Kobe Bryant is someone who will live on for generations to come. He was drafted from high school and is considered one of the best basketball players to have ever played the game. Throughout his life, he worked incredibly hard to be a successful and great basketball player, great father, and overall a great person.

He defined himself using the phrase “mamba mentality” and he once stated,

Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever. One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day. ‘If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear.’ I’ve always loved that quote. That’s ‘mamba mentality’ we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer.

Kobe’s success was due to the mentality he adopted. Here are 7 tips inspired by Kobe, on how to become more successful.

7 Tips to Become More Successful:

1. Kobe’s IQ

Kobe Bryant has arguably the highest basketball IQ in the NBA. He was one of the most technically sound players in the entire game and whenever he was on the court, he was always one step ahead of his competition. What does this have to do with success? Well in life knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you can prepare. If you are aware of your surroundings and can stay one step ahead of your colleagues. You will have an edge over others and will greatly increase your chances of becoming successful.

You Should:

Listen more than you talk. You’ll be surprised by how much more you learn

Ask for feedback and learn from it.

Increase your street smarts or social IQ.

2. Kobe’s Versatile Offense Game

There wasn’t a lot missing from Kobe’s offensive arsenal. He would take that long three, pull up over you in the post or even drive it down the lane for a sweet dunk. How does this apply to success? Well, rather than only shooting from one spot you should learn how to drive, take a layup and even dunk.

You need to learn to become multifaceted and expand your opportunities. Try new things and don’t become narrow-minded. It’s just logic. The more wells that you dig the higher your chances become of hitting the water. But always keep in mind that one well fully dug is better than 100 wells dug only halfway. So while you should try different ways to become successful, make sure that for each way you try, you do it to the best of your abilities.

3. Kobe’s Work Ethic

Kobe Bryant had an unmatched work ethic when it comes to basketball. While he was gifted in his abilities, he improved on himself daily and his hard work was what lead him to become who he was. For example, he used to show up for practice at 5 AM and leave at 7 PM in high school! This drive applies directly to every person who wants to become successful. And if your still not convinced check out this story by one of his trainers: Kobe’s Work-Ethic. Hard work and success go hand to hand. You can’t have one without the other. As Kobe once said:

“I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.”

4. Kobe’s Sub-Zero Blood

Kobe Bryant was the definition of cold-blooded. I mean there’s a reason they called him the Black Mamba. The taunts of the crowd or the mind games that the other players played, simply didn’t work on him. He always remained cool, calm and collected. When it would be time to strike, he would strike hard and silence arenas. His ability to block out the noise is what helped him to improve on himself, and this ability is something you should focus on to become successful.

You need to learn how to use all of the negative energy around you and convert it into desire and motivation to succeed. There will always be haters and people who come in the way of your dreams but you must rise and stay focused on your goal and success.

5. Kobe’s Determination

Kobe tracked goals like they were his prey. Once he decided to reach them; he doesn’t let anything stand his way. He had shown this throughout his career, especially when he returned from an ACL injury ahead of schedule at the age of 34. His “I’m going to get it” attitude is what you should take away if you want to become successful.

You should be making goals and dominating them on a regular basis. You should have mini-goals inside your normal goals, and then normal goals inside of your bigger goals.

Success is an objective-based beast and you must feed it.

6. Kobe’s Social Portfolio

I bet a lot of you don’t know this but Kobe was a networking Guru. In the last few years, he had spread his name not just in the West but even in the East and through the power of social media he had truly become an international icon. You should put emphasis specifically on his ability to network.

You should:

Try to expand your personal network, by helping others when they are in need.

Create as much as connections as you can because you never know when somebody might come in handy.

7. Kobe’s Ability to Adapt

Kobe had reinvented himself throughout his career. In the early stages of his career, Kobe used to be a slashing, high flying shooting guard who used to dunk with authority. Once he reached an older age, closer to the end of his career he became an agile, swift shooting guard with a light touch.

These are both completely different playing styles but are also the correct type for each time. To become successful you must have this ability to adapt inside of you. You should be able to read the body language of the people around you and adapt and change accordingly.

Final Words

I’m chasing perfection. – Kobe Bryant

I would like to thank Kobe for inspiring so many individuals worldwide (including myself!). He truly was an amazing player that will be well-remembered. His determination and strength are what he hoped to teach everyone around him.

In the end, let’s all try to remember Kobe by adopting his #mambamentality.

Rest in Peace Kobe Bryant. (1978-2020)