Characteristics of a GOAT

Ayo!!!

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what makes someone great.

Not just good, not just talented…. but great. GOAT status great.

I’ve been around some greats on sports teams, the workplace. I’ve studied some greats (aka watch the Patriots for 20+ years).

I’m looking for the absolute must of a checklist to enter GOAT status whether that’s in sport or business (list also works for a fantasy football managers like myself).

I someday would love to be “great”, or as the kids say these days, “GOATed”.

So, here’s what I’m looking for…

1. Delusional Self-Confidence

I’m convinced you need a little bit of delusion to be truly great. You have to believe in yourself to the point where other people might say… “wtf”.

Muhammad Ali called himself the greatest ever, before anyone else did.

“Some call it cocky, I call it confidence” - the GREAT Ray Lewis once said.

That self-belief gets tested constantly, but it’s unshakeable in the truly great.

2. Curiosity

Great people are curious, plain and simple.

They never stop asking questions or wanting to know more. Look at any field… the top level GOATs are obsessed with the details.

Tom Brady didn’t become a 7-time Super Bowl champion from relying on his talent. He studied the game and his opponents more than anyone.

Kobe Bryant is known for his psychotic hours in the gym, but also his tape watching ability. That man just needed an edge in every facet of the game. RIP to a true legend.

These dudes didn’t just watch themselves, but others around the game to see what was working, and what wasn’t.

That curiosity builds a foundation that pushes a GOAT to never settle.

3. Discipline

A lot of people talk about discipline. It’s obvious.

But it’s about doing it when no one is looking.

Real discipline happens in the shadows #ShadowLion.

It’s easy to show up when there’s a crowd. But can you keep grinding when it’s just you?

Greatness doesn’t come from a spotlight, it’s earned in those lonely moments when it’s just you and the goal you’re reaching for.

4. The Willingness to Fail

Here’s the reality: you’re going to mess up.

Everyone does. But for the greats, failure isn’t a brick wall; it’s a steppingstone!

They don’t see it as a permanent thing. Instead, they let failure teach them, refine them, and DRIVE them.

Michael Jordan got cut from his high school team. That setback became fuel.

He didn’t let it define him. Instead, it set the stage for the greatest basketball career of all-time (shut up LeBron lovers).

5. Resilience

Life will test you.

Won’t ever be easy, especially if you have high expectations.

The greats are just wired differently and push through the tough moments.

They know it’s temporary, and they know they’ll come out stronger.

Resilience means taking the hits but never getting knocked out.

These qualities aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the real traits I’ve seen in people who inspire me, the people I want to learn from!

Let’s all go be GOATs!

Greatness doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right mindset, we can all get there!