Michael Jordan’s famous quote emphasizes the significance of perseverance in attaining success. It implies that success can only be attained when one’s desire for it matches their desire to breathe. To achieve success, individuals must concentrate on cultivating personal wisdom and competence, also known as personal mastery, within their chosen field. The message conveyed is that no challenge in life is insurmountable; determination is vital for overcoming obstacles on the journey towards success.
Bill Gates, similar to others, encountered challenges and obstacles in his life. Despite his departure from Harvard University, he persevered diligently to establish a thriving business. Despite facing numerous setbacks during his journey, Gates drew inspiration from Michael Jordan’s belief that failure does not impede success. He maintained unwavering determination to accomplish his objective of building a prosperous company and refused to let anyone hinder his advancement. Consequently, due to this steadfast resolve, Bill Gates currently holds the title of the wealthiest individual in the United States.
Bill Cowboys, despite facing hardships, managed to overcome them. It is worth mentioning that Cowboys accomplished an impressive SAT score of 500, considering a score of 400 is only given for including your name on the standardized test. Although he began his career as an educator and beloved sitcom actor, Cowboys initially lacked interest in his own education. He dropped out of high school after failing in the tenth grade but later obtained a GEED certificate to pursue physical education studies at Temple University. Ultimately, he earned a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts.
Despite facing the odds of dropping out and scoring poorly on a standardized test, Cowboys proved that success can surpass SAT scores. He had the determination to strive for success, ultimately achieving his goals and becoming both well-known and a millionaire. Similarly, Michael Jordan experienced difficulties as a young boy and engaged in multiple sports including baseball, basketball, and football. Although baseball was his initial preference, his perspective shifted after spending more time on the basketball court.
The protagonist, despite consistently losing to his older and taller brother Larry in one-on-one games, remained determined to improve as a player. Surprisingly, while attending Lane High School in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1978, Jordan was rejected and not selected for the varsity team. However, between 10th and 11th grade, Jordan experienced significant growth from 5’11” to 6’3″ and saw remarkable improvement in his skills. As a result of his growth and skill development, he successfully made it onto the varsity team the following year. His exceptional performance during his junior season led to an invitation to attend the Five-Star Camp in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania over the summer before his senior year.
During his senior year at Lane, Jordan reached a height of 6’5″ and was granted a basketball scholarship from the University of North Carolina. His journey to fame began with an unforgettable last-minute game-winning shot in the NCAA championship game at LINE. Additionally, in 1984, Jordan demonstrated his skills on the IIS Men’s Olympic Basketball Team under head coach Bobby Knight during the summer. From the very beginning, Jordan amazed spectators with acrobatic moves and impressive hang-time, earning him the famous nickname Air Jordan. His exceptional basketball abilities and captivating charisma made him an ideal representative for endorsing both Nikkei products and the NAB.
Jordan achieved an impressive accomplishment by leading the Bulls to three consecutive NAB Championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993. However, he chose to retire from the NAB before the 1993/94 season due to his father’s mysterious death and rumors about his gambling habits. It is worth noting that if Michael Jordan had given up after being cut from the varsity squad in his second year, he would not have become the legendary figure we know him as today in the National Basketball Association. Without facing that setback, it is uncertain whether he would have been able to achieve induction into the Hall of Fame. Nevertheless, Jordan demonstrated perseverance and determination by working harder than ever before, ultimately shaping him into an extraordinary individual.
Although only a small percentage of high school boys actually become professional basketball players, he had the determination to overcome diversity and achieve this seemingly impossible goal. In life, determination can lead you far. It is important to maintain a positive attitude and put in hard work to overcome obstacles that come your way. As Michael Jordan once said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Without making an attempt, success cannot be experienced as there will be no results. Hence, it is crucial to have determination and always give your best effort.
