#212 Michael Jordan The Life

In Roland Lazenby's biography "Michael Jordan: The Life," we delve into the complexities of Jordan's intense competitiveness, which was fueled by an unyielding drive to overcome perceived slights and a deep-seated need to prove his worth, especially to his father, James Jordan. This drive was rooted in a painful childhood memory when his father bluntly questioned his value, igniting a relentless pursuit of excellence and vindication. Despite observers dismissing his competitive fire as manufactured, Jordan's inability to let go of even the smallest offenses was intrinsic to his nature. His relentless work ethic and dedication to practice, a theme emphasized throughout the book, were pivotal in his transformation from a talent-heavy athlete to a strategic and mindful player. Jordan's journey from a "lazy" teenager to a basketball legend and shrewd businessman, amassing a fortune through equity in the Jordan brand, is a testament to his commitment to constant improvement and his understanding of the game's demands. Despite challenges and setbacks, including his father's tragic death and initial struggles upon returning to the NBA, Jordan's story is one of perseverance, with his legacy defined not just by his successes but by his capacity to use pain as fuel, continuously striving for and achieving greatness.

• Michael Jordan was highly sensitive to perceived slights and had a tendency to internalize and remember even the smallest of offenses.
• He used these perceived slights as motivation to fuel his competitive nature and drive for success.
• The public and observers often misunderstood his behavior as manufactured for competitive purposes, not realizing the depth of his inability to let go of these details.

"It took the fewest of words to set him off, sometimes nothing more than the faintest trace of a smirk." This quote demonstrates how easily Michael Jordan could be provoked by what others might consider insignificant triggers.

"He was also capable of making things up, conjuring up on a front out of thin air." This quote illustrates Jordan's ability to create motivational challenges for himself, even if they were not based on actual events or interactions.

"Many observers mistakenly thought that these affronts were laughable things of Michael's own manufacture little devices to spur his competitive juices." The quote indicates a common misperception among observers who did not grasp the seriousness with which Jordan took every slight or challenge.

• Michael Jordan's competitiveness was significantly influenced by his relationship with his father, James Jordan.
• A particular phrase spoken by his father, "Just go in the house with the women," deeply affected Jordan and became a lifelong motivator.
• Michael used his father's negative opinions as a driving force throughout his career, continually striving to prove his worth and disprove any notion of worthlessness.

"Just go in the house with the women." This quote from James Jordan had a profound impact on Michael Jordan, igniting a competitive drive to prove his worth.

"Michael paid him back again and again by achieving so much in a life that his father could never hope to grasp." The quote reflects Jordan's relentless pursuit of success as a means of countering his father's early negative assessment of him.

• Michael Jordan is an example of an individual who achieved exceptional success and influence, surpassing what seemed possible given his beginnings.
• The podcast host relates Jordan's story to those of other remarkable individuals like Coco Chanel and Steven Spielberg, who achieved extraordinary deals and success in their respective fields.
• The host emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the capacity for individuals to rise from humble beginnings to immense success.

"Coco Chanel, she went from orphan to the richest woman in the world by the time she died." This quote highlights the remarkable trajectory of success that is possible, as exemplified by Coco Chanel's life story.

"Steven Spielberg gets 2% of all ticket sales at Universal theme parks." The quote provides an example of the lucrative deals that can contribute to the success of individuals like Spielberg.

"Jordan, which we'll talk about today. The Jordan brand. He gets 5% of gross sales for the Jordan brand." The mention of Jordan's deal with the Jordan brand underscores the significant financial success that can result from strategic partnerships and brand building.

• Michael Jordan's confidence, especially in his early years, was partly a facade to cover up internal doubts and to push himself to compete at the highest levels.
• His dedication to practice and improvement was a key factor in his success, reflecting a deep motivation to be the best.
• Jordan was driven by a desire to test the limits of his potential, thriving under pressure and continually challenging himself.

"His competence was exceeded only by his confidence." This quote encapsulates the relationship between Jordan's skill and his self-belief, suggesting that his confidence was a critical component of his success.

"The confidence he had when he was in high school, maybe even early days of college. A lot of that was just him hyping himself up to convince himself to some degree." The quote reflects on Jordan's early use of confidence as a psychological tool to overcome doubts and compete effectively.

