I’ve been reading “Relentless” by Tim Grover highlighting his career working with stars such as Dwayne Wade, Kobe and Micheal Jordan. Finding myself watching documentaries of Kobe (Muse on Showtime) and Vince Carter (The Carter Effect On Netflix).
Whenever I watch documentaries or read books I am always looking for insights on how these athletes made it, what sets them apart from everyone else, and more importantly how I can apply these insights into my own life.
This is what it takes to get better at your craft, studying the greats and applying the lessons learned. Basketball all-star Giannis Antetokounmpo (aka the Greek Freak) spent the last off-season working out with the Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant.
Giannis was sitting down with an interviewer, talking about his experience with Kobe and how great it was. And of course, anybody who’s honorable enough to train with the Mamba will give some good insight.
And he listed 3 gems that, funny enough, I already live by. And you, as an athlete AND a regular person, should too.
1) Keep It Simple
You know what you need to do to get better. And if you don’t I’ll list it out in three simple steps. Work on your skills. Follow a training program that covers foundational movements. Eat better. It’s really not complicated.
There’s plenty of stories throughout Kobe’s career of a training partner showing up early to a session with the Black Mamba. Only to find Kobe in a deep sweat working on his defense slides and basic ball handling drills.
Kobe spent his time focusing on the basics, with crazy intensity.
2) Think outside the box
Avoid mindlessly following what others are doing.
You have to be looking for the best ways to do things, even if they’re unconventional.
Look at what Tom Brady has done. He implemented strange recovery methods into his training which has allowed him to play at the highest level into his 40’s.
3) Be A Kid
Always ask questions.
“Why am I doing this?” “what does that do” “Why not do x instead of Y?”
By asking questions you will not only be more open to learning, but you will start having more fun along the way.
Are you living by these rules already?
I was glad to find out I was, but I am always looking to improve and be better.
If there was one I could stress of the most importance, is to keep things simple.
Sweat Athletics by Sweat 60 in Santa Monica develops youth athletes by introducing them to the following:
- Foundational Strength Training in a safe environment
- Sport Specific Strength Training and Nutrition
- Resilience through the principles of developing an ironclad mindset
Run by former college athletes we have developed a clear system that gets athletes real results. For more information on securing your athlete a clear advantage email [email protected]
