Learning from Kobe

On By Alice StrathernIn Inspiration, Personal, Writing

It’s impossible to not be shocked by Kobe Bryant’s death. It’s actually hard to type the word “death” beside his name. It’s true, though. He’s gone.

I thought of paying my own little tribute in this blog entry.

This week, I’ve been thinking about my earliest memories of him. I realized I witnessed the start of his career when he was only 18 years old. I remember I was watching a basketball game on TV, Los Angeles Lakers vs Chicago Bulls. Michael Jordan was still around, and the reason why I was into basketball was him. To me, Jordan was the greatest player ever, and I didn’t like the idea that a ‘kid’ like Kobe could compete with him.

The truth is, I never forgot that game because of Kobe. He was outstanding, and I believe Los Angeles won. From that day on, I kept an eye on him. He definitely had an amazing talent.

Now that I think about that game, I can see what he was doing there. He was absolutely fearless when facing Jordan. He wasn’t intimidated, and he didn’t minimize himself for being a rookie. He played to win.

That winning attitude is useful in the writing world. You’re in the process of publishing your book, but all of a sudden you doubt yourself because there are more talented and experienced authors out there. At a certain degree, they are your competitors, and that makes you think you wouldn’t stand a chance.

Do it like Kobe. Be fearless and compete. Write your best words in every publication. Improve your marketing strategies and win one battle at a time. Use your talent to get where you want to be.

“Just believe in yourself.”

I like this version in Spanish better.

“No tienes fe en ti. Quién la tendrá?”

Last, but not least, the Kobe mindset.

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