How Pride Almost Destroyed Mike Tyson—

and the Questions That Could Save Us

Author

Shoaib Ahmed
August 31, 2024

In 1986, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. But his meteoric rise soon gave way to a dramatic fall.

After the death of Cus D'Amato, his mentor and coach, Tyson became a victim of his own success.

With no guidance and increasing fame and fortune, he was infected with pride and ego.

His behaviour became reckless. Wasteful spending, Criminal convictions and drug and alcohol addiction put him on a dangerous descent.

By 2003, he'd lost it all—his titles, his fortune, and eventually his mental health.

"If you're not humble in this world, then the world will throw humbleness upon you." - Mike Tyson

Years later when reflecting on his life, Tyson was frank about his mistakes and wasting his talent. Stating that the fame, fortune and a lack of guidance had let him down.

Tyson's story is cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked pride and ego, and the destruction it reaps.

It's a great example of what Ryan Holiday talks about in his book "Ego is the Enemy".

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What we cultivate less is how to protect ourselves against the validation and gratification that will quickly come our way if we show promise. What we don't protect ourselves against are people and things that make us feel good-or rather, too good. We must prepare for pride and kill it early- or it will kill what we aspire to.

Ryan Holiday

To help root pride out early, Ryan suggests two questions you should ask when ever you feel pride:

  1. What am I missing right now that a more humble person might see?

  2. What am I avoiding, or running from, with my bluster, franticness, and embellishments?

By asking yourself these questions you can increase your self awareness. Identify any blind spots and dangers early and deal with them. Avoiding any high stake disasters down the line.

Mike Tyson eventually was lucky to realise the errors of his way and has since tried to make amends by sharing his story and his mistakes so we can learn from him.

His story is a powerful reminder on the importance of self awareness and humility to ensure your success isn't just a flash in the pan but sustainable and enduring.