Successful people have numerous common traits. Among the most important is understanding and coping with failure and setbacks and learning to rise from the ashes, especially during unprecedented times. That’s true for all people, including professional athletes like Mason Plumlee of the Denver Nuggets.
For Plumlee and other NBA players sitting at home during the pandemic, this is a situation that requires grit, patience, and a positive attitude. Their season has been cut short. There are limited opportunities to get into a gym and practice. Their lives have been redefined as they wait out the crisis like everyone else. In such a scenario, it is essential to have a positive attitude.
One way to remain positive is to keep learning from the greatest NBA players of all time. Plumlee and many of his teammates have been watching ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary, which offers a look at how Michael Jordan overcame his own setbacks and failures to lead the Chicago Bulls to become one of the greatest sports dynasties. It also showcases Jordan’s relationships and battles with other legendary NBA stars like Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson. All these NBA players faced challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. Some lessons from “The Last Dance” include:
Focus on the game
Jordan explains that his game had to do the talking for him to have access to other opportunities. This meant taking no short-cuts and outworking everybody, which Plumlee plans to do while he is waiting out the crisis. He and his teammates will need to maintain strong focus and internal motivation at a time of uncertainty.
Keep your feet grounded and keep your friends and family close
For Plumlee, basketball is a family tradition. Like Jordan, Plumlee’s brothers played competitive basketball and that helped drive him as an athlete. Plumlee’s parents played competitive basketball as well. As challenges increase through a professional athlete’s career, it helps to have people who understand your passion. For Plumlee, that means having family members who know what he’s going through and what he’s missing.
Friends are extended family
Friends can fuel resilience. In The Last Dance, Jordan keeps a small, but close circle of friends and teammates that he can trust in good times and bad. Plumlee has access to all the benefits of the NBA life – a large network of opportunities, a healthy pay check, a beautiful girlfriend, and an exciting social life — but it’s important at a time like this take comfort in lasting friendships. Before the quarantine, Mason Plumlee was seen with his good friends enjoying dinner, lunches, and exploring cities. He can find strength in knowing that eventually these days will return.