EVERY EXPERT WAS ONCE AN AMATEUR (THE KOBE STORY)

Hello newbie — You're putting too much pressure on yourself. I know you're seeing a lot of people excelling and doing amazing things in the same things you want to excel in. I understand the feeling of feeling inadequate at times and second guessing yourself.

Let me tell you the story of Kobe Bryant. He was the best NBA player. Made a lot of money, won a lot of titles and became a huge success. Every upcoming basketball player dreamt and aspired to be like Kobe.

But, Kobe was not always the best. He worked his way there. The secret to Kobe's success was his work ethics. Everyone in the NBA knew Kobe for his work ethics.

According to a Team USA trainer, Kobe once held a workout from 4:15 a.m. to 11 a.m., refusing to leave the gym until he made 800 shots.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade recounted a hilarious story to ESPN's Michael Wallace about the 2008 Olympics. They said Kobe was up at the crack of dawn working out while everyone was sleeping.

"We're in Las Vegas and we all come down for team breakfast at the start of the whole training camp," Bosh said. "And Kobe comes in with ice on his knees and with his trainers and stuff. He's got sweat drenched through his workout gear. And I'm like, 'It's 8 o'clock in the morning, man. Where in the hell is he coming from?'"

Wade added: "Everybody else just woke up... We're all yawning, and he's already three hours and a full workout into his day."

Former Lakers player and head coach Byron Scott said he once found an 18-year-old Bryant shooting in a dark gym two hours before practice.

Scott told Business Insider:

"I heard the ball bouncing. No lights were on. Practice was at about 11, it was probably about 9, 9:30. And I go out to the court and I look, and there's Kobe Bryant. He's out there shooting in the dark. And I stood there for probably about ten seconds, and I said, 'This kid is gonna be great.'"

By this we already know that Kobe is a perfect example that greatness is not achieved without hardwork and constant practice. You can achieve mastery by working on your craft.

I can refer to many great people in different fields but time and space only allows me to touch on Kobe. There is a lot we can learn. All I am saying is, don't judge yourself. Instead, work hard and improve yourself. You will be great!

GJM

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