By Timothy Wilson
Achieving greatness is not solely dependent on talent or luck; it hinges on your daily thoughts, emotions, and actions. Transitioning from a child with an ordinary skill set and mindset to embodying a Most Valuable Player (MVP) mentality may seem like a fantasy, yet individuals like Toronto-born Shai Gilgeous-Alexander consistently challenge the boundaries of what is achievable. This transformation enables you to access your highest potential—often referred to as your “god mode.” When you attain this state, confidence, focus, and resilience emerge effortlessly.
So, what does it take to elevate your performance to an MVP level like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who not only won the regular season NBA MVP but also secured the Finals MVP in the recently concluded NBA season? Everyone aspires to greatness, but only a select few can unlock that special “god mode” that drives exceptional performance.
Gilgeous-Alexander played one year of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats and was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers that same night. In his rookie year, Gilgeous-Alexander was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in July 2019.
He was Oklahoma City’s top scorer during his rookie season, helping the team qualify for the playoffs as the fifth seed. Gilgeous-Alexander concluded the 2024/2025 regular season as the first Canadian to lead the NBA in scoring and the third international player to achieve this distinction. He finished the season with the most 20-point games (75), 30-point games (49), 40-point games (13), and 50-point games (4).
Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 10th 30-point, five-assist stat line, making him one of only three players in NBA history to accomplish this feat at least 10 times in a single playoff run. The other two players to achieve this are Michael Jordan and LeBron James. So, how did a young Canadian born in Toronto find himself mentioned alongside Michael Jordan and LeBron James?
Initially, his parents played a crucial role in starting his journey, but it is his relentless drive for continuous improvement that can be considered the key to unlocking his potential. Individuals who get to the god mode often go through three phases: talent discovery, talent development, and the critical attribute that sets players like SGA apart—discipline and continuous improvement. Discipline and continuous improvement can be regarded as the silver bullet of greatness. They are essential ingredients that must align to unleash your god mode. Very few individuals are willing to pay the price to reach this level. However, those who do enjoy the benefits for a lifetime.
