3 Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn from LeBron James

“Not one, not two, but three?”

As had been reported, LeBron James was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for the NBA Season. Arguably one of the most maligned players in NBA history, no one will argue with James' ability especially in the regular season. “King James” has won the NBA MVP  award for the third time entering exclusive company with only 8 players who have won the award three or more times in league history–Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlin, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone.

So obviously James have achieved what few have been able to achieve. Ambitious entrepreneurs should seek to achieve such ambitious goals as LeBron has achieved. Here are 3 lessons to learn from this year's MVP:

• Do What You Believe Is Right. LeBron James was maligned because of his decision to leave Cleveland and go to Miami with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. While many people disagree with how LeBron James announced his “Decision,” entrepreneurs can learn from his logic. Rather than try to please everyone, LeBron made the decision that was “best for him and his family.” Similarly, entrepreneurs will have to make tough and unpopular decisions in order to be successful.  Although, James won the MVP, he made his “Decision” in order to win championships.

• Constantly Improve. Very few people will argue with LeBron James' physical ability. He is simply the most gifted athlete the NBA has ever seen. At 6'8″ and 240 pounds he is stronger, quicker,  and faster than everyone else. This year he played every position on the court from point guard to center, but what entrepreneurs should take away from James is that he constantly improved. This year he made a concerted effort to force the defense to guard him. Rather than let the defense off the hook by shooting three-pointers James attacked the defense and forced them to play D. James also spent the off-season with Hall of Famers studying and working hard.
• Focus. It is extremely easy to get lost in the quest for success. Often many things will emerge which will distract entrepreneurs from their initial goal. LeBron James has the goal of winning a championship and everything he does and has done from the beginning is with that thought in mind. While another MVP on his mantle is nice. He wants the Larry O' Brien trophy. It is the only thing that matters to him. Entrepreneurs have to have that same unflinching focus when it comes to their ventures. It is imperative for entrepreneurs and business owners to understand their goal and take every action to reach that goal. It might be 1 million users or $1M in revenue, but whatever it is entrepreneurs should pay attention to the MVP.

• Honorable Mention: Get Back Up. This will probably not be the last MVP award from the 27 year old. Resilience and perseverance is usually one of the most overlooked characteristics that separates successful people from everyone else. LeBron James while he has won MVP awards, he hasn't won a championship, but he continues to work towards that goal. Entrepreneurs have to understand that failure is not final unless you quit. Often entrepreneurs will have to pivot their ventures or like LeBron James adapt his game in order to be successful (e.g. attacking the basket). This is not something to be ashamed of. It is part of the process.

“Heat nation, we have a bigger goal,” James said. “This is very overwhelming to me as an individual award. But this is not the award I want, ultimately. I want that championship. That's all that matters to me.” – LeBron James