RIP Kobe

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this note to you.

In a world where the word “legend” is tossed about all too easily, a genuine one has left us.

Kobe Bryant’s death is tragic.

The violence in which he passed and the sad fact that his 13-year-old daughter also died makes the impact even harder.

I recall watching one of the final games of his career in 2016 with my two children next to me. He seemed happy, relaxed and yet still hungry to win.

Shortly after that, he played his last match. And scored 60 points.

I watched him earn an Oscar post-sports career and become a highly successful investor.

Kobe—in my mind—exemplified so much of what I stand for: deep focus, extreme training and a supreme dedication to maximize the gifts nature has blessed us with.

He was only 41.

This most unexpected event reminds me of many things, a few of which I offer to you with a humble spirit:

—tomorrow is not guaranteed. People die daily. Longevity can be a mean trickster Parag.

—given how fragile life is, tell your loved ones that you love them when you leave them every morning. I do this daily. And I hug my family a lot.

—put your soul into your work. It’s good for your craft. And it’s wonderful for the world.

—treat strangers with kindness and respect. Please. We’re all family members on a tiny planet. We must unite.

—when you have a brave idea that scares you, move toward it. Doubt is destroyed by strong action. Fears are big liars. And life’s too short to play small with your talent.

—practice the noble values of honesty, civility, forgiveness and courage each day. Doing so will bring you great joy. And inner peace.

—be good to yourself. It’s so easy to beat yourself up for not being enough. Yet look how far you’ve come. And look who you have made yourself into.

I thank you for following my work. I thank you for your dedication to heroism.

And I pray for Kobe’s family.

Love and respect,

Robin Sharma