You ever seen The Karate Kid? The sensei had the apprentice doing the same move for days—wax on, wax off. At first, it seemed pointless. But when the punches started flying, that simple move was the difference between victory and getting a black eye.

The same goes for sports. The best athletes don’t just practice advanced plays—they drill the fundamentals over and over until they’re second nature. And guess what? The same principle applies in sales. Some salespeople see their numbers tank, only to realize they got away from the basics. When they return to the core skills—listening, asking the right questions, following up—their success skyrockets again.

Take Kobe Bryant. Kobe and those who trained with him often spoke about his unwavering commitment to the basics, even when he was considered one of the best players in the world. Those included footwork, free throws, defensive positioning. He’d show up at the gym before sunrise, repeating the basics thousands of times. That’s what made him great. Not just talent—relentless commitment to the fundamentals.

A quote often attributed to him is, “Why do you think I’m the best player in the world? Because I never ever get bored with the basics.” This highlights his belief that mastery of fundamental skills was crucial to his success.

Now, let me ask you—where have you drifted from the fundamentals? Whether it’s your health, your marriage, your mindset, your relationships, or your consistency in anything that matters—momentum works both ways. Sometimes, we ride a wave just because it’s familiar, even if it’s taking us in the wrong direction. Other times, we think we know the basics, but if we keep ending up in the same rut, do we really?

So here’s the challenge: take a hard look at your game—your life, your work, your habits. If something’s off, don’t chase a fancy new strategy. Get back to the fundamentals. Because when the pressure’s on, you’ll be glad you did.

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find a resting place for your souls.’” —Jeremiah 6:16 (NASB)