How to Be Like Mike

1. Embrace Focus and Passion: Jordan's Unparalleled Dedication

"I'm not out there sweating for three hours every day just to find out what it feels like to sweat."

Tunnel vision. Jordan's success stemmed from his ability to focus intensely on his goals, blocking out distractions and channeling his passion into every aspect of his game. This laser-like focus extended beyond the court, influencing his training regimen, diet, and even his interactions with teammates and opponents.

Continuous improvement. Jordan's passion for basketball drove him to constantly seek ways to enhance his skills. He would spend hours practicing specific moves, studying game footage, and working on perceived weaknesses. This relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart from his peers and contributed to his legendary status.

Key aspects of Jordan's focus and passion:

• Arrived early and stayed late at practice
• Developed pre-game routines to maintain concentration
• Studied opponents' tendencies and strategies
• Channeled criticism and doubts into motivation
• Maintained enthusiasm even during mundane drills and exercises

2. Persevere Through Adversity: Jordan's Resilience and Work Ethic

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Embracing failure. Jordan's approach to setbacks was to view them as opportunities for growth and motivation. He famously used his cut from the high school varsity team as fuel to work harder and prove his worth. This mindset of turning obstacles into stepping stones became a defining characteristic of his career.

Relentless work ethic. Jordan's commitment to improvement was unparalleled. He was known for grueling workouts, often practicing for hours after team sessions had ended. This dedication extended to all aspects of his game, from refining his jump shot to improving his defensive skills.

Examples of Jordan's perseverance:

• Returned to basketball after initial retirement, leading the Bulls to three more championships
• Played through illness in the 1997 NBA Finals "Flu Game"
• Overcame physical limitations by adapting his playing style as he aged
• Continually worked on weaknesses, such as his three-point shooting

3. Lead by Example: Jordan's Influence on Teammates and Fans

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."

Setting the standard. Jordan's leadership style was rooted in his own uncompromising work ethic and commitment to excellence. He demanded the same level of dedication from his teammates, often pushing them to their limits during practices and games. This approach, while sometimes seen as harsh, ultimately elevated the performance of the entire team.

Inspiring greatness. Beyond his immediate teammates, Jordan's impact extended to fans and aspiring athletes worldwide. His combination of skill, determination, and charisma made him a role model for millions, inspiring them to pursue their own dreams with the same intensity and passion he brought to basketball.

Key aspects of Jordan's leadership:

• Led team practices with intensity and focus
• Held teammates accountable for their performance
• Used his own success and work ethic as motivation for others
• Engaged with fans and young athletes, sharing his experiences and advice
• Demonstrated grace under pressure, setting an example for composure in high-stakes situations

4. Cultivate a Winning Mindset: Jordan's Competitive Drive

"I play to win, whether during practice or a real game."

Insatiable hunger for victory. Jordan's competitive nature was legendary, extending beyond basketball to every aspect of his life. This drive to win fueled his relentless pursuit of improvement and his ability to perform under pressure. He approached every game, practice, and challenge with the same intensity, always seeking to prove himself and come out on top.

Mental toughness. Jordan's ability to maintain focus and perform at his best in high-pressure situations set him apart from his peers. He developed mental strategies to overcome obstacles, silence doubts, and maintain confidence in his abilities, even in the face of fierce competition or personal setbacks.

Elements of Jordan's winning mindset:

• Viewed every interaction as a competition to be won
• Used perceived slights or criticisms as motivation
• Developed rituals and routines to maintain focus and confidence
• Embraced pressure situations, seeing them as opportunities to excel
• Constantly sought new challenges to test and prove himself

5. Build Trust and Respect: Jordan's Approach to Relationships

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."

Fostering team chemistry. Despite his individual brilliance, Jordan recognized the importance of strong relationships with his teammates, coaches, and support staff. He worked to build trust through consistent performance, reliability, and a willingness to share both successes and failures with his team.

Respecting opponents and the game. Jordan's competitive nature was balanced by a deep respect for his opponents and for basketball itself. This respect manifested in his preparation, his conduct on and off the court, and his commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport.

Key aspects of Jordan's approach to relationships:

• Invested time in mentoring younger players
• Showed appreciation for team staff and support personnel
• Maintained professional relationships with referees and league officials
• Engaged with fans and media in a respectful manner
• Demonstrated loyalty to coaches, teammates, and the Bulls organization

6. Maintain Character and Integrity: Jordan's Values On and Off the Court

"I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come."

Living up to expectations. As one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, Jordan faced intense scrutiny both on and off the court. He understood the responsibility that came with his fame and worked to maintain a positive image that aligned with his personal values and the expectations of his fans and sponsors.

Consistency in conduct. Jordan's approach to maintaining his character involved consistent behavior across all aspects of his life. Whether interacting with teammates, fans, media, or business partners, he strived to embody the same principles of hard work, respect, and integrity that defined his playing career.

Examples of Jordan's character and integrity:

• Fulfilled commitments to sponsors and partners
• Engaged in philanthropic efforts, including youth basketball programs
• Maintained professionalism in public appearances and interviews
• Took responsibility for his actions and decisions, both successes and failures
• Stayed true to his principles even when faced with controversy or criticism

7. Dream Big and Set High Goals: Jordan's Vision for Success

"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them."

Visualizing success. Jordan's approach to goal-setting involved not just identifying objectives but vividly imagining himself achieving them. This practice of visualization helped him maintain focus and motivation, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Continuous elevation of standards. As Jordan achieved his goals, he consistently set new, higher targets for himself. This refusal to rest on his laurels drove his continued growth and success throughout his career, pushing him to reach levels of achievement that many thought impossible.

Key aspects of Jordan's goal-setting approach:

• Set specific, measurable objectives for improvement
• Broke down long-term goals into actionable short-term steps
• Regularly reassessed and adjusted goals based on progress and changing circumstances
• Used goals as a source of motivation during difficult times or setbacks
• Encouraged teammates and others to set and pursue their own ambitious goals

Last updated: April 25, 2025