Till yesterday, I had never heard this name. Browsing through news feeds, I came across a news item that reported 'Kobe Bryant, Basketball player died in a helicopter crash'. I was indifferent, oblivious to the impact of the news.
In the evening sitting at my couch, I opened a youtube video that featured Kobe Bryant. Suddenly, I realized that what I had missed until now and how great a player he is or was. One after another, I kept watching his videos, his thoughts on the importance of obsession, the importance of work ethics, need to be a maniac in life and cost of greatness. The only word which came to my mind after knowing was "what a guy".
He was an extraordinarily hardworking person, focussed on his game and fiercely competitive sportsman. Listening to him made me feel nostalgic and in fact a lesser man. His level of determination, perseverance, resilient attitude feels ethereal and makes most problems of life look minion. What I liked most about him was his conceptual clarity about trade-offs in life. His passioned approach to life and the necessity of knowing what do you wish from life?
People like him are a real gem and true leaders. He was a true inspiration for millions. His single-minded focus made him a 4th ranked all-time great on NBA charts. Somewhere a part of me wishes to emulate him. But listening to his videos, led to a dinner discussion and ignited another thought process about why is it necessary to excel or lead or try to excel or try to lead? If happiness and satisfaction are all that matters then why excellence, discipline, and leadership are so highly coveted virtues of our life. or in other words, what is wrong with being mediocre and cocooned in your own comfort zone and stay happy. Why do we have to become a warrior?
I wish Kobe was alive to answer these questions. But nonetheless, even after death, he will continue to inspire millions of us for time to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment