The lesson is that even great performances will contain some mistakes. How we physically react to these mistakes will help determine our ability to ‘bounce back,’ stay ‘tough’ and continue to maintain the 4 C’s of Peak Performance – Composure, Concentration, Confidence and Commitment. We should never allow a mistake to cause our eyes, chin or chest to drop after the mistake. We may not be able to play a totally mistake free game, every game, but we can always control our body language. Finally, mentally tough players are able establish a team culture of mental toughness Championship teams have an identity – they know who they are, and who they are not. They know what they do best, and they know their weaknesses. They almost always play to their strengths. Mentally tough players create a mentally tough culture and secure team buy-in so that strengths are maximized and weaknesses (often in the form of common distractions), are minimized or eliminated. The following 7 common distractions often prevent many teams from reaching their full potential. 1.On-court negative response to opponent intimidation 2.On-court negative attitude when substituted 3.On-court response to questionable officiating 4.Lack of on-court intensity in first two minutes of each half 5.Off-court lifestyle distractions 6.On-court negative response to a mistake 7.Poor on-court intensity during big leads/during big deficits Think about some of these strengths and weaknesses in terms of MJ and the Chicago Bulls in their multi-year championship runs. Many of these traits were actually team strengths vs. weaknesses, and by no coincidence, strengths that were most often effectively modeled by Michael. In support of Lebron’s Toughness Traits So overall, how well does Lebron model many of these toughness traits? A recent ESPN The Magazine interview provides some key insights: "Right now it’s important I establish my credentials as our leader. When you come into the league, you think it’s all basketball, but basketball is only about 10% to 20% of what it takes to be in the NBA. You’ve got the off-the-court obligations and distractions. You’ve got the on-the-court things, you’ve got the media. Now that I understand that, I’m 10 times the leader I was the past two seasons."

Just as Michael initially struggled with key leadership and toughness trait behaviors against the Pistons, before finally pushing through to capture the first of many championships, so Lebron will occasionally experience some set backs. I also agree with many who feel that Lebron’s overall maturity level (well beyond his years), combined with a clear grasp of his role as off-court/on-court team leader will allow him to one day write his own chapter in the annuals of NBA history as an NBA champion, and as one of the toughest competitors in league history. During last year’s NBA playoffs, Lebron exhibited these traits like a seasoned champion and enjoyed a breakout playoff series for the ages, leading his team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

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