5 things I've learnt from Kobe Bryant
As a lover of the game of basketball, today came the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s passing from a helicopter accident. As I found myself in a daze throughout the day after hearing the news of his passing, I can’t help but to recollect the past many seasons watching him play basketball. I remember the last game of Kobe Bryant. I remember watching the buzzer beaters that he took boldly and fearlessly. These were not just ordinary games of basketball, but games he took up the challenge to get a win. In this article, even if you are not a Kobe fan, there are just so many lessons every human can learn from this star.
You are blessed to be a blessing
I can’t help but wonder how this man, living thousands of miles away, managed to inspire me through his passion for the game of basketball, and most importantly through his life. In view of remembering his legacy, here’s my attempt to honor him.
Here are 5 things I’ve learnt from the legend:
1. You put your heart into what you love.
- I believe where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. I can see your love for the game whereupon you place your heart.
- You dedicated yourself to the game of basketball; through your passion for the game, you’ve inspired many others to better themselves as well.
In spite of the incident, I am just so grateful that Kobe left an animated film to share the story that gotten him into basketball and to display the grit and drive he has to achieve whatever he wants. Presenting to you: Dear Basketball
You asked for my hussle, but I gave you my heart
2. You do not follow the trend. You set it.
- You stood and live by your own yardstick
- You tore your achilles and yet you chose to independently walk back onto court to take those freethrows before you took a rest. It shows grit and will.
- You walk the talk. What was done matched what was spoken.
- You set the example on work ethics way beyond what the culture demands of you.
- Here’s an article about his Work Ethics. It’s one of the key ingredient of the mamba mentality.
I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. No matter what the injury – unless it’s completely debilitating – I’m going to be the same player I’ve always been. I’ll figure it out. I’ll make some tweaks, some changes, but I’m still coming.
To honor him and that amazing work ethic, this video truly shows the kind of man and character he has. One that looks forward above the doubts and current circumstances. He is a man of faith!
3. Life is bigger than basketball.
- It is about building up the next generation!
- Settling ourselves as role model for the next generation of basketball players.
- Kobe Bryant opens Mamba Sports Academy for young athletes. link
4. You celebrate your teammate’s success, even if you are pegged against it.
- Lebron James passing Kobe Bryant for NBA’s all-time scoring list.
- Prior to his accident, he was congratuating Lebron James for passing him for that
- Tweet to Lebron
- Link to Kobe’s twitter account
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
5. You pay it forward.
Thank you for the heart to build up the next generation of basketball players for example Kawhi Leonard’s workout. As you were on the 3rd year of retirement, across the NBA universe, we have heard of players seeking to train under your watch. To take your advice in clutch and tight situations. It is touching to be able to witness how you walk the Mamba Mentality. Even in light of your untimely departure, you will always be an inspiration to the mass that witnesses your story. Indeed as Lebron James phrases it: “In the words of Kobe Bryant, Mamba Out. But in the words of us, not forgotten”
Edited on 5 June 2020:
Today I happened to chance upon a video of Kobe Bryant spending the entire day with a kid that just lost his mother days ago and was also on chemotherapy battling leukemia. Really am very hearten to see a superstar dedicating his time and focus on this one kid. Rest in peace Mamba, you’re gone too soon!
TLDR;
Even as we go about our daily lives, it is example such as this that reminds us that people matter more than that fame or ego you have. Even in technology, as good as the technology may be, if that technology does not help to improve people’s lives, it is of no value! Remember, good technology are those that prioritise the end user above themselves, and Kobe Bryant will always be that one person we can learn such a valuable lesson from. Thank you Mamba!
More news updates about Kobe Bryant’s tragic accident
Credit:
Source of image: clutchpoints