Roland Lazenby, Lakers in-the-know guy, wrote this great piece about Kobe Bryant. For those who don’t know, Kobe has just scored 50 or more points in 4 consecutive game, a feat matched only by Wilt Chamberlain (who did it in 7 straight games and averaged 50 over the season). That’s just plain ridiculous, given the sophistication of the defenses Kobe’s playing against and the fact that each team is geared, right now, to shutting him down. (OK, I might be overstating the sophistication angle…after all, we’re talking about the Hornets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves and Blazers. Still.)
Kobe’s talent and determination are certainly off-the-charts, but what stands out about Mr. Lazenby’s article is the description of the 20-year-old prodigy refusing to let other people — his teammates and even his coach — bend him out of shape and force him to tone down the virtuosity of his game.
And that’s important. And not just in the context of sports. Every high school student arrives at college brimming with enthusiasm and confidence, certain that he’s going to change the world. Very few do, and the reason is often that entering the real world, with its pettiness and constant one-uppery, is a chastening experience. That’s what “paying one’s dues” is all about — realising that even though you think you could run the country better than the President, you’re going to have to make other people think the same thing to make it happen. I think the first couple of years out of college can be the most difficult period of one’s life — and possibly the one that defines you. Either you bear the crap that’s thrown at you (whether it’s a grumpy, thankless boss or just social incompatibility with your peers) quietly, or you decide that you’re going to control your own destiny and take the path you feel suits you best.
The great ones invariably do the latter. They’re irrepressible, in a good-and-bad sort of way. They’re not afraid to take chances, to make mistakes, because they’re not afraid to pick up the pieces and try again if they fail the first time. They don’t worry about what other people think of them, and they have no concept of regret. They work harder and smarter than other people. They balance their sense of their own worth with a knowledge of their own shortcomings.
And before they’re done, they succeed.
Couldn’t agree more, but I still don’t like Kobe. Maybe he will trip and tear a tendon or something.
I wonder if saying that makes me a bad person.. no wait there are other, better, reasons for that.
You don’t like Kobe because he’s self-centered. And the whole point is, you have to be that way, obsessed with furthering your goals and determined to protect yourself against other peoples’ views, to get ahead.
(I know you got that. I just wanted to summarise ;))