How do you handle your lowest moments, and how do you move on? It is often the moments of defeat and failure that define individuals.

Resiliency is what defines one of the greatest basketball players of his generation—Kobe Bryant. Since the beginning of his career, critics have questioned and knocked his abilities and accomplishments. However, they were never capable of taking away his desire and strength to overcome all challenges through his persistent work ethic.

“I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I’m like, ‘My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don’t have it. I just want to chill.’ We all have self-doubt. You don’t deny it, but you also don’t capitulate to it. You embrace it.” — Kobe Bryant, Sports Illustrated Interview

Bryant was immediately criticized for skipping college and heading directly to the NBA Draft. He faced more scrutiny for his desire to play only within the big market LA Lakers. As more time passed, he was further criticized for his arrogance, impatience and his overly independent demeanor.

But no matter what the circumstances were, he had and continues to exhibit the toughness to overcome all obstacles and do what was best for him to win by any means necessary. That included helping make his team better to reach his goal.

In the face of adversity, it’s important to learn to cope, grow and adapt to any situation in order to meet your goals. You must tap into your inner strength to survive and grow and ultimately become an expert in your field.

Kobe Bryant has often been labeled too difficult or too selfish. Bu, you can also say that he is a perfectionist who will get himself and his team on top, by any means necessary.

This mindset from the very beginning is a testament to how someone of his caliber has lasted and adapted over 18 seasons in the NBA on the same team.

Fight the pain, ignore the self-doubt, and, most importantly, silence the critics and haters.

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Image Credit: USA Today