Discover how Michael Jordan and Elon Musk mastered the power of focus to achieve greatness. Learn why being present and prioritizing tasks is the ultimate key to success.
What do a basketball icon and a tech visionary have in common? On the surface, Michael Jordan and Elon Musk operate in completely different universes—one dominated the court, and the other is aiming to dominate space. But look closer, and you’ll see they share two key traits that have driven their success: the ability to stay present and focused on what matters most and an extraordinary willingness to take risks.
In a world filled with distractions and fear of failure, Jordan and Musk show us that success isn’t just about raw talent or ambition. It’s about focusing on the task at hand and being bold enough to bet on yourself—even when the outcome is uncertain.
The Power of Focus
In a world where 1,000 things constantly demand your attention, the ability to focus is increasingly rare—and powerful. Both Jordan and Musk excel at staying locked in on the most important task, blocking out distractions, and channeling their energy into what truly matters.
Michael Jordan: Laser-Focused on the Next Play
As a high school freshman, Michael Jordan was cut from the varsity basketball team—a moment that could have crushed most people. Instead, it lit a fire in him. Jordan turned that setback into motivation to outwork everyone else and eventually become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Whether it was a high-stakes NBA Finals game or an off-season practice, Jordan treated each moment as an opportunity to improve. He didn’t let distractions, trash talk, or external pressure rattle his focus. Instead, he stayed in the moment, consistently executing at an elite level.
Even during games, Jordan embodied the mantra of focusing on the next play. A missed shot or turnover didn’t derail him—he was always ready for the next opportunity, which is why he thrived in clutch situations.
Elon Musk: Solving Humanity’s Biggest Problems
Musk’s focus lies in tackling humanity’s greatest challenges. Despite running multiple companies—Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company—Musk is known for his ability to dive deep into a single problem. He doesn’t spread himself thin worrying about every minor detail but instead dedicates his attention to high-impact decisions.
Musk’s relentless focus is one reason SpaceX went from a near-bankruptcy startup to landing reusable rockets. By tuning out distractions and thinking long-term, Musk has turned ideas that seemed impossible into reality.
The Willingness to Take Risks
Greatness isn’t achieved by playing it safe. Both Jordan and Musk have demonstrated a willingness to take risks that most people wouldn’t dare, even when the stakes were incredibly high.
Michael Jordan: Leaving Basketball at His Peak
After winning three consecutive NBA championships and becoming the face of basketball, Jordan shocked the world by leaving the sport in 1993 to pursue a career in baseball. At the height of his success, he walked away from his comfort zone to chase a childhood dream. While his baseball career didn’t pan out as he’d hoped, the experience gave him a new perspective. When he returned to the NBA in 1995, he was better than ever, leading the Chicago Bulls to three more championships.
Jordan’s willingness to take risks, learn from failure, and pivot when needed exemplifies the mindset of someone who isn’t afraid to bet on himself.
Nike and the Air Jordan Gamble
Another example of Jordan’s and others’ willingness to take risks comes from his groundbreaking partnership with Nike. At the time, Nike wasn’t the sportswear giant it is today. It took a massive chance by signing a young rookie, structuring a deal around his potential rather than his proven results.
The deal included the now-iconic Air Jordan sneakers, which made their debut in a way that broke all the rules—literally. The NBA fined Jordan $5,000 every time he wore them on the court because they didn’t meet the league’s uniform policy. Instead of backing down, Nike saw this as a marketing opportunity. They paid the fines and turned the controversy into a brilliant advertising campaign, building the Air Jordan brand into a cultural phenomenon.
That gamble paid off, and the Air Jordan line is now one of the most successful and enduring sneaker brands in history. It’s a perfect example of how taking calculated risks can lead to transformative outcomes.
Elon Musk: Betting Big on the Impossible
Musk’s career is defined by taking massive, calculated risks when others thought he was crazy:
- Starting Tesla: Launching an electric vehicle company at a time when EVs were seen as impractical was an enormous gamble. Musk invested heavily, endured public skepticism, and fought through near-bankruptcy. Today, Tesla leads the EV revolution, transforming the automotive industry.
- Buying Twitter: Musk’s controversial decision to purchase Twitter for $44 billion was seen by many as risky, even reckless. While the long-term outcome remains uncertain, Musk sees the platform as a critical tool for free speech and global communication—a bet consistent with his pattern of bold, transformative thinking.
- SpaceX: After selling PayPal, Musk poured nearly his entire fortune into SpaceX. Critics called it an expensive hobby, but SpaceX is now a global leader in aerospace, with achievements like reusable rockets and contracts with NASA.
These risks could have ended his career, but Musk’s willingness to commit to his vision and navigate challenges ultimately resulted in groundbreaking success.
Why Focus and Risk-Taking Work Together
Jordan and Musk’s success isn’t just about taking risks or staying focused—it’s about doing both simultaneously. Their focus allows them to stay disciplined in the face of distractions, while their willingness to take risks opens doors to opportunities most people wouldn’t pursue.
- Focus Enhances Execution: Taking risks without focus leads to scattered efforts. By staying present, Jordan and Musk ensure their energy is directed where it matters most.
- Risks Create Growth: Focus without risks leads to stagnation. Jordan and Musk aren’t afraid to leave their comfort zones, which allows them to achieve extraordinary results.
Lessons We Can Learn from Jordan and Musk
1. Prioritize What Matters
Jordan didn’t let missed shots distract him, and Musk doesn’t get bogged down in minor decisions. Focus on the few things that truly matter, and let go of the rest.
2. Embrace Risk
Big rewards come from big risks. Whether it’s starting a business, pursuing a passion, or stepping out of your comfort zone, betting on yourself can lead to life-changing results.
3. Learn from Failure
Jordan’s stint in baseball and Musk’s early failures with rockets didn’t define them—they learned, adjusted, and came back stronger. Treat setbacks as stepping stones, not roadblocks.
4. Be Present
Distractions are everywhere, but success comes from staying locked in. Practice mindfulness, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and focus on the task at hand.
Final Thoughts: Focus and Fearlessness
Michael Jordan and Elon Musk are living proof that focus and risk-taking are the ultimate keys to success. Whether it’s Jordan’s dominance on the court or Musk’s innovations in space, their ability to stay present and take bold risks sets them apart.
Ask yourself:
- What distractions are pulling you away from your goals?
- What risks are you afraid to take that could lead to growth?
- If you had one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted, would you capture it?
It’s time to think like Jordan and Musk. Stay focused, take the leap, and bet on yourself—you might just achieve more than you ever thought possible.