Ever since watching The Last Dance, I have a new hero, someone I didn't know about before: Phil Jackson.
Phil Jackson is widely regarded as the best coach ever in the NBA, having won a total of 11 rings, one as a player, six as coach of the legendary Chicago Bulls, and four with Kobe Bryant's Lakers. He is a true legend.
From a young age, he was influenced by Zen Buddhism and Native American culture and traditions. He integrates the teachings of the Lakota Sioux in his coaching, and even convinced Michael Jordan, the biggest NBA superstar of the '80s and '90s, to buy into Buddhist philosophy. Jackson gifted Jordan a book titled "Zen Buddhism and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," which once changed Phil's life.
That, for me, is what makes him unique and deeply inspiring.
Ever since watching The Last Dance, I have a new hero, someone I didn't know about before: Phil Jackson.
Phil Jackson is widely regarded as the best coach ever in the NBA, having won a total of 11 rings, one as a player, six as coach of the legendary Chicago Bulls, and four with Kobe Bryant's Lakers. He is a true legend.
From a young age, he was influenced by Zen Buddhism and Native American culture and traditions. He integrates the teachings of the Lakota Sioux in his coaching, and even convinced Michael Jordan, the biggest NBA superstar of the '80s and '90s, to buy into Buddhist philosophy. Jackson gifted Jordan a book titled "Zen Buddhism and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," which once changed Phil's life. That, for me, is what makes him unique and deeply inspiring.
Jackson's use of themes, such as "The Last Dance," was another way he motivated his players and built successful teams. For example, "The Last Dance" represented the final year for players like Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen to show the world what they were made of.
Jackson's ability to integrate concepts such as selflessness and silence into a highly competitive and entertaining sport inspires me deeply.
Think about "The Last Dance" and this being the last year for him as coach of the Bulls and for a team that won it all. Where goals can be boring, a theme sparks excitement and creativity. It brings goals to life.
This was the last year for these superstars to show what they were made of, to entertain, to teach all the youngsters a lesson, and to show the world that they are and would be forever... the best.
One last year to dance.
The use of themes inspired me so much that I decided to use it in my coaching program. Setting goals and creating a vision is essential, but it can be hard to connect with clients just starting. This is where themes are perfect. They are a gateway into a world of imagination, a world that can be seen and felt in the here and now with the power of our mind and heart.
Where they can step into an energy field of change, which is exactly what is needed to launch themselves and create and attract the life they want.
It changed everything for me and my clients. It brings joy and makes the coaching sessions even more fun. It allows us to play.
Think about Spotify playlists, pictures, movies, books, and decorations. Everything that physically brings it to life so you are constantly reminded of it and can see and feel it grow.
The theme for this period in my life is "fire”. I in a position to spark and inspire others, making them connect to the fire within and let it burn everything that is impure. So they too can shine as their unique selves and pass on the torch to others.
That’s how we create a more beautiful world together.
Feeling the fire inside me makes me attract things that bring it to life for me. One of those things is this track by John Legend and The Roots. It's no coincidence that it's from the movie Creed, a sequel to Rocky, the movie I've been a fan of ever since I was a child.
"There's something in your heart, and it's in your eyes. It's the fire inside you. Let it burn." It couldn't be more spot-on.
What's your theme for this period of your life?