Modeling the Greats: Confidence Through Emulation

One of the most underrated skills in building confidence is this: model someone who’s done it before.

When we watch greatness in action—not just the highlights, but the habits, the mindset, the preparation—we gain a roadmap. Modeling is the process of studying great athletes and adopting their best traits to elevate your own game. And there may be no better example of this in modern sports than Kobe Bryant modeling Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan: The Blueprint

Michael Jordan redefined basketball and what it meant to be a competitor.

• 6× NBA Champion

• 5× MVP

• 14× All-Star

• Relentless in his preparation.

• Ruthless in his execution.

• Legendary in clutch moments.

Jordan wasn’t just a scorer—he was a student of the game, known for showing up earlier and staying later than anyone else. He didn’t rely on talent alone. He outworked everyone, every day.

Kobe Bryant: The Model Student

Kobe Bryant didn’t just admire Jordan—he studied him like a textbook.

He watched hours of footage, mimicked his footwork, borrowed his fadeaway jumper, and internalized his mindset. Kobe didn’t want to be the next Jordan—he wanted to learn from the best and apply it to become the best version of himself.

"He stole all my moves," Jordan once said about Kobe."He’s the only player that might beat me one-on-one—because he took everything from me."

Kobe’s career mirrored Jordan’s in many ways:

• 5× NBA Champion

• 2× Finals MVP

• 18× All-Star

• And a legacy built on obsessive preparation and complete commitment.

Kobe didn’t blindly copy. He modeled. He took what worked from Jordan and made it his own. That’s the power of modeling—confidence born from alignment with greatness.

How to Model the Greats

You don’t have to be Kobe Bryant to apply this principle. Modeling works in any sport, at any level. Here’s how:

1. Study Their Game

• Watch footage. Break it down. Notice every detail—footwork, decision-making, how they respond under pressure.

• Look for patterns. What do they do repeatedly and successfully?

2. Emulate Their Habits

• How do they train?

• What routines do they follow?

• What’s their mindset during wins and losses?

3. Copy Their Mentality, Not Just Their Moves

• Modeling isn’t about imitation—it’s about integration.

• Adopt their discipline. Internalize their belief. Reflect their resilience.

4. Practice With Purpose

• Pick one technique or habit they excel at and drill it into your game.

• Kobe didn’t just watch Jordan’s fadeaway—he shot it thousands of times until it became his own.

5. Seek Mentorship When Possible

• Ask questions. Reach out to athletes or coaches who inspire you.

• Many great athletes openly share their methods—take advantage.

Practical Applications: For Players, Parents, and Coaches

For Players:

• What to Do: Pick one athlete you admire and break down their game. Apply one piece of their approach to your own training this week.

• What to Avoid: Don’t try to become someone else. Learn from them, but build your version of excellence.

For Parents:

• What to Do: Encourage your athlete to study greatness. Ask them, “What do you notice about how they train or compete?”

• What to Avoid: Avoid comparisons like, “You’re not like them.” Instead, say, “What can you take from their approach?”

For Coaches:

• What to Do: Integrate film study and discussions about great athletes into your team culture. Teach players to learn from the best.

• What to Avoid: Don’t discourage individuality. Modeling is about inspiration—not replication.

Confidence Through Connection to Greatness

When you model greatness, you align yourself with excellence by example.

Kobe Bryant didn’t wonder if he belonged. He built confidence by borrowing belief from those who paved the way—and backing it up with relentless effort.

So pick your model. Study them. Practice like them. Think like them. Compete like them.

This is how you build mental strength.