Black Mamba, Kob-Me, Employee #8, Mr 81, Kobe Wan Kenobi, KB8, KB-24, Neo, Ocho, The Dagger, and many more
26th January 2020, a dark day in the history of sports, the world lost one of the greatest athletes of all time, Kobe Bean Bryant. KB8 though, was gifted; if you know about his strong ethics, he has worked hard to be and achieve greatness through hard work and perseverance. His death caused mass hysteria across the world and his fans were deeply saddened. He left a great impact, apart from being a great athlete, he was a great human being too.
However, he didn’t reach his greatness easily and worked hard over the years to achieve what he did in his lifetime.
Focus your destination: Per Kobe Wan Kenobi, everything he did either on the court or off the court was with a single objective that he wanted to be the greatest at his art. If you have that only goal, the universe aligns and shares the only target with you to drive everything around you to make it happen
His work ethics: He didn't compromise a single day to divert from his goals. He focussed on his strengths and weakness and worked upon them to ensure he can work towards his goal
Understand your limitations: The Dagger understood his weakness like his vertical jump was not compared to some of the greatest, his palm was not that big, and he wasn't the fastest on the court. So he had to understand the game, study the game in detail, get more skilled combined with the basics of basketball to define his success.
Getting into the zone: Neo mentions across his interviews and in his book that whenever he entered the court, there was a mental switch that allowed him to get focussed on the game. It was almost like a 'Switch' once turned on; it made him feel like a live wire.
Emotional strength: We are very self-conscious and the worst critics of ourselves. Kob-Me recommends we all get over ourselves, and it is not just about us.
Consult the best in the game: Nothing to be shy to consult who are celebrated in their field. Ask on how did that, and what made them succeed in the game they played and what are the key learnings from their careers. He referred to the great as "Goat Mountains."
Relationship with near and dear ones: KB8 understood to achieve greatness; he had to give up or lose something on the way. For him, his goal was to be the best in what he endeavors in the game. He didn't take breaks to take time off with his family or near and dear ones. The reason for that, when he retires, he doesn't need to repent that could have put more time into what he could have achieved greatness. The people around him understood his path and let him be what he wanted to be. Great learning, communicate, and discuss your passion and ensure the individuals around you know 'why' and 'what' you are doing.
Your Customers are essential: For Black Mamba, his fans who have paid money to come and watch him. They expected him to be in his best shape and also not get intimated with any of the opponents even if he is not fit. Come what may, he always put his 'A' game for the fans.
A coach: Once KB8 retired, he started working with folks, to enable and get the best out of them. He is creating a platform for the folks to understand and deliver their best
Parenting advice: During the game against the Golden State Warriors, where they had a close game, the Black Mamba is called to take a shot. Just before the shot, the Achilles happened. He stood up, made the free throws, and walked back to get the surgery done. In the locker room, his kids waited for him, and his message to them was, 'I would be all right'. His word to all of us that we shouldn't get defined by this one incident. I am going to be in control and ensure that I come out of it.
Wow, just wow, and his passing was a big set back to the entire world. I haven't watched him play much, but the more now I understand his past, the biggest fan I have become. To 'Black Mamba'...
If you want to read more about his life, I would personally recommend the book: