Michael Jordan is widely acknowledged as the greatest basketball player in history and possibly one of the finest athletes ever. From the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, he displayed unparalleled dominance on the court, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and earning five “Most Valuable Player” titles. His remarkable achievements led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, while in 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
While it is evident that Jordan possesses exceptional natural athletic abilities, much of his extraordinary success can be attributed to his mindset. He consistently pushed himself through hard work and fearlessly confronted challenges. He approached everything he did with unwavering dedication. While his acrobatic dives and dunks showcased his nearly unmatched skills, it was his genuine authenticity, likability, and humility that propelled him to become a cultural icon.
Jordan possesses a remarkable talent for inspiring and motivating others through his words. His strength, unwavering commitment, and belief in the value of hard work are evident in the numerous quotes attributed to him throughout the years. Here, we present 12 of his most compelling quotes that will genuinely make you reflect on the requirements for success and keep you relentlessly moving towards your goals and aspirations.
On failure
“In my career, I’ve encountered more than 9,000 missed shots and experienced nearly 300 losses. There have been 26 instances where I was entrusted with the game-winning shot and fell short. I’ve faced repeated failures throughout my life. However, it is precisely through these failures that I have achieved success.”
- Michael Jordan, Nike Culture: The Sign of the Swoosh (1998)
“Failure is a natural part of life, as everyone inevitably experiences it in some form. What I cannot accept is the lack of effort and not attempting at all.”
- Michael Jordan, I Can’t Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence (1994)
On teamwork
“While talent may secure victories in individual games, it is through teamwork and intelligence that championships are won.”
On overcoming limits and fears
“Reject the notion of ‘never.’ Both limits and fears are frequently mere illusions.”
- Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame induction address (2009)
On becoming who you’re meant to be
“Direct your gaze towards me. It’s alright to feel scared, for I do too. However, our fears stem from different sources. I fear the possibility of not fulfilling my potential, while you fear the potential I hold. Look closely at me. I refuse to allow myself to remain stagnant where I started. I won’t permit myself to conclude where I began. I possess an understanding of my inner capabilities, even if they are not yet visible to you. Lock eyes with me. I possess something even more vital than courage: patience. I will manifest into the person I know I am meant to be.”
- Michael Jordan, “Become Legendary” commercial (2013)
On the importance of core skills
“Devoting 8 hours a day to shooting practice will yield little if your technique is flawed. Instead, focus on mastering the fundamentals, and watch as the quality of everything you do elevates.”
- Michael Jordan, The Champion’s Comeback: How Great Athletes Recover, Reflect and Reignite (2016)
On never giving up
“There are those who actively pursue making things happen, while others merely desire for it to occur. However, it is the determined individuals who take action and actually make it happen.”
- Michael Jordan
“My father always instilled in me the belief that it is never too late to pursue your desires. He taught me that one cannot fully comprehend their capabilities until they make the effort to try.”
- Michael Jordan, “A Humbled Jordan Learns New Truths” (1994)
On setting goals
“Before you can accomplish great things, you must first hold high expectations for yourself.”
- Michael Jordan
“I tackle everything in a systematic manner, taking it one step at a time… I always set short-term goals. Reflecting on my journey, each of these steps or achievements paved the way for the next.”
- Michael Jordan, I Can’t Accept Not Trying: Michael Jordan on the Pursuit of Excellence (1994) by Michael Jordan, Mark Vancil, and Sandro Miller
On playing to win
“I approach every situation, whether it’s practice or a live game, with an unwavering commitment to victory. Nothing will hinder my competitive drive and determination to succeed.”
- Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan’s Unofficial Guide to Success in the NBA (2013)
On creating change in the world
“The challenges that confront us did not emerge overnight, and their resolution will not materialize tomorrow. However, by uniting our efforts, we can cultivate deeper comprehension, drive positive transformation, and forge a more harmonious world for ourselves, our children, our families, and our communities.”
- Michael Jordan (2016)
