Take Your Shot with Absolute Clarity

“Why would I think about missing a shot I haven’t taken?”
Michael Jordan

Beth and I heard this quote from Michael Jordan during the last episode of the “Last Dance” documentary about the 1998 season of the Chicago Bulls basketball team. The show chronicles the ups and downs of that season and a look back at the people and events that led to that magical championship.

As soon as we heard Michal say those words, we looked at each other and said, “Wow, what a powerful perspective.”

During the series, and especially this final episode, the competitive drive of Michael Jordan was on full display. He was incredibly focused on winning and was able to motivate the rest of his team to excel beyond where even they thought possible.

This particular episode also focused on how present Jordan was. He didn’t get caught up in the past or the future. Being in the moment was all that mattered, and he was able to block everything else out and focus on his now. Thinking about an adverse outcome was the farthest thing in his mind when lining up to take a shot.

Michael Jordan gave us a fantastic example of combining clarity, focus, and being absolutely present.

Now imagine you are on the biggest basketball stage and taking a potential game-winning or game-losing shot. You have so much focus on what you are doing that even though you are aware of the other players, people in the stands, your friends, family, and all the other distractions, they don’t get in your way – you let them go and stay focused on the moment, and what you want.

What if you applied that combination of clarity, focus, and being present to your life and work?

You don’t have to be as extreme as Michael Jordan, but adding even a little more clarity and focus to where you are will help you generate more of what you want in your life.

It all starts with being calm and grounded. When you are grounded, there is enough room for you to be present. When you are present, you can focus and pay attention to what is important for you.

Whether you are shooting baskets, making sales calls, or whatever you do for work, remember that you have what it takes, just start from a calm, grounded place, add a bit more clarity and focus, and see results.