• Michael Jordan's work ethic was legendary, and he practiced with complete dedication, translating the same approach from basketball to building the Jordan brand.
• His drive to excel in sports was in stark contrast to his lack of interest in other pursuits, which his father characterized as laziness.
• Jordan's focus on a singular goal, whether it be becoming a professional athlete or winning championships, was a defining characteristic of his approach to success.

"If he wasn't good at something, he had the motivation to be the best at it." This quote highlights Jordan's relentless pursuit of excellence and his willingness to put in the work to improve in areas where he was lacking.

"The more pressure he heaped on himself, the greater his ability to rise to the occasion." The quote speaks to Jordan's ability to perform at his best under high-pressure situations, using stress as a catalyst for achievement.

• Tex Winter, a coach who worked extensively with Jordan, described him as a "mystery man" and complicated figure, suggesting that even after extensive study, Jordan remains somewhat unknowable.
• The podcast host reflects on the difficulty of truly understanding Jordan, despite having deeply researched his life and career.

"He is a mystery man in an awful lot of ways, and I think he will always be, maybe even to himself." This quote from Tex Winter captures the complex and enigmatic nature of Michael Jordan's personality and character.

"After reading 700 pages about him, I feel this way, too." The host's quote expresses a feeling of uncertainty about truly understanding Jordan despite extensive reading and research.

• Michael Jordan's early life was marked by setbacks, such as not making his high school varsity basketball team, which fueled his determination to succeed.
• His ability to remember and use every slight as motivation was evident from an early age, as was his drive to compete and excel in sports.
• Jordan's experience of being cut from the basketball team was a pivotal moment, leading to a realization of his own selfishness and the importance of teamwork.

"That's the laziest boy I've ever seen." This quote from James Jordan about his son's lack of interest in non-sporting efforts contrasts sharply with Michael's later renowned work ethic in basketball.

"I wanted them to lose to prove that I could help them." Jordan's quote reflects his initial reaction to being cut from the team, showcasing his competitive nature and desire to prove his worth.

• Jordan's competitive drive was apparent even in high school, as he pushed himself and his teammates to their limits, particularly in practicing good defense.
• His singular focus on becoming a professional athlete was a driving force behind his actions and decisions throughout his career.

"Nobody had ever had this kid's drive." A coach's quote about young Michael Jordan's unparalleled motivation and competitive spirit.

"My goal is to be a pro athlete." Jordan's quote as a 17-year-old, demonstrating his clear and singular ambition to succeed in professional sports.

• Jordan's rise in the basketball world was marked by his continuous improvement and willingness to learn from others, including his heroes and predecessors in the sport.
• He understood the importance of teamwork and listening to coaches, which contributed to his development as a player and leader.
• Jordan's experience at the five-star camp was a turning point, where he realized his potential and began to gain recognition as a talented player.

"The more I played, the more confident I became." Jordan's quote about the impact of competing against top players on his self-confidence and realization of his abilities.

"He was selecting a place where he would spend the last days of his true freedom before success took possession of his life." The quote reflects on the life-changing decision of where to attend college and the impact of impending fame on personal freedom.

• Jordan's early expressions of confidence were often a mask for his fears and a tool to psych himself up against competition.
• His fear and youthful bravado were part of the process of becoming the confident and successful athlete he is known for.

"He was talking a lot of junk. He was talking about how he was going to dunk on me." Patrick Ewing's recollection of meeting a young Michael Jordan, highlighting Jordan's early swagger and trash-talking.

"At least part of that was his youthful fear, Jordan would admit." This quote acknowledges the role of fear in Jordan's early displays of confidence, suggesting it was a coping mechanism for his insecurities.

• Michael Jordan initially used arrogance to fuel his dreams.
• His confidence was a driving force even before his skills fully developed.
• Once his skills matched his confidence, he became unstoppable.

"I feel at the very beginning he used his arrogance, maybe his false arrogance, as the steam to power his dreams."

This quote highlights the role of confidence in Michael Jordan's early development, suggesting that even a "false" sense of arrogance can be a motivator towards success.

• Michael Jordan's approach to doing what others cannot is likened to Edwin Land's philosophy.
• Edwin Land, the founder of Polaroid, believed in not doing anything that others can do.
• Jordan found motivation in being able to do unique things and the reaction from fans.

