Whether you’re building a business, working toward a promotion, learning a new skill, or working on your fitness, modeling the behaviour of someone already successful will help you get there faster.
There is no name more legendary in sports than Michael Jordan. Interest in the greatest basketball player of all time experienced a resurgence with the release of the documentary The Last Dance. In this documentary, we got a deeper understanding of the mindset that propelled Jordan into legendary status.
While becoming a professional NBA player may not be on top of your bucket list, there is so much to learn from Michael Jordan that we can apply to our lives.
Make things happen.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” Michael Jordan
There was nothing Michael Jordan wanted more than to win.
We can take Jordan’s determination and apply it to our own lives by deciding to take on all of our tasks with as much integrity and dedication as possible. Make it a habit to do things properly and you’ll find that others will support you on your path to success.
Don't fear failure.
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan
It’s difficult to imagine the most successful people in the world ever failing… yet failure is the one thing that successful people across every arena have in common.
It’s through our mistakes that we learn the lessons needed to find the right path.
Michael Jordan’s early career was filled with failure. The first time he got to the NBA playoffs, his team didn’t make it past the first round. The next years were also filled with defeats.
Failure makes people want to give up - but this wasn’t the case with Jordan. His defeats made him want to be better.
Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from even trying in the first place. Fear is likely the oldest human emotion, brought on by survival instinct to protect us from predators, starvation and harsh environments. If we can master our mind enough to recognize the feelings of fear and be aware that there is no actual imminent danger, we can open ourselves to the potential of success. Then we can go forward.
We’d never know how far we may go unless we try.
Envision your greatness.
“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” Michael Jordan
While self-belief may be framed as arrogance, Michael Jordan knew that cultivating confidence and faith in himself was essential to becoming the greatest of all time.
Michael Jordan believed he was the best, committing early on to the idea that he would be the win against all his competitors. He refused to settle for anything less, and his determination, attitude and self-belief fuelled a legendary work ethic that truly made him the best.
Envision the greatest version of yourself. What are you proud of? How do you spend your days? How can you become that person bit by bit, starting today?
Train for the Basketball Court
Do you enjoy playing basketball, either in a recreational league or just for fun at the park? Here are the 10 best exercises for you.
Lateral Lunge:
This exercise opens up the muscles of the groin and hips - helpful for the defensive shuffling motion standard in basketball.
Glute Bridge
Doing this exercise regularly will ensure proper firing and muscle recruitment patterns of the glutes, which are vital for explosive movements like jumping.
In Photo: Better Body Competition Barbell, Better Body Competition Weight Plates, Competition Barbell and Plates BundleRomanian Deadlift
Jumping higher comes from the ability to hinge from the hips - rather than jumping from the knees. The RDL builds your strength in the posterior chain - ie your hamstrings, glutes and back.
Alternating Dumbbell Press This lift improves the full extension of your lats and back while strengthening shoulder stability.
Goblet Squat
Build more power in your lower body with the Goblet Squat.
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We hope this article inspires you to see the best in yourself and work toward being the greatest you can be.
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