4 lessons from the life and career of Kobe Bryant

January 29, 2020

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There are very few people whose sudden demise can or has spark such instant outpouring of love and grief. With the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, the world is less one legendary sports icon who inspired generations throughout his career.

However, there are a few career and life lessons we can learn from Kobe whose career spanned 20 years with 18 All-Star appearances, 4 All-Star Most Valuable Player awards, 2 NBA finals MVPs, 1 NBA MVP and 5 NBA Championships making him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

1. Practice

Practice makes perfect. No one knew this better than Kobe. He practiced relentlessly improving his skills. Back in January 2013, he was quoted saying, “I was probably born a scorer, but I was made a winner. Whatever works, whatever wins championships, wins games, that’s what I do.”

Kobe’s dedication to practising saw him score 33,583 points with 8,368 free throws during his NBA career becoming the fourth highest point of all time.

2. Resilience in the face of adversity

It’s common for professional athletes to sustain injuries in the line of work, Kobe was no exception. One of the most notable injuries during Bryant’s career was an Achilles tendon injury that would lead to him missing out on the next season in 2013.

Despite having the injury, he went on to shoot his free throws with a limp, wincing with every move. He made his free throws helping his team win against the Warriors, 118-116.

3. Keep learning and review your performance constantly

During an interview with The School of Greatness Podcast in 2018, Kobe shared instances where the Lakers' late Assistant Coach, Tex Winter, would have him watch tapes of his games analyzing details.

Kobe was also known not to be shy to reach out to his successful peers like Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods for advice, even when he was regarded as a successful player who had won everything in the game.

4. Use your skills to empower and mentor

Kobe founded the Mamba Sports Academy in 2018, named after his alter-ego “Black Mamba”, out of his passion for empowering the generation after him through sports.

"Sports Academy has perfected the art and science of athletic training, from elite players to young kids getting started," Bryant said while referring to the existing school that he took over. "MAMBA Sports Academy is a natural expansion of my commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of kids through sports."

What will you remember Kobe Bryant for?

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Comments

Moses | February 14, 2020 13:09

I love it

Chancy | February 12, 2020 13:46

RIP

Apale | February 05, 2020 09:05

Rip heroe.

Luciano | February 05, 2020 05:13

He was a role model to many,a hero,a Legend .Rest easy Mamba!

masolo | February 04, 2020 10:40

Indeed he was a great mentor of all season, and we will live to remember his favourite quotes

DICKSON | February 02, 2020 11:16

RIP

DICKSON | February 02, 2020 11:09

RIP

Ocen | February 02, 2020 10:53

Your History will learn in all generations Rest in paradise Kobe

Ocen | February 02, 2020 10:52

Your History will learn in all generations

cheruyot | February 01, 2020 20:18

RIP hero, you are source of inspiration

BISASE | February 01, 2020 18:51

Great man

PAUL EKIDOR | February 01, 2020 16:12

Rest in peace Sir mamba

BRIGHTON | February 01, 2020 15:34

May his soul rest in peace Kobe

Lawrence | February 01, 2020 15:18

What in deed a true LEGEND,we loved you but GOD loves you more REST IN PEACE KOBE BRYANT,AS for vanessa and the children condolence God will be with them. Lawrence

nalukenge jamidah | February 01, 2020 14:44

Too inspirational, will still remember u .Rip

Wyson Muchiwa | February 01, 2020 11:11

RIP Kobe

ALEXANDER | February 01, 2020 09:27

R.I.P

Michael | February 01, 2020 08:18

inspirational to all of us Rest in peace Kobe

Lodiong | February 01, 2020 05:46

Rip legendary

Tusingwire | February 01, 2020 03:49

Oh that hurts but "rip"

Abanya | January 31, 2020 18:47

Rip

Patrick | January 31, 2020 18:40

RIP

George | January 31, 2020 17:55

RIP Mamba

Emmanuel | January 31, 2020 16:49

You will be remembered peace to your family

Maina | January 31, 2020 14:21

Rest in peace Mamba🙏

Domenic | January 31, 2020 09:38

May His Soul Rest in Peace

Eric | January 31, 2020 08:55

very inspiring,shine on your way kobe.

NAHABWE | January 31, 2020 07:20

May His SOUL RIP.