"I started to do things other people couldn't do. And that intrigued me more because of the excitement I got from the fans, from the people, and still having the ability to do things that other people can't do but want to do."

This quote reflects Jordan's realization that his unique abilities on the basketball court were a source of intrigue and motivation, aligning with Land's philosophy of pursuing unique paths.

• Michael Jordan's high school championship loss was a formative experience.
• He internalized the pain of loss, using it to fuel his drive.
• This approach is compared to the attitudes of other highly successful individuals like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Seagrams founder Samuel Bronfman.

"He took the pain of that loss and held on to it. It's part of what made him."

The quote emphasizes how Jordan used the pain of losing as a long-term motivator, suggesting that setbacks can be a powerful source of growth.

• In college, Jordan immersed himself in learning basketball fundamentals.
• He was shocked by the lack of work ethic in other NBA players.
• His dedication to fundamentals and practice gave him a competitive edge.

"The total immersion into the fundamentals."

This phrase encapsulates Jordan's approach to his basketball training during his college years, highlighting the importance of mastering the basics.

• Dean Smith, the college coach, had a significant impact on Jordan.
• Jordan's ability to absorb knowledge and apply it on the court was unparalleled.
• Smith's coaching helped Jordan transition from raw talent to a disciplined player.

"Knowledge of basketball, downloading knowledge of basketball on rebounds, defense, free throw, shooting and different techniques."

The quote describes the comprehensive basketball education Jordan received under Dean Smith, which was crucial to his development as a player.

• Jordan's greatest skill was his ability to listen and learn from coaches.
• He was highly coachable, which set him apart even more than his physical abilities.
• The importance of being teachable is likened to the value of reading biographies and learning from others' experiences.

"My greatest skill was being teachable, Jordan later observed. I was like a sponge."

Jordan's self-assessment highlights the critical role of being open to instruction and feedback in his success, reinforcing the value of a teachable attitude.

• The game-winning shot in college was a pivotal moment in Jordan's career.
• His confidence and intensity began to align with his abilities.
• Observations from fellow students and teammates noted his seriousness and commitment.

"No one had seen him coming."

This quote, reflecting on Jordan's unexpected rise, underscores the element of surprise in his journey and the shift from potential to actualized talent.

• Jordan's hatred for losing and demand for excellence from teammates became defining traits.
• His work ethic was relentless, even in practice.
• These traits are compared to the drive and commitment seen in individuals like Steve Jobs and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"No one would ever outwork him again."

This quote conveys Jordan's response to being challenged on his effort, leading to a commitment to unparalleled work ethic.

• Sonny Vaccaro's strategic advice to Nike was crucial in focusing on Jordan.
• Nike's decision to market Jordan as an individual, akin to a tennis player, was revolutionary.
• The partnership with Nike was a gamble that paid off, largely due to the influence of Jordan's mother.

"Give it all to the kid. Give it all to Jordan."

Vaccaro's advice to Nike to invest their entire budget in Jordan is a testament to the foresight and bold decision-making that led to the creation of the Jordan brand.

• Jordan's approach to practice in the NBA was as intense as his game performance.
• He was always willing to put in extra work to improve.
• A quote from Stephen King about doing what you love until it hurts is used to illustrate Jordan's dedication.

"He came to practice every day like it was game seven of the NBA Finals."

This quote captures Jordan's intensity and commitment to practice, treating every opportunity to improve as if it were a critical moment in his career.

• Michael Jordan's early career dedication and intense practice routine set the foundation for his success.
• Jordan arrived to practice early, practiced with the intensity of an NBA Finals Game 7, and constantly sought to learn more from coaches and teammates.
• His commitment and drive were evident from the start, marking his potential for greatness.

"I'm showing up to practice 45 minutes early. When I'm in practice, I'm practicing like it's game seven of the NBA Finals."

This quote highlights Jordan's dedication and the intensity he brought to practice, which mirrored the effort expected in critical, high-stakes games.

• Michael Jordan's transition from relying solely on physical prowess to incorporating mental skill and craftsmanship into his play.
• He reflects on his growth over seven years, from a rookie to a seasoned player who uses both mind and body to excel.
• The idea of craftsmanship resonates with him, emphasizing the skill and artistry in his approach to basketball.

