Kobe Bryant undoubtedly led a life driven by fierce work ethic. He is considered by some and absolutely known by others to be the best NBA player of all time. In his 20 year Lakers career, Kobe Bryant left an impact on kids, athletes, teammates, and fans alike, inspiring each of them with his strong leadership abilities and his drive for success. After his heartbreaking death just last month, we look at his most inspiring quotes to learn from his success and be reminded of the amazing life he led and the powerful lessons he taught us.
Work Ethic
“I can’t relate to lazy people. We don’t speak the same language. I don’t understand you. I don’t want to understand you.”
Resilience
“I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. No matter what the injury — unless its completely debilitating — I’m going to be the same player I’ve always been. I’ll figure it out. I’ll make some tweaks, some changes, but I’m still coming.”
“Pain doesn’t tell you when you ought to stop. Pain is the little voice in your head that tries to hold you back because it knows if you continue you will change.”
Perseverance
“Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling.”
Pushing Yourself
“Those times when you get up early and you work hard, those times when you stay up late and you work hard, those times when you don’t feel like working, you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway. That is actually the dream. That’s the dream. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. And if you guys can understand that, then what you’ll see happen is you won’t accomplish your dreams, your dreams won’t come true; something greater will.”
“Be sad. Be mad. Be frustrated. Scream. Cry. Sulk. When you wake up you will think it was just a nightmare only to realize it’s all too real. You will be angry and wish for the day back, the game back, THAT play back. But reality gives nothing back and nor should you.”
Making Sacrifices
“There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something there is a choice you have to make. We can all be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice. What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that — family time, hanging out with your friends, being a great friend, being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with that.”
Inspiring Others
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.”
Rising from Failure
“Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success.”
“Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise.”
Importance of Family
“My parents are my backbone. Still are. They’re the only group that will support you if you score zero or you score 40.”
“The best thing that happens is we’ll go out, and fans will come up to me and she’ll be standing next to me,” Kobe said. “And they’ll be like, ‘Hey, you gotta have a boy. You and Vanessa gotta have a boy to carry on the tradition, the legacy. And she is like, ‘Oy, I got this. You don’t need a boy for that, I got this.’ I’m like, ‘That’s right, you got this.’”
Embracing the Haters
“Learn to love the hate. Embrace it. Enjoy it. You earned it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone should have one about you. Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones.”
Being Remembered
“It’s the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you — or don’t. So don’t take it lightly. If you do it right, your game will live on in others. You’ll be imitated and emulated by those you played with, those you played against and those who never saw you play at all. So leave everything on the court. Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”
Kobe leaves behind some of the most important lessons to learn for basketball, for sports, and even just for life. Without a doubt, Kobe Bryant will be remembered for the legend he truly was.