Fit for Life: Michael Jordan's Story -- Lessons From the Movie "Air"

Fit for Life: Michael Jordan's Story -- Lessons From the Movie "Air"

 

We watched a movie last weekend and walked away with some life lessons and takeaways. Yes, we go to the movies to relax and be entertained; however, if you look deep enough, you can ALWAYS gain some insight, knowledge, and ideas from watching a well-directed cinema. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

The movie was called Air, and it wasn't so much about Michael Jordan but the sneaker company Nike and how they helped him establish his brand. In turn, it skyrocketed Nike into a significant player in the basketball arena sneaker sales.

 

I didn't realize that they recruited MJ right out of college and gave him this enormous contract before he even stepped on the NBA floor. They took a considerable risk, and as we all know, it paid off. 

 

That said, I want to share some of the takeaways I took from the movie and how it can apply to our everyday lives. SPOILER ALERT: If you are going to see the movie, this article may ruin any suspense that the movie brings, although we all know how the story ends. 

 

Matt Damon plays the head of the basketball division for Nike, and he is responsible for saving that particular segment of the company. At the time, Nike had minimal shares in basketball sneaker sales, trailing behind Adidas and Converse. Ben Affleck (Nike's founder) threatened to dismantle that division of Nike, as they were focused heavily on the running industry. 

 

Takeaway #1 - Don't settle. He (Matt Damon)had a lot of other options from the NBA draft to rep the sneaker line, but he saw something special in MJ. He watched the game film over and over and knew he was going to change the game. He was under extreme pressure to decide and sign a big star to represent Nike, but he only settled once he exhausted his resources. 

 

Sometimes this happens when we lower our standards and settle for something inferior because it "costs less" or is "more convenient." When this happens, we usually face regret down the line, so whenever possible, stick to your guns and don't settle for less than what you envisioned. 

 

Takeaway #2: Stay in the game until it's over. Throughout the movie, agents and executives from other sneaker companies kept telling him it was over and Adidas was "about to" sign MJ. They made a more extensive cash offer, which was as good as a done deal. Matt Damon wasn't having that be the reason to quit on his mission. He knew the deal wasn't done yet, and he stayed in the game and persisted until he got what he needed.

 

Sometimes we quit or throw in the towel when people fill us with head trash or the going gets tough. Sometimes it "seems" like the game we are in is unwinnable, and we walk away too soon. The lesson is to keep playing and doing what you do until the bell rings. Don't quit until you know it's over. 

 

Takeaway #3: Achieving our goals is never convenient. When you go the extra mile, you get results - Matt Damon flew from Oregon to North Carolina to speak with MJ's mother (the real boss). He went against the grain, made an effort, and got what he wanted a face-to-face conversation, which was worth the inconvenience. 

 

Folks, EVERYTHING in life that nets our positive results are inconvenient. Working out 3-5 times per week, prepping your meals, and carrying around your water aren't just going to "fit in' to our busy schedules; we need to exert the effort to make these things happen. The same goes for making money. Writing emails, making sales calls, working extra hours, etc., requires extra effort and, in most cases, inconveniences our everyday lives. 

 

Takeaway #4: Trust your gut. Ben Affleck was against Matt Damon spending over budget and investing all this time and energy to sign MJ. However, Matt turned it around on him by reminding him that he started the company based on what was in his gut. Sometimes we need to take calculated risks based on something tried and true and trust our gut. Sometimes the data and statistics say differently, but if you genuinely feel you are doing the right thing, just do it. (Pun intended)

 

I started Providence Fit Body Boot Camp without a business plan, money, and any formal experience starting a business. My real estate developer friend told me that gyms and restaurants are 2 of the riskiest businesses to open, but in my gut, I knew this town needed FBBC, so I went all in, and eight + years later, we are better than ever!

 

Takeaway #5: Be a pioneer. When the crowd turns left, turn right. Create what you deserve, and be obsessed with accomplishing your mission. MJ's mom, Viola Davis, called all the shots in the movie. When she agreed to the deal, she didn't just settle on the 250K signing bonus; she asked for royalties on every pair of sneakers sold. At first, Nike tried to explain that "things don't work that way," but she persisted, opening the door for every other athlete endorsed by other big companies. 

 

In real life, we shouldn't just follow the crowd, either. Only some people are into health and fitness. If you take care of yourself, you are a minority. Many people will try to derail your mission and belittle you for wanting to better yourself. This is the time to hold your ground and do what you know is right. Please don't follow the crowd when they are all walking off the cliff. Go the other direction, blaze your path, as you may be like Viola, and set an example for others to follow. 

 

Takeaway #6: It's not about the product; the people representing it make the difference. Nike Air was just a red and white basketball sneaker until MJ made it unique, exclusive, and limited. They sold 164 million dollars worth of sneakers in the first year with MJ's endorsement. Previously Nike's biggest seller was 30 million worth of sales. 

 

I coach Wednesday night, and this week, after the sessions ended, one of my long-time members hung around and helped us clean up the floor. She complimented us on all the new equipment we just purchased, how clean the gym was, and how great the fresh paint looked. 

 

She was also stating how we are salvation for her, and not only do we help her physically but mentally as well. Then she said, "The coaches and members make this place special. Otherwise, it's just a building with weights and equipment; anyone can open one of those." Like the sneaker, it has no meaning until it's filled with a person or people to give it meaning.

 

That folks, is the reason why we do what we do!!

 

Coach Matt