As I write this, on the 23rd day of August in the year 2020, Kobe Bean Bryant would have turned 42. I wish there were birthday presents I could offer him. Full disclosure, the things I have in mind are probably of more value to me than to Kobe Bryant. I request that you expel disbelief for a couple minutes though. Let’s pretend someone who never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bryant, could provide something a man who had just about everything would appreciate.

Pride

You may be thinking: “This dude had more than enough pride; he needs no more.”

This is true. What I am saying though, is I wish to give him the feeling of being proud.

Kobe Bryant’s signature “Mamba Mentality” is not just a mantra and it is more than just a mindset. It’s a lifestyle. Those who ascribe to this lifestyle have decided every day will be a quest to achieve their best self through hard work, curiosity, and dedication, with no amount of failure deterring them.

Mamba Mentality is the reason I always wake up before 5 am, sometimes as early as 3 am.

Mamba Mentality is the reason I can miss 99 shots — literal ones on the court or figurative ones in life — and remain ready to take the next one with confidence.

Mamba Mentality is the reason I can work my butt off but still strive to push myself harder and improve.