One aspect of the interview that was particularly interesting was his admission of being afraid to fail. A lot of athletes have an overwhelming confidence that they can do anything. That’s often the image they like to portray of themselves, and it’s something fans admire in them. 

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But athletes aren’t perfect, and there are elements to their game that can always be improved. One element of Howard’s that’s often criticized is his offensive abilities beyond the paint. He’s never had much of a jump shot as he relies mostly on follow-up shots, fast-break dunks and back-door alley-oops. He was asked about this by ESPN, and here’s how the conversation unfolded:

Howard probably will be criticized for this response (like he always is), but it’s actually admirable he’s willing to admit his faults. He’s putting himself out there and showing he’s an actual human being with feelings. Obviously he needs to get over this trouble, and he’s trying to, as evidenced by hiring a sports psychologist.

Howard: I used to shoot 1,000 shots a day. I called Kobe when I was still playing in Orlando and asked him what I should do. He’s the one who told me to do take 1,000 a day. So I’d practice and practice them, but then I’d be so afraid to take them in a game because I was so worried I would miss. I hate messing up. I hate failure. I was just talking to (WNBA star) Tina Thompson the other day about it. I told her about my fear of missing and she said, “Dwight, you’re gonna miss. Everyone does.” But I want to be perfect.

ESPN: So you don’t take perimeter jumpers because you are afraid you will miss them?

Howard: I don’t like messing up. I didn’t want to turn on the TV and see people say, “Dwight is taking all those outside shots, he’s screwing around, he doesn’t care, he doesn’t want to win.” So that’s the war I’ll be having in my head. I’m working on it. I have a sports psychologist I used in Houston and I have one in Minnesota. If my spiritual and mental game is right, the physical part will follow.