Kobe Bryant created a blueprint beyond basketball

The way Kobe Bryant lived his life provides a roadmap to success for all of us. The Black Mamba created a mindset that will surely have a lasting impact

In August, I ruptured my right Achilles playing basketball. Despite the fact that it was a non-contact injury in a game with no referees, one thought immediately came to mind as I laid on the ground reaching for a tendon that was no longer there.

“Let me shoot my two free throws like Kobe.”

This was just one of the many times in life that the legendary Kobe Bryant has been an inspiration to me, despite the fact that we never met.

On Sunday morning, we tragically lost one of the greatest athletes to ever walk this earth. It was a surreal moment that still just doesn’t feel right. LeBron James had passed Kobe on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, in his hometown of Philadelphia, the night before. Hearing LeBron discuss his relationship with Kobe Bryant after that game is a brief glimpse at what the 15-time All-Star means to the NBA.

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But Kobe’s impact went far beyond sports. Every child that grew up watching him master the game of basketball can recall a time that they channeled their inner Kobe as an adult. His most-admirable characteristics have helped to mold us into the people we are today.

You’re never too young to accomplish great things, as long as you’re prepared for the moment. Kobe Bryant was a junior in high school, holding his own during practices with the Philadelphia 76ers. He entered the NBA at 17 years old as a member of one of the biggest franchises in sports. Kobe went head-to-head with Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA All-Star game and never backed down from the challenge.

As talented as Kobe was at a young age, he prepared for the early success that he achieved by putting in the work. Once he achieved that success, he never took his foot off the gas. Complacency doesn’t win five NBA championships. It won’t allow you to achieve the equivalent in your life either.

Kobe showed me how to be a teacher. As the elder statesman on the 2008 Redeem Team and the 2012 Team USA squad, Kobe passed the torch to the next generation of NBA superstars. During the Summer Olympics, he granted the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony front seat access to what it would take to achieve his level of success.

Despite the impact Kobe had on those teams, it’s no comparison to the role of teacher that he played in the lives of his four daughters. Watching his relationship with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, in particular, was something special. She loved the game just as much as her father, and he nurtured her desire to be great. It’s heartbreaking to know that due to the tragic deaths of both Kobe and thirteen-year-old Gigi, we won’t get to see what her budding basketball career had in store.

We can, however, carry on Kobe’s legacy as teachers in our own right. We can nurture the interests of those who are close to us. Whether it’s a young intern at the office or a family member that shows interest in attending your alma mater, Kobe provided the blueprint for ushering in the next generation of greatness.

Kobe didn’t reach his level of excellence alone. He sought answers from the right people. He had numerous conversations with good friend Michael Jackson where the King of Pop would provide insight into the art of preparation.

In an interview with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Kobe discussed details of those conversations.

"“He would teach me what he did: how to make a ‘Thriller’ album, a ‘Bad’ album, all the details that went into it. It was all the validation that I needed — to know that I had to focus on my craft and never waver.”"

Kobe didn’t just seek advice from pop stars, but anyone who excelled at their craft. While the casual basketball fan wouldn’t know the name Tex Winters, Kobe knew that he was the coach to go to for knowledge of the complex triangle offense. The name John Williams isn’t infamous in basketball circles, but Kobe knew to reach out to the Academy Award-winning composer for advice on creating the animated short film, “Dear Basketball.”

We are all individually blessed with talents, but none of us know all of the answers. In moments of uncertainty, I think about Kobe’s fearlessness when it came to asking questions. Following in his footsteps and reaching out to people for help in my own life hasn’t failed me yet. I’m sure if you think about the moments that you’ve sought sound advice from people that excel at their craft, you could agree.

Watching Kobe transition into his post-basketball endeavor in children’s literacy was inspiring. As a children’s book author myself, I admired the way Kobe was able to captivate an audience with stories that were relatable for young African-American readers. I was in such awe of his skillset, that my latest book pays homage to Kobe in a subtle way. Like Kobe, we all have a story to tell that has the capabilities of inspiring others. It’s important that we each take the time to figure out the best way to deliver that message.

Most importantly, Kobe showed me what dedication to your craft looks like. He took a technical term like “sweat equity” and gave it a name that we all aspire to implement into our own endeavors. The Mamba Mentality. By coining the phrase, he provided a constant reminder as to what preparation, determination and a will to succeed looks like.

Kobe is and will always be The Black Mamba. He will always be a legend. By the way he lived his life, he’s left us with so many jewels that we can each tap into in order to achieve our own individual greatness. Thank you, Kobe, for what you’ve meant to the game. But more importantly, thank you for how you continue to inspire us all.