​

A perfect doc for a perfect time. While Dr. Fauci is trying to figure out the fate of humankind during covid, Jason Hehir directs and puts out, in my opinion the best sports documentary The Last Dance, to highlight Michael Jordan’s masterclass. I personally have seen every episode at least 20 times. If I’m ever losing motivation in life, I throw this bad boy on and the fire in Jordan’s eyes rejuvenates me. Netflix owns the strongest upper in this country. But the comedown after realization is brutal…

There is a beautiful quote delivered by an emotional Jordan: “Winning has a price. And Leadership has a price. So, I pulled people along even when they didn’t want to be pulled. I challenged people when they don’t want to be challenged”. It is documented that Jordan was an absolute tyrant every morning during practice to squeeze every last bit of talent from every player from the 90s Chicago Bulls. He wasn’t running for office so he didn’t have time to be politically correct. He was psychotic about winning and willing to achieve it regardless of the consequences.

I was deeply moved by Jordan’s journey through the NBA and I made a decision in 2020 to find the occupation in life I can master and obsess over; my choice was Poker Texas Hold’em. What I realized in the next 5 years is that this was a competition problem as Jordan would say eloquently himself, not a gambling problem. First of all, Jordan’s tough mindset is rare but it can also be miserable for most people when garnered. Even though I am an extremely competitive man I don’t care about winning enough to accept the collateral damage. I’ll even go as far as saying that an insane work ethic is overrated if the moment of victory is met with relief instead of pure elation. If you are ever like “I just won, I should be happier!”, please keep reading…

Second, Jordan’s methods are not very realistic in the modern day. Yes, the dedication to the craft is spectacular but a completely hostile work environment would lead to some serious human resources complaints. I am not exactly a fan of Lebron being passive aggressive when he manipulates the media to nudge the GM of a team or constantly mention retiring every time he loses a playoff series. But imagine Jordan’s antics today. It would be the biggest news story and his gambling scandal would look more like “Good Morning America” covering Groundhog Day.

Lastly, I don’t believe the folklore of Stern sending Jordan to exile after the 1993 NBA Finals nor did I think the gambling scandal was a big deal. The dude’s fucking rich, who cares if he wants to lose money playing Golf with degenerates? Who cares if he missed going to the White House to meet the president to gamble with golf hustler Slim Bouler? It’ll never be enough. Any opportunity to “compete” or “get better at life” would be met with saliva dripping out of my mouth. But even after the day is ended with a triumph, there would still be lingering emptiness while I ponder over not having a perfect session at the casino. Strategizing turns into an obsession leading to mental absence even when physically present. Is it worth it?

I am not very talented. I do not have great mental fortitude. I was never going to be a great athlete at a physical event like Basketball or a mental event like poker; yes, I consider poker a sport. But I’ll settle for contentment. I improperly typecasted myself for 5 years and even the moments of conquest seemed like misery. This piece goes out to all of you who are never completely satisfied regardless of how much you progress on the hedonic treadmill. So please watch this documentary to be inspired by Jordan’s focus, dedication and perseverance. But take another page out of his book and know when to light up a cigar and pour a fine scotch. Saying that Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, or the late great Kobe Bryant would throw up reading this article and vehemently dismiss me for not “winning at anything”. But if I can prevent one person from overstressing their cortisol hormone, I have done my job!