Kobe Bryant's path to greatness

Kobe! Kobe! Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!

Fans are still shouting his name even when he is gone.

The whole world mourned at the death of one of the greatest basketball legends of the world – even those who knew him and even those who didn’t.

Kobe graced the world with his basketball talent, winning 5 NBA championships, winning Emmy and Oscar and after that venturing into the business world and becoming a successful entrepreneur.

He was more than just a basketball legend and an entrepreneur. He was someone who contributed to society, didn’t shy away from being vulnerable, a father and an amazing friend.

Kobe Bryant’s obsessiveness to become the greatest basketball player is just inexplicable. He is not gone but has left indelible memories in the hearts of people around the world and inspiring life lessons that are in pursuit of greatness.

Often, he was linked to Michael Jordan and he himself used to feel that his play was much more similar to Westbrook.

We wonder what made him great? What made him stand out from others and become the greatest player of his era and leave a legacy behind?

Simple Answer is – He put in the work not all were ready to put.

In one of the inspirational interviews with Patrick Bet-David, Kobe has opened up about his truth behind the success.

He said, “There’s a choice we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something, there’s a choice you have to make. We’ll be masters at our craft.”

The legendary player’s work ethic was relentless and disciplined. He woke up at 5:00 AM and was at the court till 7:00 AM every day in his college years to play. He played with his left hand when he had an injury at his right shoulder, he played when he was down with 102 degrees fever and he kept playing against Vince Carter with his aching back.

Such people are obsessed with their crafts, with their path to greatness and Kobe was obsessed with getting better every day.

Another thing which separates Kobe Bryant from the rest of the people is –
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

To be the greatest of all time, he had a GOAT Mountain picture inside his mind.

Which meant, images of all top players like Michael Jordan, Magic, Hakeem, Jerry West, and others.
And what he did?

He decided to talk to them on how they became the best players.

He said, “I want to learn to become the best basketball player in the world. If I’m going to learn that, I’ve got to learn from the best. My place to study is from the best.”

His decision was to be far from lazy people, who made excuses and be more close towards those who were driven, committed and obsessed with their crafts.

Even while making business decisions he had a process. While investing in the companies he used to think of questions such as:

* Do you understand the business?
* Is it a business that you can help in some form or fashion?
* What are the barriers to entry to that business?
* Do they have a culture you believe is sustainable?
* Are the leaders that you believe in?

Such questions made him think harder and take the next step. The struggle to become the greatest is real. His belief in his dream and his vision was clear.

But Sacrifices had to be made!

When he started off his career, his time limit was less on the court, he used to drive around the UCLA campus and see students his age laughing or hanging out, just having fun.

He wanted to feel this all. He asked if he made the wrong choice?

But he reminded himself why he chose what he chose and the work he is putting in. To reach the vision in his mind.
Kobe’s journey is an inspiration to all the aspirational entrepreneurs, players or people from any field.

To be so obsessive about just one field can take you far.

You just have to have a clear roadmap, plan and discipline and will to never give up.

Kobe Bryant’s name will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on and will be forever.