"I think '98 was much better than any of the other years because of how I was able to use my mind as well as my body."

This quote signifies Jordan's evolution as a player, where he acknowledges the importance of mental strategy in conjunction with physical ability.

• The transformative power of a single, exceptional individual on a team's success.
• Jordan's influence turned the Chicago Bulls from a struggling team to a legendary dynasty.
• His role as the "little match" sparked the team's transformation, demonstrating the profound effect of individual talent and work ethic.

"All you needed was one little match to start that whole fire."

The metaphor of a "little match" illustrates the significant impact Jordan had on igniting the success of the Bulls, catalyzing their rise to a dynasty.

• The strategic marketing success of Air Jordan shoes following NBA's ban.
• The ban on red and black Jordan shoes by the NBA created a massive marketing opportunity for Nike.
• Nike's decision to pay Jordan's fines and continue promoting the banned shoes resulted in unprecedented sales and brand recognition.

"Nike would ring up an astounding $150,000,000 in Air Jordan sales over the first three years."

This quote demonstrates the commercial success of the Air Jordan brand, which far exceeded Nike's initial sales projections due to the controversy and subsequent media attention.

• Jordan's record-setting performance and the respect he earned from other players.
• Scoring 63 points in a playoff game against the Celtics, establishing a new record.
• Larry Bird's praise for Jordan, comparing him to a divine figure on the basketball court, signifying the high level of respect from a fellow elite player.

"That's God disguised as Michael Jordan."

Larry Bird's quote underscores the extraordinary performance by Jordan, elevating his status to an almost supernatural level in the eyes of one of the best players of that time.

• Tex Winter's introduction of the triangle offense as a new strategy for the Bulls.
• Winter's innovative approach and philosophy on basketball, focusing on teamwork and detailed fundamentals.
• The initial resistance and eventual acceptance of the triangle offense, which played a crucial role in the Bulls' future success.

"Jordan said Tex taught me a lot about basketball. I loved him."

Jordan's quote reflects the impact that Tex Winter's coaching and the triangle offense had on his understanding of basketball and his development as a player.

• The establishment and growth of the Jordan brand as a business empire.
• Jordan's insistence on equity and partnership with Nike, leading to a groundbreaking endorsement deal.
• The deal not only brought Jordan immense wealth but also revolutionized athlete endorsements.

"Eventually a fat new Nike contract would be signed, a deal that would be opened the door a few years later for the emergence of the Jordan brand and create unimaginable wealth for the athlete."

This quote highlights the strategic business decisions that led to the creation of the Jordan brand and its significant financial success.

• The challenge and eventual triumph over the Detroit Pistons and their "Jordan Rules" defense.
• The Pistons' strategy effectively countered Jordan's playstyle, leading to multiple defeats for the Bulls.
• These challenges pushed Jordan and the Bulls to adapt and overcome, setting the stage for their later championships.

"The Jordan rules succeeded against the Bulls so well that they became a textbook for guarding athletic scores."

The quote illustrates the effectiveness of the Pistons' strategy against Jordan, which ultimately served as a catalyst for his and the Bulls' growth.

• Phil Jackson's defensive focus and introduction of mindfulness to the Bulls.
• Jackson's unique coaching style, including Zen Buddhism principles, contributed to the team's composure and success.
• The practice of mindfulness helped Michael Jordan and the team maintain focus and control, particularly in high-pressure situations.

"No matter how unusual they seemed... Jordan would take great benefit from Jackson's Zen approach and the mindfulness sessions he provided the team."

This quote shows the positive impact of Phil Jackson's unconventional methods on the team's performance and Jordan's personal development.

• The Bulls' strategic approach to building a lasting dynasty through the triangle offense and team development.
• The concept of the roundabout approach, taking a step back to advance further in the future, applied to both business and basketball.
• The difficult transition to the triangle offense ultimately led to a stronger, more disciplined team capable of sustained success.

"The more he learned about it, the more he saw how steadfastly Tex believed in it... It was like a gold mine."

Jordan's realization of the value in the triangle offense and Tex Winter's philosophy is captured in this quote, indicating a turning point in the team's approach to the game.

