“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. 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.

Turning 52 today was Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Also known as “Air Jordan”, “His Airness” and simply as “MJ”, the six time NBA champion was always known for being mentally tough.

Back in high school, Jordan was expecting to make the varsity basketball team as a sophomore— he did not and it crushed him inside. Deemed to short at 5-foot-11, Jordan showed basketball mental toughness and kept working on his mental game in basketball.

Growing four inches the next year was Jordan while improving physically and psychologically in the game he wanted to succeed in.

Fast forward several years and all of his hard work and dedication paid off as he was establishing himself as one of the best players in the NBA.

His basketball mental toughness had paid off, but the Bulls struggled to do what Jordan wanted to do most— win an NBA Championship.

Yes Jordan was the best player in the league, but he wanted to win. He did average 30.1 points per game, but none of that would have mattered to him unless he won some rings.

While Jordan was establishing himself as a superstar, the Detroit Pistons dominated the Eastern Conference and did not allow the Bulls to advance to the finals. Their strategy was simple— put multiple guys on Jordan and the Bulls will not be able to score. This worked for them as they won three straight Eastern Conference titles and a pair of NBA Championships.

For Jordan and the bulls who were hurting in terms of basketball mental game, the emergence of Scottie Pippen could not have come at a better time. Helping the team’s basketball psychology was another superstar, giving teams more to worry about than just Jordan. Of course being surrounded with talent made Jordan an even better player as it made it tougher on teams to prepare for the Bulls.

Working well together were the two stars, winning their first of three NBA Championship in a row at the conclusion of the 1990-1991 NBA season.

Gaining plenty confidence from the wins, Jordan took his hand at baseball the next year and though it did not work out as well as he had hoped, he still had basketball to fall back on.

As a result, the Bulls had yet again another three peat of NBA championships which to this day is almost unprecedented. The only reason why the three peat ended once again was because Jordan retired from basketball for the second time.

Even so, it would not be the last of him. Jordan would come back once again and play for charity— donating his salary to 9/11 relief funds. This time, he played for the Wizards after taking three seasons off.

Going on to play two more seasons, Jordan was a valuable contributor to the Washington Wizards. Even at 40 years old in his final season, he averaged 20 points per game which is impressive even for a player in their prime.

Since retiring Jordan has kept active and close to the game of basketball. Enjoying golf, the 52-year-old has been active with charities including Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Club.  He is also the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, not to be confused with the New Orleans Hornets who are now the New Orleans Pelicans. While the possibility of another Jordan comeback may not happen, his mental toughness and achievements on the court will remain forever.

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