Empowered for Greatness

It’s game time, waking up this morning I had no idea I was going to play head to head with the great Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant knew he was best and expected to be the best. Thus, he had the mental edge over everyone on the court. Everyone on the court demonstrated the highest caliber of athletic talent but Kobe shines brighter then all of us. It was like a dream to compete against Kobe but I couldn’t help but speculate what is it that makes successful people so great?

In my basketball career, I have competed against some of the greatest athletes in the world. For example, I have competed against Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Ray Allen and many more. What these stars have in common is there incredible work ethic and extreme confidence. This aura emits off of them. You can see it in their personality, in their character and in their vibe that that surrounds them. Again, what makes these athletes the best in the world? It is not just their physical talent, it is something else gained from making the decision to be stellar from hard work. I propose that while they obtain some physical growth from hard work, when you work hard and spend the extra time, you are actually developing your mind to be great subconsciously.

The time spent dedicating oneself to a sport or activity, gradually causes the athlete to become more confident. All the while, the athlete feels more accomplished, while knowing when the time comes the athlete will succeed at the highest level. This principle is evident in all traits of life and applies to every individual. The potential for physical growth is limited, but the potential for mental growth is endless. We know confidence is the single most important factor to reach success. The harder you work and the more time spent, the more confident you become. No matter how hard you work, without the confidence success is impossible. It is a process that is essential and without it your mind will be incapable for success. This is what exudes off the greatest athletes in the world.

Many people, myself included have looked up and admired great athletes and successful people. These individuals know they will succeed and have an abundance of confidence. What I have noticed when I work extremely hard at something, is that when game time approaches, I am calm. I have no fear of failure. Evidently, I perform well and reach my goals. Thus, I have the power of confidence; I have the mental edge over my competition. This theory is evident in all aspects of life.

In business, one of the main dynamics to success is Self-concept - the way you feel about yourself. The mental edge is the most important aspect of success. It is demonstrated in sales. As the best time to make a sale, is right after you have just completed one. The customer can sense the enthusiasm and confidence. It is the atmosphere that surrounds you. You can work hard for weeks studying the principles of selling, while day by day your mind is being empowered with the confidence to succeed. It is not solely the customers; it is your boss, professor or anyone that you leave an impression on.

How can this principle pertain to your life? In these competitive, tough economic times when you feel unsuccessful, depressed or insecure the best way to improve your self- concept and get back on your feet is to work hard at something, anything.

The more time you spend, the more your brain subconsciously tells itself "Oh yeah I can do this. I can be the best. I am putting in the time." Every minute, every hour, every day builds on each other and yourself concept and confidences grows substantially with it. Make the decision to be stellar in your life. Whatever project you are working on, work twice as hard as everybody else. You will notice that you will have an abundance of confidence. When it is time to make the sale or make the presentation or make the game winning shot, you will achieve higher success than what was imaginable. You will have the feeling of accomplishment. Thus, infect your life with confidence and remove the fear of disappointment.