Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Kobe Bryant is a Type 3
Bold ambition. Kobe had a clear focus on his goals at all times. As a rookie, he declared that he wanted to be the best player of all time. Even during his retirement, he pursued new goals with the same vigor and determination that he displayed on the basketball court, venturing into fields like storytelling and even winning an Academy Award for his animated short film, "Dear Basketball."
Intense and competitive: Whether he was rehabilitating from an injury or aiming to win another championship, Kobe's determination and grit were evident. He was never one to back down from a challenge and constantly pushed himself to achieve greatness. He approached games, practice, and even off-court activity with an intensity that few could match. He hated losing and was always looking for ways to improve and win. He could be ruthless and unforgiving on the court, sometimes alienating teammates with his demands for perfection and high expectations. Post-retirement, Kobe wasn’t willing to fade from the limelight.
Confident: Kobe's self-belief appeared unwavering. Even when facing difficult moments or fierce opponents, he exuded confidence, believing in his skills, training, and ability to overcome challenges. Whether he was walking onto the court or sizing up an opponent, Kobe often held himself upright, giving off an aura of readiness and confidence.
Intense gaze: When focused, particularly during key moments in games, Kobe's eyes would narrow and fixate on his target (basket, an opponent, or a teammate). This gaze became emblematic of his "Mamba Mentality," which is also the title of a book he wrote in the wake of his retirement.
Desire to impress in big ways. When he wanted to impress his wife, Vanessa, Kobe taught himself to play Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano. This speaks to his work ethic and desire to make an impression.
Legendary work ethic: His famous "Mamba Mentality"was a representation of always striving to be the best and working tirelessly to improve and achieve his goals. His early morning workouts and extra practice sessions are well-documented examples of this. He was known to get up for 4 a.m. workouts.
Kobe Bryant quotes that show he is a Type 3
"I can't relate to lazy people. We don’t speak the same language. I don’t understand you. I don’t want to understand you."
"I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success."
"I’m chasing perfection."
"If you're afraid to fail, then you're probably going to fail."
"Dedication sees dreams come true."
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do."
"I’m reflective only in the sense that I learn to move forward. I reflect with a purpose."
"Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise."
"I want to be the best. I want to be the best that ever played, and that’s part of my competitive nature."
"There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something, there’s a choice you have to make. We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice."
"It's the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you—or don't. So don't take it lightly."