Stephen Curry's Joy in the Process

So many of us as leaders want to be the best at our respective crafts, but when various obstacles appear, it becomes increasingly difficult to commit to what greatness truly requires.

June 16, 2022

It's been an arduous journey full of unexpected twists and challenges for the Golden State Warriors this season ― and yet, they find themselves in the same place NBA fans have grown accustomed to seeing them in recent years.

Now, with a 3-2 lead against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Golden State will look to close out the series tonight and win its fourth NBA title in the last eight seasons.

Coach Steve Kerr has been around many of the game's legends in his decades in the NBA, but has seen few exhibit the maturity, work ethic and joy of Stephen Curry. When asked in a recent press conference what jumps out to him about his star's day-to-day discipline to get better, Kerr told reporters:

"Just the consistency of his routine. It's like a metronome. I mean, every day, it's the exact same thing. He's in the training room, he's in the weight room, he's on the court. It's clockwork, but there's also a sense of joy and energy within that work. He enjoys it so much. He loves the process. And I think that's one of the things that ties all great athletes together, like, I'm talking about the superstar athletes."

So many of us as leaders want to be the best at our respective crafts, but when various obstacles appear, it becomes increasingly difficult to commit to what true greatness requires.

The journey of self-discipline and self-mastery is about checking and holding the person in the mirror accountable, but doing so with compassion. There will be days when we don't feel our best; yet we must still give our best as leaders. It is truly the only way to manifest our dreams while positively impacting our team members.

Kerr added:

"You know, the Roger Federer's of the world or the Steph Curry's of the world. There's a routine that is not only super disciplined but it's really enjoyed each day. There's a passion that comes with it. And that's what sustains it over time and when you love something like those guys do, you work at it, you get better and you keep just keep going."

It's a pivotal reminder that the competition is not won when we're dancing under the bright lights or hoisting trophies in the air. The competition is won with how we show up for ourselves and those we lead every day.

The next time we think about giving up, let's pause, reset and re-assess why we're doing what we're doing.

Then, let's see if we, like Curry, can recommit to finding the joy in the process.