Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers:
5X NBA champion,
2X NBA Finals MVP,
1X NBA MVP,
18X NBA All-Star,
4X NBA All-Star Game MVP,
11X All-NBA First Team,
9X NBA All-Defensive First Team,
2X NBA scoring champion,
1X NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion,
1X Oscars winner,
& 1X Emmy winner.
One of the greatest obstacles that keep athletes from performing at their best is fear. You can reduce fear through your hard work & preparation. Fear only becomes a factor when you allow negative thoughts to surpass your self-belief & confidence. Believe in yourself & your team!
Succeeding on game day is exciting. The media & fans recognize the play of the players that shined on the field but too often, the general public overlooks the importance of the rest of the team. Their unselfishness, hard work & positive attitudes are vital to a team’s success.
Great athletes view pressure situations as an opportunity. They feel confident & focus on the things they can control. They believe they will succeed. Weaker performers are filled with fear, anxiety & doubt They focus on trying to avoid mistakes & their harmful consequences.
One of my favorite quotes:
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” - Helen Keller
Your success as an athlete depends on your ability to be in the present moment. When you are "in the moment" you are not worried about making a mistake. Your focus is on the task at hand. You are playing with a clear and confident mindset.