Favorite Athlete Paper: Michael Jordan

Favorite Athlete Paper

Choose an athlete or performer that you admire. You must analyze the person psychologically, using examples and quotes to support why you feel they are an example of a mentally strong athlete. Tell me what it is about this person that makes you respect what he/she brings to the table. Competitiveness. Confidence. Overcoming Adversity. This is your chance to use the subjects of the class and connect them with your favorite athlete.

Analysis Paper – 150 points

3 Pages of analysis (double spaced)
Support major themes from class (i.e. confidence, motivated, etc.) through the use of quotes from the athlete (must cite where you found)
Use quotes directly from athlete in connection with your topics
Use 1 theory from class related to the athlete
Which mental skills do you feel specifically allowed this athlete to be so successful?
End Paragraph Reflection: Why did you choose this athlete to write about?

Details:

12 font
Double-spaced
Times New Roman
1” margins
Paper
No Cover Page
3 pages analysis (include reflection)
Reference Page

ANSWER

Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is one of the most well-known athletes worldwide. I respect Michael Jordan because of his achievements, resilience, and personal attributes. The player came from an average family in the United States, yet he transcended into one of the greatest NBA basketball players. He led Chicago Bulls to six National Basketball Association titles. His team was also the first to win three NBA championships consecutively in thirty years. Between 1995 -1996, Chicago broke the NBA record for having the most victories in one season with a 72-10 score (Porter, 2007). The Bulls dominated the following two seasons, with Jordan winning NBA MVP awards. These achievements are attributed to Jordan’s drive, character, and exceptional basketball knowledge.

Determination is an internal drive or desire to do something. It involves persistence, drive, initiative, and dominance. People with determination are usually proactive and can persevere during difficult times. Michael Jordan demonstrated determination numerous times throughout his career. He is quoted as saying. ‘”If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it” (“Michael Jordan,” n.d.). The athlete also said, “Anything can happen if you are willing to put in the work and remain open to the possibility. Dreams are realized by effort, determination, passion and staying connected to that sense of who you are” (“Michael Jordan,” n.d.). These statements demonstrate that the athlete valued determination in his career.

His actions also went hand in hand with his words. In 1993, Michael Jordan announced that he was retiring from basketball because he had lost all desire to play. He made this decision after losing his father, who was murdered. Although his father’s death took a toll on his mental health, Michael Jordan did not succumb to it. He overcame his emotions, found the drive, and returned to play in March 1995. This decision shows that Michael Jordan did not believe in giving up. Instead, he believed in determination, which required him to work around things, including those beyond his control (father’s death).

Self-Confidence

Self-confidence refers to one’s belief or certainty about their competencies and skills. Self-confidence requires self-esteem and self-assurance. Many autobiographies that have been written on Michael Jordan attribute part of his success to his self-confidence. For example, Jacheć (2020) states that “Jordan’s faith in victory was unshaken, as he constantly visualized winning plays and shots.” He was completely confident in his skills and leveraged this to influence and support his team. Jacheć (2020) reveals that the player would do whatever he wanted on the court even when it was contrary to the coach’s playbook.

Jordan exuded confidence as early as 11th and 12th grade. His coach said he would display explosive athletic moves and score effortlessly even at a young age. He never doubted himself, even when playing with people others thought were better than him. For example, while in 11th grade, his couch convinced his parents to send Jordan to a prestigious Five-Star Camp to compete with one of the country’s best players (Porter, 2007, p.7). While his family was apprehensive of this decision, Jordan was excited. An average person would feel intimidated playing against the nation’s best players, but Jordan was not. Jordan outperformed the players, showcasing his physical prowess and abilities to everyone’s surprise. Porter (2007) says he was faster than the other players and his jumping abilities, poise, and control were exceptional (p.7). Retaining control and giving his best despite knowing he was less skilled than his rivals demonstrates Jordan’s self-confidence.

Jordan’s self-confidence is unquestionable, but it does not mean he never experienced doubtful moments. Jordan once said. “I thought I would go in and be a flop, especially when everyone expects so much of you” (Porter, 2007, p.9). He recalls feeling doubtful of ever competing because he spent most of his early days on the bench. However, his couch assured him that opportunities to play would emerge, building his confidence. Here, it is apparent that Jordan’s doubts stemmed from the fear of not getting an opportunity to play. His eagerness to play offers proof of his self-confidence.

The achievement goal theory offers the best explanation for Jordan’s motivation and drives to play. The achievement goal theory states that ego or task drives athletes’ motivation. An ego-oriented athlete considers themselves successful when they outperform others (Jacheć, 2020). In contrast, task-oriented athletes feel successful when they put their best effort into something or achieve their personal best. Jacheć (2020) indicates that both motivations drove Jordan’s competitive drive or motivation to play. Jordan believed he could outperform his peers (ego) but also wanted to develop unmatched basketball skills (task). Fulfilling these needs probably drove Jordan’s competitive spirit.

Reflection/Summary

A player’s personality traits are essential elements in sport. I selected Michael Jordan for this analysis because he is one of the most famous athletes worldwide. I believe his qualities can teach people what it takes to be successful globally. The factors that make Michael Jordan mentally strong are his determination and self-confidence. He doesn’t believe in giving up and would instead find a way around things he cannot control. He also does not waver even when facing people whose skills outmatch his. This self-confidence, in part, explains Jordan’s success.

References

Jacheć, T. (2020). Competitive spirit as a form of behavioral addiction: the case study of Michael Jordan. Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research, 89(1), 66–83. https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2021-0007

Michael Jordan Quotes about determination. (n.d.). A-Z Quotes. https://www.azquotes.com/author/7617-Michael_Jordan/tag/determination

Porter, D. L. (2007). Michael Jordan: A Biography. Greenwood Press. http://dspace.vnbrims.org:13000/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/4142/Michael%20Jordan%20A%20Biography.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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