Tragedy: What are you going to do now?

Tragedy: What are you going to do now?

By: David Sussman CEO, PFP | The Family Security Plan®

All too often, life is cut short in a tragic way that leaves us questioning things. How do you deal with that? What do you do now?

My son Max was devastated following the tragedy suffered in California as Kobe Bryant perished at the age of 41 along with his daughter and 7 other very special people.  As a 20 year old, he was clearly in uncharted territory.  His emotions were overflowing as he attempted to grasp the reality of the loss, understand its impact and then decide how to move forward. 

I would say the biggest lesson that Kobe Bryant taught me was that you can have all the talent in the world, but it is what you do with that talent that matters.  Never stop giving 100% in your quest to be the greatest.  You cannot possibly be content with your situation unless you do that.  There is no rest until results show, and when those results start to show, how can you rest?  You must capture your moment.  He did not stop and for that he is an icon and legend.  Once he stopped basketball, he transitioned his Mamba Mentality to business ventures and his family.  He was well on his way to becoming the 3rd billionaire in sports.

He was doing everything that he could with everything that he had.  He would come in the gym three hours before the game and then play the game and then shoot for hours after the game to make sure that his product was as perfect as possible. 

It is up to each individual person to maximize their own potential.  I will not rest until I do.  That is what Kobe taught me.  I did not rest until I truly reached my basketball potential.  I will not rest until I reach my life potential.  I love you all and I hope that through all the stories you will hear about Kobe over the next couple of weeks, you will take something out about his life.  If you do, please share with me.”

Max’s words are an inspiration, a clear lesson and mission for us all.  The passing of a legend makes us realize that there is much to learn from those around us every day and possibly more to learn from those who are no longer with us.  Thank you Kobe Bryant.  Thank you Max.

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