Lessons from LeBron

Happy Monday! 

Astronaut Michael James Massimino said, “Anyone who is at the top of their game, who we would consider to be one of the most successful people in the world, aren’t people who have never failed, they’re just people who never let failure stop them.”  It is really easy to look at someone like LeBron James or Michael Jordan and think about how successful they are and everything they have accomplished.  However, for anyone at the top, they understand that overcoming failure is just as important as preparing for success.

“Some of my best accomplishments was the times that I failed,” said LeBron James.  He stresses the importance of learning from defeat or failure in order to avoid the same result.  That doesn’t mean you should dwell on a bad game or a bad test score, but think of what you could have done better or differently to get the result you want.  Self-reflection and analysis is important to self improvement.  Don’t just go through the motions. 

When people look at top athletes or even a person that might be considered intelligent, they often say, “It just comes natural to them” or “it comes easy.”  A person might look at Michael Jordan as one of the greatest of all time on the court and forget that he didn’t make the varsity basketball team his sophomore year of high school.  He put in the work and made it his junior year.  For Jordan, that setback and disappointment made him a better player.  Don’t underestimate the time and work people put towards reaching their goals.  It is not something accomplished overnight and may require extra effort.  

James also encourages to learn through experience.  It’s important to not allow the fear of failure stop you from trying.  The best of the best have bad days or bad games, but they keep going.  That’s what makes them great. 

What does LeBron James do on big game days:

1. Keep a schedule.  Having a routine helps him stay focused on the goal.  So whether it be a game or a test, try and do the same thing on that day and leading up to it.  It is one less thing to think about.  
2. Take the time to reflect on how to improve and do better every time.  What can you do different? 
3. Preparation is key.  Whether before a big game or big test, don’t expect to become an expert overnight.  Put in the extra effort to be prepared on the big day.  
4. Rest.  This goes to point #4, but to reinforce that you need to feel rested and ready to perform at your best.  

For this week’s #MakeItHappen, learn from the best.  Think about your goals, how you want to improve, and put in the work in order to achieve them.  As always, let us know how it’s going, and email us at info@yteach.com or share your story and tag us on social.Go make it happen,
Luly & the YTeach Team

“Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.”
– LeBron James