There Are Levels of Work Ethic

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There Are Levels of Work Ethic

Back in 1999, Kobe Bryant had a teammate named John Celestand. They both played for the Lakers.

John wasn’t a star. He averaged two points per game and sat on the bench for most of the season. So he decided he would outwork everyone in practice. He took pride in being the first to the gym.

But there was one problem. Kobe was always there first. So John came in earlier. Still, Kobe was already sweating. This started to eat at him. Every time John tried to beat him, Kobe was already on the court.

Then, in a preseason game that year, Kobe broke his wrist.

John admitted something most wouldn’t say out loud: “I am ashamed to say that I was excited the day after his injury because I knew there was no way that No. 8 would be the first to practice.”

But when John walked into the gym, he heard a basketball bouncing.

Kobe was already there. Cast on his right arm. Dribbling and shooting with his left. Already in a full sweat.

That’s the difference between good and great. It proves that there are levels to work ethic and no one can choose what level you work at for you.

Greatness doesn’t wait for convenience because “Early isn’t enough. Effort isn’t enough. Obsession is the difference.”

Today, don’t just show up early. Don’t just go through the motions. Push yourself to get to the next level.

There are levels to work ethic, and greatness lives at the top. The only way you will ever meet your potential and get to your highest level will be with an obsessive work ethic.

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