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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Mamba Mentality summary
Kobe Bryant
How I Play
13 mins
Brief summary
'The Mamba Mentality' by Kobe Bryant is a non-fiction book that chronicles the life of the basketball legend. It explores the mindset that made him a dominant player and provides insights for achieving success in any field.
Table of Contents
The Mamba Mentality
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Key idea 1 of 5
Preparation
Even when he was a kid, Kobe wanted to be the best. He didn’t need outside motivators; he had an intrinsic desire to improve himself. He also showed no fear. So, if he wanted to incorporate a new move into his game, he wouldn’t hesitate – even if that meant looking inept or feeling embarrassed. The important thing was to try. And when he got it right? Well, that was another skill in his pocket.
Kobe’s physical training regime was the stuff legends are made of. During the main part of his basketball career, he was lifting weights for 90 minutes, four times per week. And when he said lifting, he meant “heavy, hard, can’t-feel-your-arms” lifting!
Early in his career, he understood that time management was key – both to balance his basketball life as well as his family life. If he started his first gym session at 5:00 a.m. he’d manage to get in three sessions every day, but still always be there when the kids got up and again at night to put them to bed. He didn’t want to sacrifice any time with his family or his game – so he gave up his sleep instead.
When it came to prematch preparation, Kobe listened to his body and varied his routine depending on what he felt he needed to do. Sometimes that would mean shooting jumpers; other times it would mean meditation or stretching. And if he felt he needed rest, it was a good indication he should take a power nap.
It’s important to prepare mentally before a game, too. Kobe’s advice? Again, listen to how you’re feeling. You need to get your head in the right place. So, when Kobe needed to be keyed up for a game, he’d listen to energizing music. If he needed to feel soothed, it had to be the music he used to listen to on the school bus when he was a kid. And when he needed to be calm, he wouldn’t listen to any music at all.
Kobe also trained his mind regularly by reading, practicing, working, and focusing totally on his day-to-day tasks. By doing so, he found that his mind wandered less and he was more present in each moment.
He believed that cultivating relationships is essential for preparation. We all need mentors we can look up to. In Kobe’s case, this meant basketball greats like Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry West.
Kobe’s curiosity and passion meant he’d ask questions regardless of who he was with. Sometimes he was ignored, but it didn’t bother him – he was eager to learn from those willing to share their knowledge. Kobe relished talking to Magic Johnson, for example. It was always a special opportunity to pick his brain and learn from one of the game’s greats.
Over the years, Kobe faced many opponents. He studied them all in detail before playing against them. In the next section, we’ll take a look at some of these players and how Kobe adapted his game specifically when playing against them.
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What is The Mamba Mentality about?
The Mamba Mentality (2018) is Kobe Bryant’s personal take on basketball, his life, and his career. It provides details on how he physically and mentally prepared for the game, the depth with which he analyzed his opponents, and how basketball taught him to lead and grow.
The Mamba Mentality Review
The Mamba Mentality (2018) is a captivating book that delves into the mindset and work ethic of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Here's why it's worth a read:
- Featuring insightful anecdotes and interviews, it provides a behind-the-scenes look into Bryant's unparalleled dedication and commitment to his craft.
- The book offers practical tips on how to approach challenges, set goals, and develop a relentless drive for success, making it a valuable resource for athletes and non-athletes alike.
- With its raw and honest writing, The Mamba Mentality is a compelling exploration of what it takes to achieve greatness, ensuring that readers will not find it boring.
Who should read The Mamba Mentality?
- Lakers and Kobe Bryant fans
- People seeking inspiration on and off the court
- Anyone who wants to develop a Mamba Mentality
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The Mamba Mentality FAQs
What is the main message of The Mamba Mentality?
The main message of The Mamba Mentality is about pursuing excellence and having a relentless work ethic.
How long does it take to read The Mamba Mentality?
The reading time for The Mamba Mentality varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Mamba Mentality a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Mamba Mentality is worth reading for its insights into Kobe Bryant's mindset and approach to basketball.
Who is the author of The Mamba Mentality?
The author of The Mamba Mentality is Kobe Bryant.
What to read after The Mamba Mentality?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Mamba Mentality, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
- Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh
- The Rise by Mike Sielski
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
- Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars
- I Respectfully Disagree by Justin Jones-Fosu
- Difficult Conversations Don't Have to Be Difficult by Jon Gordon & Amy P. Kelly
- Uncommon by Mark Divine