" There’s an old adage of, ‘This is what I do, it’s not who I am.’ There is a line that gets blurry at times because you sometimes become your work, or you sometimes put so much into your work that you can’t separate from it. It swallows you up. It really happens during the season and it’s a difficult line to manage. "
- Brad Stevens

The first sentence suggests that one's job or profession does not define their identity; rather, it is a part of who they are but separate from their core self. The speaker then acknowledges that this separation between work and personal life can become blurred at times when an individual becomes deeply immersed in their professional responsibilities.

This quote delves into the complex relationship between one's career and personal identity. When someone dedicates a significant portion of their time and energy to their job, they might start to feel as though their profession is intertwined with their sense of self. This can lead to feelings of being "swallowed up" by work, where it becomes challenging to maintain boundaries between professional life and personal well-being. The quote highlights the difficulty in managing this balance, especially during demanding periods like a work season or peak activity times.

Brad Stevens is the source of this insightful quote. He has had extensive experience as both an NCAA basketball coach and later as the president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, showcasing his expertise and understanding of leadership roles that often blur professional boundaries.