Shaquille O’Neal revealed in the most recent episode of his podcast, how a Robert De Niro movie changed the course of his life. In fact, the 1996 film The Fan starring De Niro and Wesley Snipes transformed the Lakers legend’s mindset forever. Therefore, Shaquille O’Neal emphasized the importance of the right guidance to lead people on the path to success.

Shaq has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport. Furthermore, he has also secured financial opulence by investing wisely and making sound business decisions throughout his life. However, the Big Diesel’s path to success wasn’t always a walk in the park.

In fact, Shaq had to grapple with a lot of mental anguish while facing failure and criticism in his career. But the right shift in mindset locked him in the right direction to prosperity.

Shaquille O’Neal changed his mindset after watching a De Niro film

Shaquille O’Neal struggled with handling media criticism in the early years of his career. In fact, the 7’1″ giant would resort to breaking stuff when faced with criticism from fans and the media.

As a result, the former Lakers center consulted a sports psychologist. As it turns out, the psychologist found Shaq’s mind to be unique and powerful. “They called me the Friedrich Nietzsche of the NBA,” the Big Man revealed.

Meanwhile, the psychologist recommended the movie The Fan to Shaq. In the movie, Robert De Niro plays the role of an obsessed baseball fan who kidnaps his favorite baseball player. Afterwards, he asks the kidnapped athlete, played by Wesley Snipes, the secret to his success.

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In response, Snipes’ character informs the fan that he simply doesn’t care about anything related to his sport. As it turns out, the message of the movie inspired Shaq to stop caring about detractors and instead focus on his game.

Shaq’s secret sauce to success

In retrospect, Shaquille O’Neal admitted that enacting the movie’s message worked wonders in his life. “Once I stopped caring,” said the 2000 MVP, “Three rings in a row, movies, businesses.”

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Therefore, Shaq stressed the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, even if you’re a pro athlete. In addition, he advised people not to shy away from professional help.