Kolia | January 31, 2020 05:56

RIP Kobe Bryant

salome | January 31, 2020 05:55

R.I.P

simion | January 31, 2020 04:59

Rip Legend. Once a legend always a legend!

Isabella | January 30, 2020 22:06

RIP, AMen

ABUBAKARI | January 30, 2020 20:49

RIP

Akullo | January 30, 2020 20:16

I Will live to remember you,a real hero RIP

Jacqueline | January 30, 2020 19:25

RIP,you were such a champ in basketball.So inspiring.

Cletus | January 30, 2020 19:16

May God rest all the souls that perished with him in eternal peace as God gives them the strength to bear the losses.

EDWIN | January 30, 2020 18:05

Resillience R. I. P black mamba

cyrus | January 30, 2020 16:13

We are born to fight kobe i will miss you am sure you died fighting to save your life.to my fellow job seeker lets fight until we maker it

CHERUIYOT | January 30, 2020 16:11

We'll miss you star,rest in peace

CATHERINE | January 30, 2020 16:07

Learnt something new.

samwel | January 30, 2020 15:56

Rip kobe

Gideon | January 30, 2020 15:28

He died trying to do the right things. So sad his family life ended just when he had time. RIP

kamolu | January 30, 2020 14:54

Humble and strong.RIP

carolyne | January 30, 2020 14:20

May his soul rest in peace.

Elizabeth | January 30, 2020 13:48

A real inspiration... Rest in Power Bryant

Asiimwe | January 30, 2020 13:38

You have to keep trying until you achieve your goal. Never say its over until its over. We will miss you Bwana. May your soul rest in eternal peace

Richard | January 30, 2020 12:30

He left history, will be remembered. Rest in peace champion

AMANYIRE | January 30, 2020 12:09

RIP Amen

AGONZA | January 30, 2020 11:43

I jxt call him a true fighter,,,,RIP ma hero

Gelard | January 30, 2020 10:52

Sure one of the greatest of all times.

ANNE | January 30, 2020 10:23

Invaluable lessons. The fact that his death affected even people who are not BB fans shows that our actions in our inner circles can have profound impact on others. May the souls of all who perished RIP.

Eric | January 30, 2020 10:20

He's been and will always remain an inspiration to future generations. Rest in Peace legend

Peter | January 30, 2020 09:53

Kobe "Mamba" was a true eagle, spotted all he could hunt and catch successfully, inspired my 🏀 career and inspired me to explore more than just one sport. Thanks Bryant for your unending inspirations, you have made us proud, #ThanksGod4BryantMamba.... Rest Mamba the Greatest

Tabitha | January 30, 2020 09:44

A definition of true success

JEDIDA | January 30, 2020 09:41

Rest in power Bryant.

Ida | January 30, 2020 09:28

His legacy lives on...RIP Mamba.

MARYLINE | January 30, 2020 09:18

black mamba rest in peace it so sad ,,,my condolences to the family.

daniel | January 30, 2020 09:11

My legend

KAMANZI | January 30, 2020 09:01

Heroes are forgotten, but Legends Live forever RIP Kobe

EKUTAN | January 30, 2020 08:50

Inspiring life lesson. RIP Kobe.

Wamaani | January 30, 2020 08:45

his legacy will always remain within us

kanyesigye | January 30, 2020 08:31

RIP

Beryl Anyango | January 30, 2020 08:17

Loved his family, he is one person who would not want his legacy to die.

KYENZE | January 30, 2020 08:10

rest in peac

LOKERIS | January 30, 2020 08:03

rest in perfect peace kobe

Juma | January 30, 2020 07:53

We celebrate you,for your positive drive and may soul rest in eternal peace

NEUSTA | January 30, 2020 07:47

Rest in peace

JANE | January 30, 2020 07:45

Rest in perfect peace.. Heaven basketball is undefeated :-))

Birhanu | January 30, 2020 07:40

Rest in peace, Kobiye!

ROBERT | January 30, 2020 07:34

The Black Mamba as he nicknamed himself, had an inner push and agility that made him different from other athletes. A man brought up well as evidenced by the way he treated his daughters. The Mamba literally bought a chopper to enable him facilitate his movements and be in place in time for his daughters. Created a lasting empire away from basketball. A man worthy emulating.Words can't describe Kobe, one needs to be in Kobe's world.

