school, but CP3 also makes time for himself. He gets into a warm shower, listening to Earth, Wind & Fire's "On Your Face" playing in the background. The song isn't just music—it's a family heirloom, passed down from his father. The lyrics, "the way you feel shows on your face," stay with him long after and help him set a positive outlook for the day ahead.
Paul's love for music goes beyond a morning motivational song. There's always a music player in the bathroom. He even tells his wife, "You can do anything around the house. Just let me control the music." It's not just a lighthearted joke—it actually sets the mood for his entire day.
Finding Zen: Steam, Silence, and Focus
At the gyms in Los Angeles, Paul always began his workout with a 10–15 minute session in the steam room. There were no phones, no distractions. It was just breathing and a quiet mind. He describes it as a moving meditation, similar to the peace he experiences in long showers.
Screens are monitored at home too. Paul and his wife call the kids' gadgets "machines" and keep them put away during the week. Even dinnertime has a rule: all phones go in the middle of the table. It's about genuine connection and making sure their kids grow up with real interactions instead of endless scrolling. "Come Friday, the kids look forward to getting their machines back," he admits, laughing.
"A lot of my best thinking happens when I'm away from a screen, just breathing and letting my mind wander."
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Superstitions and Symbols: The Rule of Three
Family identity means the world to him. Paul, his dad, and his brother all share the name C.P.—he's CP3, sporting the number 3 as a badge of pride. When at home or when leaving for a game or trip, he has a three-kiss routine with his kids and wife. It's easy to picture the quick pecks, each time a kind of secret handshake. Every time they say goodbye, the same routine is followed.
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- After the national anthem, Paul drinks three sips of water.
- On the hardwood near the court, he jumps three times.
- He bumps his back on the basket stanchion three times before tip-off.
- Standing on the slantboard three times, he answers "Warm it up, Chris!" from his trainer.
If he misses any step? "I get nervous," he confesses. These superstitions provide comfort amid chaos and help him focus. And for a man likely headed to the Hall of Fame, the Chris Paul routine clearly works.
Lessons from the Living Legend
Chris Paul's strategies aren't complicated, but they're deeply personal. From morning showers and old-school tunes to family rituals and screen-free meals, he keeps things real and grounded. Even at 40, these habits keep him sharp and ready to compete with the best of the best.
Sometimes, after reading about CP3's NBA practice routines before games, I'm left wondering how we might all benefit by adopting some of these practices in our own lives. Routine doesn't have to be rigid—it can offer stability that helps unlock our potential, no matter the game we play.
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