While some singers find inspiration from music legends, Ciara says she looks toward icons with a little more muscle.

"I take my motivation from athletes – basketball players in particular," the R&B songstress, 23, tells Men's Health magazine in its November 2008 issue.

And there are a few NBA stars whom she finds especially inspiring.

"I love LeBron James because he's my age and full of ambition and drive," she reveals. Also, "I love Michael Jordan … there was so much pressure, but he pulled through every time. That energy motivates me."

Ciara, a former high school track star, says her most recent source of motivation was watching New York Giant David Tyree's performance during this year's Super Bowl.

"The way he held on to that ball that Eli Manning threw – I felt what he had inside," she says, adding, "when it comes to my career, there's nothing more exciting than being successful at the highest possible level." http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20234795,00.html