The Mamba Mentality #8 #24 #2

Do you have the Mamba Mentality in your life? “Mamba Mentality isn’t about seeking a result ... It’s about the journey and the approach. It is about constant curiosity, asking questions, it is about becoming better today than yesterday. It’s a way of life.” ~ Kobe Bryant

It has been 6 days since the world got the news on the untimely and devastating passing of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna (Gigi) Bryant, John and Keri Altobelli, their daughter Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton Chester and pilot Ara Zobayan.

I wrote an article on "Legacy, what does the word "legacy" mean to you?" when I heard the news 6 days ago. As a basketball player myself and a huge NBA fan, I grew up watching the game and one of the NBA legends I that thoroughly enjoy watching was Kobe Bryant. At 41 years old, it is definitely way too young for Kobe to depart us.

He was truly inspirational both on-court and off-court. It is a huge loss to the world on his untimely passing. Post-retirement in 2016, his pursuit of excellence continued with him winning the 2018 Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 90th Annual Academy Awards. What impresses me most about Kobe, besides his legendary basketball magic were his deep love for his family and his focus on the development of the youth, the next generations to come.

Here are the 8 inspirational lessons that I learned from the life of Kobe Bryant:

1) Discipline, hard work, and a strong work ethic.

2) Moments define YOU

3) Learn from the Best to be the BEST

4) Mental Toughness and Focus - Channelling your emotions to unleash

5) Speak Up to Lead

6) Be a great role model (family, work, business)

7) Dedication to excellence

8) Mamba Mentality - Tenacity

Do check out the inspirational retirement poem that Kobe Bryant wrote in "Dear Basketball" that won him an Oscar. Link posted at the comments section.

It is heartwarming to see how the life of Kobe Bryant has inspired schools and teachers to help children and young kids deal with the loss, overcoming fear, challenges in their life.

Rob Pelinka, Lakers GM and Vice President of Basketball Operations released a touching tribute to Kobe Bryant:

"On Sunday, I lost my best friend and my sweet goddaughter. With that, there has been an amputation of part of my soul," Pelinka said in a statement. "Kobe was a force of nature, deep and obsessed with excellence. He was wise, determined, passionate. A visionary beyond measure. A dedicated and loving husband, and a "girl-dad" like no other. When he walked into a room, the energy ignited. He was high voltage, with a motor that had no limits. His mind had an infinite capacity to learn. He was, simply put, the most inspirational athlete of our time. What the world may not know, is that he was also the best friend anyone could ever imagine...

"Their lives have shown me that death has no victory. Last Sunday is not the end of the story. It's just a new beginning. Kobe and Gigi's legacies will live on — and gain even more power and influence. All of us touched by them will now try to become torch carriers of their legacies. And, while we do that, we can be certain of this: Kobe and Gigi will continue on, forever, playing a joy-filled game of basketball in heaven above."

Life is precious! Cherish every moment! Give a hug! Give a kiss! Tell your loved ones you love and care for them. Let the life of Kobe Bryant inspire you to greatness at work, at home and your place of influence.

Legends live on in our hearts. Like what Rob Pelinka said, both "Gigi and your legacies will live on - and gain more power and influence". I will strive to become the torch carriers of your legacies - the Mamba Mentality. I can only strive to be a better person in all facets of my life, with my family, at work and the future opportunities I have to inspire the next generation.

Thank you for your inspirational life Kobe Bryant, as a player, as a husband, a father, entrepreneur, author, a man committed to the next generation!

RIP Black Mamba #8/24 Kobe Bryant, #2 Mambacita Gigi Bryant, John and Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan. Peace and love to all families that have lost their dear ones.

If you knew Kobe, how has he inspired you?

What will be your legacy for your life?

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