“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.”-Kobe Bryant
One of the most remarkable basketball players in the history of the game, Kobe Bryant played in the NBA for more than 20 years. He will continue to live on for the generations to come. You don’t need to be his fan to admire how legendary this basketball sensation was. This man worked all his life to become a great basketball player, a great person and definitely a great father.
As unfortunate and sad as was the death of 41 years old unforgettable Bryant and his 13 years old daughter in a helicopter crash in California on 26th January 2020, we also feel cheated out as we didn’t get a chance to see him approach the second part of his life. He was a brilliant writer, successful CEO, emerging entrepreneur, producer, and most of all, an amazing husband and father.
The “Mamba Man” once said “Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever. One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day. ‘If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear.’ I’ve always loved that quote. That’s ‘mamba mentality’ we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer.”
He believed in Mamba Mentality- putting in extra effort, dedication, perseverance. His Mamba Mentality made him a star outside the court as well and his legacy remains alive beyond the hardwood.
Want to know what made the Mamba Man what he is to the world today?
Then scroll down to know the best of Kobe Bryant! You can use these points to make a change in your life as well!
1. Your Consistency will pay off ultimately!
“I focus on one thing and one thing only – that’s trying to win as many championships as I can.” – Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was known for his hard work and dedication. He practiced while others were resting! He was into his game always, never took a day off, practiced at nights, pushed himself to achieve perfection. Another exceptional quality that formed Bryant’s character was his undivided consistency. He was a laker for 20 years and his lakers number was 24, not all players can stick to one team for that long. His control and mental stamina made him successful come out of the worst of situations. He didn’t leave the ship when tides were high, he believed in sticking with perseverance and moving forward every day.
2. Want something great? MAKE SACRIFICES!
“There’s a choice that we have to make as people…We can all become masters of our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is the inherent sacrifices that come along with that. Being a great friend, son, nephew, there are sacrifices that come along with making that choice.”
– Kobe Bryant
Kobe became an extraordinary player because he knew that great things come to those who are ready to come out of their comfort zone. He has skipped hundreds of night’s sleep for practice, spent hours in the gym just to be the best in his field.
3. Maintain proper Work Ethic.
Kobe was always known for his discipline and unmatched work ethics. He was disciplined for his game, business, writing, and practice. He believed in pushing himself, growing with each day, and improvisation. Since his high school, Bryant would start practicing at 5 in the morning till 7 pm. It was his unmatched focus and passion well blended with a commitment that made him “The Kobe Bryant”.
His words “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” are enough to show Bryant believed in striving hard to get whatever he wanted.
4. Kobe believed in Adapting!
Kobe evolved through his journey in basketball. Starting as a slashing, high flying shooting guard whose dunk had a sense of authority changed to an older Bryant who became agile and swift shooter guard. Do you see the transition of Bryant in his playing style?
His carrier is itself evidence that Bryant could adapt. And that is how one can resonate with the people around him.
Kobe once said: “I’ll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it’s sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.”
So, it is quite clear that consistency, hard work, and mental toughness made Bryant the best basketball player of all time. He always found ways to get better, improvise, and be perfect. He once said, “I’m chasing perfection.” And his non-stop hard work and determination did make him a perfect player in the court and brought in him the best of Kobe Bryant.
Let’s all remember Kobe by adopting his “mamba mentality” and achieve extraordinary things in life.
RIP Kobe Bryant. (1978-2020)