Michael Jordan, a legendary basketball player, is known for a quote that's a major part
of our company's motivation. He openly shared about missing thousands of shots and
facing failures in his career. Unlike most of us, he experienced success and failure in the
public eye, inspiring people by turning setbacks into victories. Sports, like basketball,
give us clear results—either you make the shot or miss it. Jordan's resilience in the face
of failure motivates us in our own lives.
Even the great Michael Jordan faced challenges. In high school, he didn't make the
varsity basketball team in his sophomore year, causing heartbreak. It wasn't about lack
of talent, but a strategic decision by the coaches. This setback could have crushed him,
but with his mother's support, Jordan used it to fuel his determination. His relentless
effort and focus on improvement defined his path to success.
Many people fear public failure, and this fear often hinders them. Jordan, like other elite
performers, transformed the fear of failure into a drive for success. Public speaking
anxiety is a common example, but for Jordan, it was about the fear of public humiliation.
His ability to turn setbacks into motivation set him apart, paving the way for his success
in basketball and beyond.
Jordan's pattern of facing defeat and bouncing back continued in college and the NBA.
His unwavering drive led to breaking records and becoming the most decorated player in
NBA history. Beyond individual success, he played a significant role in popularizing
basketball globally, influencing future stars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
Decades later, as the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Jordan faced another tough
challenge. The team experienced its worst season in NBA history, both in performance
and community support. Jordan's strategic moves, like hiring a new coach and focusing
on revitalizing the team's brand, turned things around. The team's success improved,
showing that even successful people need to adapt and try new strategies.
Success in one area doesn't mean expertise in everything. Jordan's experience as a
basketball star didn't automatically make him an excellent team manager. Acknowledging
what wasn't working, he shifted focus to what he excelled at—marketing. This shift in
perspective and willingness to learn new things contributed to his success as a team
owner.
Jordan emphasized the importance of learning from bad decisions and moving
forward. He admitted that experience in business and ownership came with challenges,
but these challenges also contributed to his growth. His journey reflects that success
often involves overcoming failures, learning from mistakes, and continuously evolving.
Jordan's journey as an owner was challenging, but he found it fun. Acknowledging the
difficulties, he enjoyed the process. It's a reminder that success is not just about the
destination but also about the journey. Jordan's willingness to embrace challenges, learn
from failures, and find joy in the process offers a valuable lesson for all of us.
