(Ep092) George Mumford: How to Use Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant’s Mindset Tools to Unlock Your Full Potential
Growing up as the 10th of 13 siblings, George Mumford always felt sensitive to the needs of others, whether it was his brothers and sisters or the homeless people he’d pass when walking to and from school. It was the same emotional intelligence that would one day serve him well when guiding the mental game of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant’s LA Lakers. But first he had to pass through some trying times. While basketball offered an oasis from his challenging upbringing, George started drinking and using drugs at age 14. He became good enough on the blacktop to target a walk-on spot at UMass Amherst, where his roommate Julius Erving was becoming a star.
But a bad ankle injury destroyed this hoop dream and George sank deeper into addiction to try and cope. He finished his degree and put his talent for numbers to good use in financial management, but had to wear long sleeves to hide the track marks on his arm. A friend convinced him to come to an AA meeting, which led to a long process of getting clean that involved meditation. His instructor challenged him to teach and he found his passion, starting a mindfulness program for prison inmates and inner city residents. After being introduced to Phil Jackson through their mutual friend, Geoge started working with the Chicago Bulls. He stayed with them through their second three-peat, and then followed Phil to the Lakers, who won their own three championships with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. George continues to consult with pro teams, equip underprivileged kids and adults, and is the author of The Mindful Athlete and Unlocked.
In this episode, George shares:
What the Bulls’ mindset was like after Michael Jordan retired to play baseball and how he got Jordan to buy into the mental game when he came back for another three-peat
How Jordan responded to missing the potential title-winning shot in Game 5 of the 1998 NBA Finals
Why Kobe and MJ were the best meditation students he’s had, and Kobe was a kindred soul
How drive, passion, and curiosity are at the heart of the Mamba Mentality
Why unlocking your masterpiece within starts with no longer hiding out and being double-minded
How to find stillness in the eye of the hurricane on the court and in life
Why the same principles he followed in rehab carry over into elite performance
How he helps people find their true selves and share their gifts with the world
To tap into all of George’s mindset resources, visit his website, georgemumford.com. You can take his Mindful Athlete course there and check out his new book, Unlocked.
