We’ve all done it—scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, getting lost in videos of people doing crazy stunts or pranks. Some are entertaining, others are jaw-dropping, and a few are downright ridiculous. But lately, I’ve been watching a lot of motivational videos. And there’s one person I keep coming across—Kobe Bryant.
As the NBA hits full stride, there’s been a wave of Kobe’s past interviews and highlights. For those of us over 40, whether you’re a fan of the game or not, Kobe’s relentless work ethic offers powerful lessons, especially when it comes to fitness, balance, and health.
Kobe’s first NBA game was on November 3rd, 1996. Over the years, he was interviewed countless times about the secret behind his success. And what did he say? The key to greatness wasn’t some special, secret formula—it was all about the basics.
1. “Just Show Up.”
No matter how tough things get, no matter how busy your schedule becomes, just show up. It’s going to be hard. You’re going to face obstacles, just like anyone else. But if you make the choice to show up every day, you will get closer to your fitness goals, whether you’re working on strength training, balance, or losing weight.
It’s easy to get distracted, especially with the daily grind of work, family, and life after 40. But just like Kobe, you need to show up consistently, even on the tough days. Whether it’s for a workout, a health check-in, or preparing a healthy meal, showing up is half the battle.
2. “Just Stay Consistent.”
Fitness and health aren’t about the occasional intense workout. While intensity can help, the most important thing is consistency. Whether you’re working out for strength, balance, or just to feel good again, you need to stack days on top of days, like Kobe did with his basketball training.
Don’t be a “yo-yo” when it comes to your fitness routine. Stay committed, and those small steps will eventually lead to bigger wins. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection—it just means showing up day after day, even when you’re not feeling 100%. It’s about building habits that will last long-term.
3. “Do It Because You Want It.”
Motivation can come from external sources—like a good workout playlist or watching a sports highlight. But if your fitness goals are only fueled by outside influences, that motivation can fade quickly. To truly succeed, you need to be committed to your own goals, for your own health and well-being.
Whether you’re over 40, trying to get stronger, or simply seeking a pain-free lifestyle, your commitment has to come from within. If you’re doing it for someone else or just because it feels like the right thing to do, it won’t last. But when you’re doing it for yourself, that drive will keep you going, even when challenges arise.
Motivation vs. Commitment: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a key distinction that can make or break your fitness journey: Motivation is fleeting. Commitment is permanent. If you’re motivated, you might miss a workout if you’re too busy, too tired, or just not feeling it. But when you’re committed, you find a way to make it happen, no matter how hard things get.
This is where most people get stuck. We all know what we should do, but we often need a reminder. That’s why I call myself “Thrive’s CRO”—Chief Reminding Officer. My job is to remind you of what you already know: the secret to reaching your fitness goals is commitment, not motivation.
Final Thoughts: Commit to Your Health
Whether you’re looking to build strength, regain balance, or just get back to feeling like yourself, the key to success is consistency and commitment. If you need help creating a roadmap for your goals, I’m here to guide you.
And by the way, I’m committing to something crazy for the next 100 days. It’s going to be tough, but if Kobe taught us anything, it’s that if you commit to something, you’ll find a way to make it happen.
