Proving It

“Once you leave the ground, you fly. Some people fly longer than others.” -Michael Jordan

Feeling like you have to prove yourself every time out can guard against complacency. It’s especially useful if you’ve had some early success. Even the greatest constantly find ways to motivate themselves. In some cases, they exaggerate, even invent, slights or insults from others. (AKA “bulletin board material”) Go back and listen to Michael Jordan’s Hall Of Fame induction speech. There are several cringe-worthy moments where he “thanks” certain players and coaches for slighting him so that he could prove them wrong. (Side note: I once played pickup basketball with Jordan. His competitiveness is maniacal. Something to be feared just as much as it’s admired.)

The problem with this approach is it’s extrinsic. You’re dependent on external factors, namely people “seeing” and admitting they were wrong, for you to feel satisfied. But it can fuel you. For a little while anyway.

The better approach, especially over the long term, is an intrinsic one. (Which of course Jordan and all the greats also have.) Striving for excellence in all that you do until it becomes a habit. Because how you do anything is how you do everything. And the only person you really need to prove it to…is yourself.