"Six" Gems

The things that make MJ.....THE G.O.A.T.!

You may believe it's the on the court accomplishments and accolades.

Like being undefeated in six championship series or six time NBA Finals MVP. Or is it the ten scoring titles and five regular season MVP Awards, ten All-NBA First Team and nine All-Defensive First Team honors? Maybe it's the fourteen NBA All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Game MVP Awards, three steals titles or the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Oh yeah, we can't forget about the 1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, not to mention dream-teamer and 1992 Olympic Gold Medalists. Also first ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

To the naked eye these are the reasons Michael Jordan would be considered the greatest of all time but honestly speaking, these achievements may just be a symptom of what really makes him earn this title.

Which is....

HIS MENTALITY.

So here are the six outlooks from MJ's philosophy that you can integrate into your everyday life.

#1. Perspective

When your back is against the wall or you just need some type of motivation to give yourself an additional boost. The way you look at life or your current situations will determine how you will or will not prevail.

When MJ was down in a game or just not that motivated because he mastered the game of basketball so well it became easy to him, he would create scenarios in his head and use them to his advantage. He would conceive bulletin board material where there wasn't any.

Real or not, it sparked a fire within him that lit the unstoppable force he was on that hardwood. Whatever hardships you may be dealing with in life, if you are still alive, well, healthy, and breathing, accept that challenge and place your foot on the gas.

The obstacle will eventually get out of your way or get ran over.

#2. Living In The Moment

MJ was fully locked into anything he did, especially when it came to the game of basketball. Nothing else outside of the current space he was in mattered and when it was time for a championship celebration with his teammates, they celebrated to the fullest like rock stars! Being focused on what your are setting out to accomplish or enjoying those fun moments in life blossom at it's peak when they are centered in the present.

Life is hard, times are hard, it's a struggle.

When we zero-in-on the things that are in front of us whatever that may be (family, work, etc), we can develop an appreciation for living in the moment, especially if that moment will lead to even greater times and experiences.

#3. Craftsmanship

Whatever you have chosen as a profession or a lifestyle, do it well or don't do it at all.

The approach to fine tuning yourself in a field that you have selected must be treated and nurtured with practice and professionalism. MJ came from a great college basketball program under Dean Smith at The University Of North Carolina along with the ultimate support and guidance from his parents Deloris and James Jordan Sr.

He was brought up with the mindset of whatever you do in life do it great and give it your all. If you set out to achieve anything in life no matter the level or profession, give it your everything.

Take care of your craft and your craft will take care of you.

#4. Passion

Did you know that Michael Jordan had a 'For the Love of the Game' clause in his contract for the Bulls that allowed him to play basketball anytime, anywhere, for any reason?

Understand this, he was fully committed to being prepared to compete for championships but that thing inside of him.. that childlike love and passion for something bigger than yourself that makes you the happiest person in the world was not going to be interfered with by anyone!

Not even the front office of the Bulls who truth be told, they were in no position to tell the G.O.A.T. when he could not play the game he loved.

When you do something you love and enjoy, nobody or nothing can take that away from you. Never lose your passion for something that grants you a priceless feeling.

Love it!

#5. The Hunger for Growth

Even at the top of his game, Michael Jordan constantly sought abilities to improve on.

As he climbed up the ladder in age and no longer can fly the way he did as a young baller he improved his jump shot. Most infamously his killer fade away!

When he was only credited for being a great offensive player he strengthened his defense to becoming the top defensive player of the league. He discovered so many ways to attack the basket as a leader and opened up the floor so that his teammates can thrive. When MJ and the Bulls took serious beatings from the Pistons in back to back Eastern Conference Finals, he understood something needed to change.

The team ramped up their strength and conditioning and he packed on an extra fifteen pounds of muscle the following season which led them to their first NBA title. No matter what aspect in life you are great at, there is always room for growth.

As long as we are physically, mentally, and spiritually able, we will naturally evolve when we are willing to put in the work and effort.

#6. Dedication

The will to win!

Do you possess it?

Does it drive you?

Every time Michael Jordan stepped onto the basketball court, the only task was not only to win the game but to dominate the game. Minute by minute, quarter to quarter, game to game. Only you can control how much you want something and how far you are willing to go to succeed. When you are dedicated to the process you climb the mountain one grip, one rock at a time.

The understanding of the journey gives you the mental stamina needed to tackle any road block or how you view an obstacle for that matter. The dedication lifts you up when life has punched you in the face time after time and gives you the courage to carry on.

Please do, for this will sweeten the victory.

When we allow ourselves to take life head on, it does something to you.

Leading by example and being the change you would like to see creates an impactful domino effect on those around you and those surrounding them.

Nothing great has ever came from a position of comfort!