Things I learned from Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Bulls

Originally posted: August 5, 2020

In April of 2020 ESPN debuted “The Last Dance.” A 10-part documentary series looking at the legacy that was Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls. Netflix recently started streaming it. I’m not an avid basketball watcher, but I can’t count how many times I thought, "I want to be like Michael Jordan" while watching this documentary. They knew what they had in the 90s with the slogan, “be like Mike.” 

Here's what I took away from Micheal Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls. 

  • Be a badass

  • Know your value. Though not everyone will understand, know what you deserve and fight for it. If that be pay, what you spend your time doing or who you decide to spend your time with. Just like what Scottie Pippen realized, when you are under appreciated - change it. 

  • Voice what you want and go after it. Michael Jordan joined the Bulls with the intention of changing the team and making them champions. He did this 6 times and could have continued.

  • Though you may not get along with everyone, know when someone deserves recognition.  

  • Earn your stripes. People are not going to respect you right away. If you want it bad enough, know that you are going to have to put in the work.

  • Be present. So much anxiety comes from the unknown that you might slowly see your life and worth drifting away. Being present can help keep yourself in what needs to be done and calm your anxiety of the unknown. “Why would I think about missing a shot I haven’t taken?” 

  • Be yourself. These players won over the world not just by their talent, but also by their personalities. People wanted to root for them. 

  • Turn to your teammates. Your teammates in life might be your family, friends, or your animals. You are not going to get to where you want without support. Know that it is okay to have a right-hand person, and that does not make you any less of a person.

Photo by: Howard Chai

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