Job’s Not Finished
Become Possessed: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was a former NBA basketball player who had a legendary 20 year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships and earning 18 All Star selections.
He’s also known for his savage work ethic and world class self discipline. His mindset was honed to maximize excellence.
In 2009, the Lakers were up two games to zero in the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic.
In an interview following Game Two, a reporter asked Kobe why he hadn’t seen a smile from him, why he hadn’t looked happy about leading the series 2-0.
His famous response sums up the psycho mentality that made him great.
“Job’s not finished. Job finished? I don’t think so.”
The NBA Finals aren’t over until one team reaches four wins in a best of seven series.
This was the mind of one of the most relentless athletes of all time.
The series wasn’t over.
The job wasn’t finished.
There was nothing to celebrate.
Too often, people take their foot off the gas when they’re ahead. They don’t run through the finish line. They pull their head…
…and they whiff.
Often times, the difference between good and great happens in the final few seconds.
After hours.
Behind the scenes.
In the fourth quarter.
On the last rep.
In the follow up.
In the crescendo.
Finished the damn job.
Stretch after the run.
Make the last minute edits.
Follow up after you hit send.
Finish the conversation with the hard question.
Lose all 20 pounds because you said you would.
Drink two beers because you said only two beers.
This is where the magic happens.
Where results manifest.
In a world where most people can’t finish what they start, seeing things through is a superpower.
It’s not over until it’s over.
Seal the deal.
Finish the job.
The Lakers went on to win that series 4-1, claiming Kobe’s fourth championship.
Thanks for reading, and as always godspeed.
—Dante
Things that have possessed me this week:
Song: Daisies - Justin Bieber
Person: Roger Federer
Health: Alcohol destroys sleep