Michael Jordan, the 63-year-old basketball icon, has stated he is "cursed" with the intensely competitive mindset that defined his legendary NBA career. In an interview with CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, Jordan explained how this trait continues to dominate his post-retirement life, including his ventures as a NASCAR team owner.
He described the drive as an all-consuming lens through which he views every activity, from mundane daily tasks to high-stakes business decisions. "I think I'm cursed," Jordan said. "I'm cursed with this competitive gene that anything that I do is from a competitive lens."
A Relentless Daily Drive
Jordan provided a stark example of how this mentality manifests in his personal life, detailing a competitive morning routine with his wife, Yvette. "I've got to get in the shower and get into the bathroom before she comes in so she doesn't slow down my time, and I can get to the golf course in time," he explained.
He views this pervasive competitiveness not as a weakness, but as a fundamental strength that keeps him motivated and focused. "I'm cursed. That's just the way I am. And I try to use it in the best positive way that I can," Jordan told King.
Origins and Impact of a Champion's Psyche
Reflecting on the source of this trait, Jordan suggested it stemmed from a childhood desire to prove himself. "I think that my appetite to prove as a kid created this competitive thing within me that has transcended and taken over everything that I do," he said.
He believes this mindset is a key differentiator for achieving exceptional success. "I think it's a good trait to have because some people don't have that trait. And some people get to the... cusp of what success really means, and they can never get over that hump," Jordan stated.
Applying the Mindset Beyond Basketball
Now a co-owner of the 23XI Racing NASCAR team, Jordan applies the same principles to motorsport. He frames setbacks on the track as essential learning opportunities, a philosophy forged through his athletic career. "We learn. You know, any successful person has had to deal with failure at some point in time," he said.
His approach to loss remains analytical and forward-looking. "I do not like losing, but I'm not afraid to lose. I learn from losing," Jordan affirmed, calling this resilience "a part of my DNA."
A Common Thread Among Elite Athletes
Jordan's revelations about the psychological drivers of high performance echo sentiments from other top competitors. Golf champion Rory McIlroy has spoken of managing performance anxiety by visualising worst-case scenarios to diminish their power.
Similarly, gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has said her biggest competition is often herself, using internal doubt as motivation to surpass her previous achievements.