3 Lessons I Learned About Life from Koby Bryant

On yesterday we lost a basketball legend in the person of Kobe Bryant, as well as his daughter and seven other people (coaches, moms, teenage girls, fathers, and friends) who were traveling with him. My heart goes out to each of the family members who loss a loved one or loved ones!

My husband and boys are huge Kobe Bryant fans, especially my husband. And recently, on our drive back from Atlanta for Christmas last month, we listened to numerous Kobe Bryant interviews. Although, I was not a major Kobe Bryant fan, I have always admired his tenacity, grit, and love for the game of basketball. He was one of the best and it definitely showed by not just watching him play basketball over the last 20 years, but by watching him put in the work to become the best over the last 20 years.

So, from being a basketball fan myself, listening to him speak about his love for the game, and watching him become one of the greatest to have ever played the game, this is what I learned from his life.

#1 Be intentional

The word “intentional” was the first word that popped up in my mind on yesterday after wrapping my head around the unexpected loss. Kobe was intentional. He knew what his goals were (to be the best) and he was intentional about ensuring that every aspect of his life was centered around be the best. He was intentional about getting up in the “wee hours of the night” to prepare for his first of many practices during the day. He was intentional about shooting hundreds of the same shot during practice because he missed that shot the night before in a game and he didn’t want to miss it during the next game. He was intentional about watching hours of film on his opponents to ensure he had strategies on how he (and team) could shut them down during the game. He was intentional, which teaches us a lesson–if we want something in life, we have to be intentional on working hard to to acquire it in life. We can’t just say it, we have to work hard to get it! Be intentional!

#2 Be ok with doing it alone!

Although Kobe knew the concept of team, he often stated that while other teammates were partying, going on tons of vacations with each other, and just having a grand time, he would be in the gym sticking to his practice schedule, working out, watching film, trying to be better. And as a result, it was hard for him to sometimes form friendships because of his drive to becoming the best. He was willing to forego “hanging out” to be accepted so he could master his craft, even if he had to walk the road alone. Now, I am definitely a proponent of balance. You have to take time to rest, relax and spend time with family and friends, but if you want to be great, sometimes you have to miss out on the outings with friends and not make every birthday party for your cousin’s cousin, twice removed. You have to be ok with doing it alone!

#3 Leave a legacy

Kobe once stated, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” At the end of the day, for Kobe, it was not just about getting the rings and having the titles, but it was about making an impact and leaving something that was greater than his physical presence. He wanted to leave a legacy. A legacy that proves you can attain your goals if you work hard. A legacy that shows the importance of being intentional. A legacy that exemplifies the power of hard work, tenacity, grit, determination, strong work ethic and a fierce drive to reach your goals! Leave a legacy!

I pray for the Bryant family and for all of the families who lost their loved ones on yesterday. I challenge you to be intentional, go hard for your dreams, and build and leave something that outlives you!

Hug your loved ones. Forgive people who do you wrong. Go hard for your dreams and live your best life–for we never know when it will be our last DAY of living.

What lessons did you learn from Kobe? Comment below!