• The emotional and physical challenges Jordan faced before winning his first championship.
• The determination to overcome physical beatings by the Pistons and to not let losses define him.
• The shift from being a one-man team to trusting teammates and playing as a cohesive unit.

"I was crying and screaming, he recalled. There's that pain. Excellence is often the capacity for taking pain."

Jordan's emotional response to defeat and his commitment to growth and improvement are evident in this quote, showing his resilience and drive to succeed.

• Michael Jordan learned to trust his teammate John Paxton during a critical game moment.
• Coach Phil Jackson challenged Jordan to acknowledge the open player, leading to Paxton making crucial shots.
• The Bulls won the championship game with significant contributions from Paxton and Scottie Pippen.

"Michael's having a rough second half... And Phil calls a timeout... And he's looking right at Michael and goes, Michael who's open?... Finally, Michael looks up at him and goes, packs. And Phil goes, we'll throw him the fucking ball."

The quote illustrates the moment Jordan acknowledges his teammate Paxton as the open player, highlighting the importance of trust and team play in achieving victory.

• Jordan and Pippen were surprised by the laziness of their Olympic teammates.
• They recognized their own hard work and dedication compared to others.
• The conversation between Jordan and Pippen on the bus reflects on the potential of Clyde Drexler with better fundamentals.

"Jordan had been surprised to learn how lazy many of his Olympic teammates were about practice, how they were deceiving themselves about what the game required."

This quote emphasizes the difference in work ethic between Jordan and some of his Olympic teammates, suggesting that success requires more than talent—it requires dedication to practice and understanding the demands of the game.

• Michael Jordan's dedication to practice was a cornerstone of his success.
• His commitment to practice contributed to his success on the court and the success of the Jordan brand.
• Jordan's love for practice and his understanding of its importance are highlighted.

"I have always liked practice and I hate to miss it... I have always been a practice player. I believe in it."

Jordan's quote underscores his belief in the power of practice, indicating that consistent effort and dedication are key to maintaining excellence in performance.

• Steve Kerr was struck by Jordan's intense leadership style upon joining the Bulls.
• Jordan's demanding approach in practice aimed to push his teammates to compete at their highest level.
• The comparison to Steve Jobs' philosophy on team dynamics and conflict is made.

"Kerr was stunned by the way Jordan seized control of the entire team's mental state, for better or worse... He was going to make us compete whether we wanted to or not."

Kerr's observation of Jordan's leadership reveals the psychological aspect of Jordan's influence on his team, driving them to excel through his own intense competitive nature.

• After losing to the Orlando Magic, Jordan immediately sought to improve his game.
• His relentless work ethic was evident in his refusal to take a break after the loss.
• Jordan's drive to overcome failures and challenges is a defining characteristic of his career.

"I'll see you tomorrow... I'm not wasting any time in getting better."

Jordan's determination to begin training immediately after a loss illustrates his commitment to self-improvement and his refusal to be complacent in the face of defeat.

• George Mumford taught the Bulls meditation, which Jordan found valuable.
• Jordan's trust in Mumford and the impact of mindfulness on his life highlight the importance of mental health in achieving success.
• The story reflects on the pressures of fame and the necessity of managing one's mind.

"Jordan gained a new level of trust with Mumford and told the psychologist that if he had met him earlier in his career, he might not have spent his life a prisoner in his hotel room."

This quote reveals Jordan's appreciation for the benefits of mindfulness and his regret that he did not have these tools earlier in his career to better manage the challenges of fame.

• Jordan's leadership was predicated on shared motivation and understanding among teammates.
• He expected excellence and dedication from his team, and would not tolerate less.
• Jordan's approach to leadership was to instill a champion's mindset in his teammates.

"You have a better understanding for me as a leader if you have the same motivation... I run them off with the intention of having them understand what it takes to be a champion."

Jordan's quote conveys his leadership philosophy, which involves setting high expectations and pushing teammates to understand and commit to the level of effort required to win championships.

• Jordan's career is a subject of study due to his unparalleled excellence in basketball.
• The book and documentary explore the difficulty of maintaining high-performance teams.
• The story concludes with Jordan reflecting on his father's influence and his own achievements.

"What do you think of me now, pops?... Do I still have to go back in the house?"

This final reflection captures Jordan's introspection about his father's influence on his life and career, and whether he has lived up to his father's expectations and his own ambitions.