September 14, 2023

I shared this last year and believe it's worth revisiting.

On the Nike website there is a section dedicated to Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality.” You can find videos, interviews, and articles about the values and traits that make up “Mamba Mentality.” This was what Kobe called the mindset that helped him become the champion he was. He said in his book, “The Mamba Mentality,” that it wasn’t so much about seeking results but more about FOCUSING on the process that will take you to that result. This was one of the things that made Kobe a legendary leader — his FOCUS.

In that same section of the Nike website, there is a column dedicated to FOCUS. Kobe defined FOCUS as: “the ability to concentrate, stay disciplined and build skills.” Kobe’s FOCUS was unmatched; he knew what he wanted and he had a plan to get there. He had a clear goal, and he knew how to avoid distractions, relationships, and opportunities that would divert him from reaching it.

"I FOCUS on one thing and one thing only — that’s trying to win as many championships as I can.”
—Kobe Bryant

There’s a story about the USA Men’s Olympic Basketball team practicing in Las Vegas. One day after practice, every single player on the team decided to go out and party in Sin City. They stayed out all night and gambled, ate, drank, and went to shows. At 5:30am the next morning they all stumbled into the hotel lobby, and who do you think was standing there, gym bag in hand, already sweating from one workout and on his way to another? Kobe. Dwayne Wade said he thought it was a joke that Kobe was playing on them to make them feel bad, but it wasn’t. Kobe was FOCUSED on winning a gold medal and NOTHING was going to distract him from his goal. If they wanted to be mediocre, wobble around practice, and finish with a bronze or silver— so be it—not Kobe.

Many leaders complain about not having enough time to work on the things they need to do in order to be their best self. They are always talking about how they need to be better at time management. Let me encourage you to do this instead. Don’t try to manage your time, manage your FOCUS. Do this and your time will be more productive. Tim Grover, one of Kobe’s trainers said, “Kobe’s results were not a result of managing his time, they came from relentlessly FOCUSING on the those results he wanted.”

Legendary leaders don’t allow anything to distract them from doing what God has called them to do and being who God has called them to be. Today, begin to examine your life. Look for those jobs, relationships, and opportunities that are a distraction or diversion from your God-given goals and remove them from your life.

"You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks."
—Winston S. Churchill

"I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible."
—1 Corinthians 7:35

Book Recommendation:
Bull’s-Eye (The Power of Focus) by Brian Tracy

God is for You,
Pastor David Blunt