A huge spectrum of great adjectives unfolds before us if we try to describe Kobe Bryant. But if we had to summarize it in a few words we would say “mamba mentality”, the spiritual philosophy that defines and summarizes the success of the former basketball player.
Far from rejoicing in eternal fame, the sports legend took the success of his career and used it with a greater sense of responsibility, which today could be applied as a philosophy of life, depending on what your beliefs are.
Kobe Bryant’s philosophy is a post-sports investment with personal and social value that resonates around the world. The famous “mamba mentality” is more than a compilation of motivational phrases. It is a way of thinking and acting that turns the human being into a specialist of himself, his abilities and his weaknesses.
The essence of the former NBA player was found in passion. It is that factor that moves us to achieve something, to give much more than expected, but also to find balance. Kobe relates in his book Mamba Mentality that from observing an image taken from a game he understood the importance of controlling himself and his environment.
The former basketball player analyzed his posture, strength, balance and his way of carrying himself, with the sole objective of improving. After understanding his movements, he managed to position himself on the court, shoot better, play good defense, etc.
But it didn’t just depend on him. Kobe challenged others on every play to understand each other’s behavior. He examined the pros and cons of each situation or person. He introspected to understand what was happening and as a result, he improved.
This is the key approach of the “mamba mentality”: knowing the environment, varying approaches and possibilities, learning from what is around us and making the best of it at the right time. Mastering our mind makes us leaders of our lives and gives us control of our decisions.
Achieving this is not easy, it is about working internally until we know how to use our skills and weaknesses. Transforming ourselves to be better is a process that never ends, because our environment is constantly changing. But if Kobe Byrant showed anything, it is that until the end we decide who we want to be and how we want to experience the world.