The NBA Crash Course: 5 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From LeBron James

It is a widely understood fact that the difference between world class athletes like Lebron James and other great athletes is their ability to control their emotions and get "in the zone." However, we rarely understand or discuss this important mental side of the game.

Studying Lebron James and other great athletes provides a strong foundation for managing your psychology and winning in the marketplace.

BEING PRESENT:  "I treat it like every day is my last day with a basketball." - Lebron James

Performing at a world class level requires near perfect focus. Distractions can be internal or external, and can relate to issues before, during or after the present moment. Lebron James is able to keep his mind still and be entirely present, focusing only on the next shot or defensive sequence.

In business, you conserve your finite energy resources by staying in the moment. You will always perform better by separating and focusing on what you can control, such as your products, team and strategy, versus what you can't control, such as the economy or political environment. Remember, the only decision that matters right now is the next decision.

PURE MOTIVATION:  "Basketball is my passion, I love it. I just try to move forward and achieve my goals." - Lebron James

The most powerful kind of motivation is intrinsic motivation and athletes like Lebron James play for themselves only. Any other motivation -- money, family, statistics or fame -- are less powerful and sustainable motivators, and nothing is worse than playing for someone else.

In business, if you wake up everyday to do what you love and perform at the best level you possibly can, you will reap the benefits of pure motivation. Knowing why you do what you do is foundational to success.

COMMITMENT: "Commitment is a big part of what I am and what I believe. How committed are you to winning?" - Lebron James

When Lebron James looks in the mirror he knows he is committed to winning. Do you? World class athletes know that full commitment coupled with better preparation and focus, enable them to enter a zone of peak competitiveness. Anything other than full commitment to our goals will result in suboptimal results. In business, your employees, partners, customers and team members know if you are fully committed. The question is whether you know and, if you aren't, what are doing to regain that commitment?

FEAR OF FAILURE: "You can't be afraid to fail. It's the only way to succeed." - Lebron James

Lebron James is not afraid and he knows he must free himself from fear in order to perform. Although it is easier said than done, athletes and executives can train themselves to overcome fear.

Ø  First, you can become desensitized by fear by making situations familiar through visualization and experience.

Ø  Second, put your efforts in a broader context such as being rationale about what really matters in your life.

Ø  Lastly, never underestimate the power of faith in yourself and/or a greater purpose. Success in your business is important but where does it rank relative to your health or that of your children? Context matters and can help overcome fear of failure.

MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS: "There is a lot of pressure put on me, but I don’t put a lot of pressure on myself. I feel I play my game, it will care of itself.” - Lebron James

Lebron James could be emotionally impacted from every source imaginable -- the press, teammates, coaches, family and friends -- and undoubtedly has thoughts and feelings which are not always positive. However, he knows he is more than what he thinks or feels and is able to stay focused on playing his game.

 Often times athletes create shortcuts for staying focused such as substituting curiosity in the place of frustration or visualizing the of release negative thoughts. In business, it is similarly easy to get distracted by our emotions unless you have practiced having a calm mind. When in doubt, slow your pace, breathe and play your game.

The GBSH Business Acceleration Academy helps companies systematically and efficiently enhance their strategy and organizational and operational capabilities in order to achieve or maintain the leading position in the rapidly changing business environment. For more info log onto GBSH Business Acceleration Academy or follow us on twitter @gbshconsult