In our last +1, we chatted about The Comparison Game with Alan Stein.
Remember: The odds of us losing that game are (precisely!) 100%.
So… Let’s stop playing it. (Heal those soul ulcers, yo!!)
Today I want to chat about another great wisdom gem from Alan’s great book Raise Your Game.
I mentioned that Alan is a peak performance coach. He’s worked with some of the best basketball players in the world. Including Kobe Bryant.
Quick story: Nike flew Alan out to LA to work the first-ever Kobe Bryant Skills Academy. At the time, Kobe was the best in the world. Alan asked Kobe if he could watch him work out.
As Alan says: “That’s how it is in my business. Everyone can see the game, but to really learn the secrets, you have to watch the practice. It’s the difference between buying Jay-Z’s album and sitting in the studio watching him write and record one.”
So… Alan asked Kobe if he can watch his workout.
Kobe says: “Sure. I’m going at four.”
Alan says: “But don’t we have a camp session at three thirty tomorrow afternoon?”
Kobe says: “I know. I’m working out at four a.m.’”
Alan goes: 😲
Alan shows up at 4am. What did he see?
Well: “For forty-five minutes I was shocked. For forty-five minutes I watched the best player in the world do the most basic drills. I watched the best player on the planet do basic ball-handling drills. I watched the best player on the planet do basic footwork. I watched the best player on the planet do basic offensive moves.”
And: “Granted, he did everything with surgical precision and super-hero intensity, but the stuff he was doing was so simple. I couldn’t believe it.”
Later in the day he thanked Kobe. He didn’t want to sound rude or condescending but couldn’t resist asking him: “You’re the best player in the world. Why do such basic stuff?”
Kobe’s response? Alan says: “He flashed that gleaming smile of his. ‘Why do you think I’m the best player in the game?’ he asked. ‘Because I never get bored with the basics.’”
That’s Today’s +1.
How are YOUR basics?
Rock them Today.
And…
See you in the gym at 4am tomorrow.
I look forward to working on my fundies on one side of the court while you rock yours on the other.
High fives and let’s do this!!
🙌 🏀 🙌
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