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If I had stood at the free-throw line and thought about 10 million people watching me on the other side of the camera lens, I couldn't have made anything. So I mentally tried to put myself in a familiar place. I thought about all those times I shot free throws in practice and went through the same motion, the same technique that I had used thousands of times. You forget about the outcome. You know you are doing the right things. So you relax and perform.
Michael Jordan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Focus on the process rather than the outcome to perform your best.

In this quote, Michael Jordan emphasizes the importance of concentrating on the fundamental actions and techniques that lead to success, rather than getting distracted by the pressure of external expectations. He suggests that when facing high-stakes situations, such as performing in front of millions, it is beneficial to rely on one's training and familiarity to alleviate anxiety and enhance performance.

Themes

PerformancePressurePreparationFocusTechnique

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech at a sports camp.

More from Michael Jordan

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.
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There are no shortcuts. I approached practices the same way I approached games. You can't turn it on and off like a faucet. I couldn't dog it during practice and then, when I needed that extra push late in the game, expect it to be there. Very few people get anywhere by taking shortcuts.
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Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
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If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
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Don't be like me. Be better than me. That's the goal.
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Success isn't something you chase. It's something you have to put forth the effort for constantly. Then maybe it'll come when you least expect it. Most people don't understand that.
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