May 7, 2023 | Issue #67

1 Quote. 1 Reflection. 1 Question.

1 Quote.

“It’s funny. A lot of people say they’d like to be Michael Jordan for a day or for a week. But let them try to be Michael Jordan for a year. See if they like it… Let them see that it’s no fun.” 

 -From: Michael Jordan

-Source: The Last Dance

1 Reflection.

The Last Dance miniseries on Netflix took the world by storm in 2020. It showcased the basketball legend Michael Jordan and the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls season. 

This quote from episode six sheds light on fame and being the top dawg in your field. Jordan was on top of the basketball world but that didn't come without struggles. 

Bulls senior director of public and media relations Tim Hallam admitted in The Last Dance that he wouldn’t want to be Superman since it was an impossible task.

Hallam went on and on about how difficult it was being Jordan during the Bulls’ dynasty in the ’90s. The five-time league MVP was under pressure to be on with people all the time.

“I think what people don’t realize is that from the moment Michael Jordan leaves his hotel room, the spotlight is on him,” Hallam said. “Everybody in the world wanted to either see him, talk to him. They all wanted a piece of him in some way or another. He was under pressure to be on all the time with people. I wouldn’t want to be like Mike. It’s an impossible task.”

Will you experience such worldwide greatness and status? Probably not but will you become a CEO, a well-known novelist, painter, scientist, professor, researcher, or marketer? Maybe.

The problem becomes, once on top, can you maintain the level of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to stay there? 

That's where mundane consistency comes into play. Jordan just showed up before everyone else and always wanted to compete at the highest level. On a podcast, former teammate Bill Armstrong said this about Jordan

"Everyone talks about the GOAT. But watching "The Last Dance" was just the tip of the iceberg. What it didn’t show you was – his preparation was by far superior to any player I’ve ever seen."

Before you go for the top spot ask yourself if you are ready to do what it takes to get there and stay. If you think you are, go for it, if not, then don't. There is no shame in the latter. Just remember once on top, all eyes will be on you and that pressure can weigh you down if you let it. 

1 Question.

Do the things that make you happy align with your career?