Michael Jordan's 1997 Flu Game - A Winner's Credo

 

On June 11, 1997 sports history was made. One of the greatest performances ever was made by a flu-stricken Michael Jordan in game 5 of the NBA finals against the Utah Jazz. If you’re a sports fan, you know that particular game well, and you can probably remember where you were as you watched it just like any other major event in your lifetime. 

Michael Jordan was visibly sick throughout this game. He looked weary and wasn’t himself, but somehow he pushed his way through the entire game. The series was tied 2–2 and Utah was in the lead as the clock ticked down to under a minute to play. With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, His Airness drained a game changing 3-pointer that gave the Bulls the lead and helped them win the game. They went on to win the Championship in the very next game, and Jordan’s performance, even while sick, will live on forever as a pivotal moment in basketball history. 

Jordan beasted out 38 points and 7 rebounds in that game. It’s such a legendary moment in basketball that if you just mention ‘flu game’ to most basketball fans over the age of 30, they’ll immediately think of MJ, 1997, NBA Finals. 

There are so many things to learn from greats like Michael Jordan. His mindset was one of utter determination. He practiced as if he were playing in a game. He always played to win and was willing to do whatever was necessary — even sacrificing himself — to succeed. And he will forever be known as one of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the court. 

Whether it’s a championship basketball game, a marathon, a job interview, a marriage, or a new business, all great winners have the same process. 

First, they develop a winner’s mentality. 

Second, they prepare. 

Third, they do the work — no matter how hard it gets .

Last but not least, they reap the reward.

Mindset➡Preparation➡Work➡Reward

 

A winner’s mindset is one that embraces failure as part of success and is relentlessly determined to keep going anyway. A winner also believes that they are capable of achieving their greatest dreams and the most lofty goals. They push through fear, procrastination and complacency to take action and make things happen. 

A winner also values preparation. They’ve done the preliminary work over and over, tirelessly mastering every step until their process becomes second nature. They’ve prepared for every scenario and usually have a plan A, B, C, D and E. A winner is ready for whatever and treats every run-through like it’s the championship game.

After preparation comes the work, and a winner is no stranger to it. A winner’s work ethic is unyielding. Winners are willing to work day and night toward their goal. While everyone else is resting, they’re still working. When everyone else quits, they’re willing to keep going. Even when they feel like giving up, they push through and finish the game, just like MJ in 1997’s game 5.

As a result of having the right mindset, being (over) prepared, and working hard, winners reap the rewards that most people can only dream of. 

Winner’s know the process and they follow it to a T. 

Mindset, preparation, work, reward. 

Mindset, preparation, work, reward. 

Mindset, preparation, work, reward. 

Just as the great winners of our time and times past have done, we should remember the process, trust the process, and master the process. If we ingrain this simple winner’s credo in our psyche, I am confident that someday you and I can be among the great winners too. 

 

If this article helped you, feel free to hit me up on Instagram or Facebook and let me know.

Also, listen to my Master Your Mission podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play Music for daily motivation and inspiration to pursue your dreams.

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