8 Lessons On #MambaMentality
March 3, 2020. Thirty-three is here and I am ready to tackle the world with a #MambaMentality. A Los Angeles born and raised Laker fan, I join the world in mourning the loss of one of the greatest of all time, Kobe Bryant.
This year, like every other year, I am reflecting on my goals and I aspire to be like Mamba. I am dedicating this year of life, my 33rd year, my Jesus year, my long awaited, “33 on 3/3,” to live a Mamba lifestyle.
In the words of Kobe himself, “Mamba Mentality is a constant quest to find answers. It’s that infinite curiosity to want to be better, to figure things out. Mamba mentality is you’re going, you’re competing, you’re not worried about the end result.”
A #MambaMindset means continuous intentional relentless growth. Here are eight quick lessons on intentional growth based on the Mamba himself.
Work hard, be prepared and don’t give up. The Mamba Mentality seeks expertise and excellence through preparation. A proud member of #LakerNation, I clearly remember Kobe’s first year in the NBA and all of the negative criticism based on his performance, which many found to be disappointing. From the tipoff of his first NBA season, all eyes were on him because of what the franchise did to get him, the amount of money they spent, as well as trading all-stars to secure Kobe’s position. Kobe was expected to show up and show out immediately, and that was not the case. However, there was immense potential and when potential meets preparation the possibilities are greatness. The Mamba put in work. Kobe worked hard and then worked even harder. He was often noted to be the first in the gym and extremely quick to shoot hundreds of extra shots before and after games. That resilience and tenacity is now why Kobe is one of the greatest, and arguably the greatest to ever pick up a basketball.
Learn. I will never forget that as Kobe was playing against the greatest basketball player of all for the first time, Michael Jordan, he was asking him for advice. Mamba was not afraid to seek knowledge, even from a competitor. Kobe saw the opportunity to learn and took advantage of it. As he humbly sought guidance, Kobe’s childhood idol became his real life career mentor.
Be Unafraid and take calculated risks. Kobe always seemed so cool and collected. When you do not fear, you do not worry. When asked about his Mamba Mentality, Kobe explained, “You’re not worried about what people may say. You’re not worried about disappointing others. You’re not worried about any of that, you’re just focused on being in the moment. That’s what mamba mentality truly is.”
Some of my favorite memories of Kobe will be him staring in the face of competitors and not even blinking when they attempted to intimidate him. Mamba was confident, because he put in the work to be prepared for that exact moment. I know from personal experience, that the more prepared you are, the less you will worry and fear.
Love. I had no idea that one of Kobe’s favorite songs was “XO” by queen Beyoncé until she performed the song at his memorial at the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Staples Center. In the song Beyonce sings, “I love you like XO. You love me like XO.” A major theme from Kobe’s life is love. He loved his family, he loved basketball and he operated in love. When you love something passionately, you give it your all and your best. Love is the greatest gift that we can give the world, and Kobe gave it to us, his fans. That’s what we all should do with our lives. Give life our best and give life our all.
Coach. Teach, train, instruct, encourage. Kobe was a teacher and one of his last titles was “coach.” Through his life, he taught us more than just how to be great on the basketball court. Until the day he retired, Kobe taught his teammates how to enhance their skills and after his retirement, he lent his time. We all have something that we can pass on and living a Mamba Mentality is realizing what that is and tapping into it.
Give Back. Kobe died on his way to coach at his Mamba Sports Academy. His life will be remembered by him giving back to the next generation and to women. Kobe invested in his career to eventually give it all back to his community.
Be Intentional. Another Laker great that will go down in history, Shaquille O'Neal, joked when presenting at Kobe’s memorial that Mamba said, there’s no “I,” but there’s a “ME” in the word team. The power of ME.
Kobe knew his position, influence, impact and took it seriously. Kobe was skilled and determined which is why he made such smart and intentional moves. He knew his potential and his position. We should live life with purpose like Mamba. Life’s moves should be so intentional that at the right time, success occurs.
Have Hope. Kobe often mentioned how his faith in God centered his life. Hope is the strength of a person’s desire. It is being confident in God’s promises over your life. We have people rooting for us, depending on us. And when you have the greatest of them all rooting for you, behind you, you will succeed.
As I turn 33 on this 3/3, with my 3 month only baby in my arms, I truly expect greatness to occur. I desire to be the best possible version of myself with a #MambaMentality - fulfilling God’s promise on my life- being the best mother and wife that I can be by working hard, preparing, learning, coaching, teaching, being unafraid, operating in love and based on love. By intentionally investing in myself, I am making a #Mambalifestyle & #MambaMentality commitment. I am focusing on what I truly love this year and I am going to love hard.
XO...XO
Big Hugs x Big Kisses,
Gabrielle Gambrell