Gift | January 30, 2020 07:33

He was an accomplished sports man of our time,its sad that he had to go that way..

Linda | January 30, 2020 07:25

so broken about his death

Agnes | January 30, 2020 07:22

May he RIP

PATROBAS | January 30, 2020 07:22

RIP champ

onesmus | January 30, 2020 07:10

I started playing basketball in 2008 because of Kobe. His leadership, passion, practice and love for the game truly inspired me. The world is indeed less one hero.

Naomi | January 30, 2020 07:10

Great lessons right there.

Sydney | January 30, 2020 07:09

Great lessons indeed. May he rest in power!

ESTHER | January 30, 2020 07:02

He was a family man.

Jackline | January 30, 2020 07:02

He once said "Hero's come and go, but Legends are forever" He left as a Legend! May Kobe's and Gianna's souls RIP.

Maria | January 30, 2020 07:01

Great life lessons I've learnt from Kobe RIP...he was hard working a mentor, a learner, an achiever, an inspiration, a family man and good Christian. God bless him

Naleba | January 30, 2020 06:58

Rest In peace

ROBERT | January 30, 2020 06:58

Great inspiration. Love this

Morris | January 30, 2020 06:58

Rest in peace

james | January 30, 2020 06:50

RIP HERO

JUDITH | January 30, 2020 06:45

Good advice..may Kobe and the others who perished rest in eternal peace

Otieno | January 30, 2020 06:44

RIP mamba .. indeed you were a sport pillar

KANAGWA | January 30, 2020 06:41

So touching and very inspirational. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace, we shall live remembering all his words so as to help us progress in life and improve our careers

BERYL | January 30, 2020 06:40

Success comes from participation.and you can never win without determination.

SSENYONJO | January 30, 2020 06:38

In whatever he was doing he did it with Love and passion which made him a success

Paul | January 30, 2020 06:32

He was a successful person but very humble.He was a cool dude

Fredrick | January 30, 2020 06:30

rest in peace our hero.

Benard | January 30, 2020 06:23

rip HERO

Onghodya | January 30, 2020 06:18

May his soul rest in eternal peace 🙏🙏🙏

Josiah. | January 30, 2020 06:18

Humility .

Catherine | January 30, 2020 06:17

May his soul rip

Onghodya | January 30, 2020 06:11

We've lost such an inspirational sports man, may the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏

GILBERT | January 30, 2020 05:58

he was a cool guy not withstanding his enormous achievement..

Robert | January 30, 2020 05:49

Very inspiring especially for professionals who want to excel in their careers!

User #803152 | January 30, 2020 05:30

Great post

KENNEDY | January 30, 2020 05:29

Feel motivated from the lesson

Shamim | January 30, 2020 05:20

Great lessons

ZABLON | January 30, 2020 05:12

For empowering and menting young people to explore their talent

Gitonga | January 30, 2020 04:56

An inspiration to hard work and most of all the art of passing on our expertise to the future generation.#mambaacademy

Stephen Ago | January 30, 2020 04:37

Oh my God, we have lost a true icon and sports pillar!

Mutava | January 30, 2020 04:36

Rest in peace

Rachel | January 30, 2020 04:25

Kobe was amazing! Am inspired to do my little game and win too! Practice and keep learning and reviewing your performance

Njiru | January 30, 2020 04:25

Great lessons. Especially seeking advice from those you consider better than you even at the height of achievement is humility. Most when they succeed become own mentors and advisers

Sharon | January 30, 2020 04:17

He is a great fighter

Sharon | January 30, 2020 04:15

He is family man. He fought for his marriage

Francis Wanjohi njuguna | January 30, 2020 04:02

I used to watching to him back when l was in school basketball is my game...they used to call me kifaru everytime am in the pitch,every player has a special name, like Kobe..mamba l will for ever miss you ,,mamba rest in RIP and Gianna you were following dads footsteps we know l know that you going to be better than dad that's for sure RIP,dam you death dam you.....

David | January 30, 2020 01:44

Invaluable life lessons with a tremendous impact! RIP Mamba!

James | January 29, 2020 19:11

I love the advice