SINCE his tragic passing, it has been a year, and it is still surreal referring to him in the past tense.
Kobe Bean Bryant has left his imprint on the whole world with his "Mamba Mentality," and it has become a big part of his legend. "Mamba mentality" "is trying to be better every day." Practical and very doable even for most of us.
Mamba Mentality is also the title of the 2018 book he wrote on this philosophy. But how do we gain "Mamba Mentality"?
Mamba Mentality focuses on the process. Whatever we do in life involves processes. For Kobe, this was focusing on various techniques in his game. His dribble, his stance, his shooting, his stamina.
For us, this can be preparing breakfast, going to work, submitting reports and assignments, all entailing different processes.
Attention to the details of each process will help us come out with better results. It also opens us to the intricacies of what we are engaged in: family life, work, and school.
Mamba Mentality is about mastering our craft. Kobe was a basketball player, but he was not just any other basketball player until his retirement. He learned his craft as a basketball player and became great at what he does. We wear different hats every day. We are fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, employees, and bosses. Whatever cap we wear, remember that we have to be the best in it - the best parents to our offspring, the best students, employees, and bosses.
We become the best and master our craft if we start by focusing on the processes.
Now, think about this: Can we apply it in our everyday lives? Focusing on the process and mastering our craft takes time, but we have to put in the work if we want to achieve it. We don't let fear hinder us from taking charge and achieving greatness.
The best way to honor Kobe's legend is to take on the best aspects of his character and integrate them into our lives, amplifying it to the best of our abilities. Mamba mentality is perhaps one of his most significant contributions and cemented his legacy on and off the court. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on in us. Make it happen.
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"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they do." -- Kobe Bryant.