Soccer is rapidly becoming a major sport in the United States. More children are playing the game, and more adults as well. Even though we might be aware of the health benefits of sports, according to Ryan Smith of Lexington KY, it’s important to recognize the life skills that can develop. We call it “playing”, and it is a fun sport. Yet good coaching and attentive players will make soccer far more useful as we navigate the ups and downs of work or living.
Soccer is a team sport. The player must be able to lead not only vocally but also by the example they set. The player must be able to take instruction from coaches, accept criticism, be open to learning something new and different. Members of the team, on the field or off, must be able to communicate and trust one another. Know where the others are on the field. They must be aware of their surroundings. Knowing the skills and abilities of teammates will allow better risk taking and success.
These abilities are critical when one is in the workplace. More often today, work is accomplished by teams of employees. Being able to lead as well as follow; being able to listen to other team members and mentors; good communication and openness to hear and learn from others, are all important to success in the working world. Seeing all the pieces of the task, knowing what others are accomplishing and how that all fits together will aid the team and the individuals as they passionately push forward to complete the work. An awareness of the strengths and growing edges of other team members allows for greater cooperation and successful outcomes.
In the pursuit of any life or work goal, the individual must be able to remain positive, have a deep desire to be successful and willing to take responsibility not only for the good pieces of the task but also for the missteps. That individual must be able to “step up” and learn from their co-workers, asking for help and seeking a cooperative environment. Ability to think through possible outcomes for any action that might be taken, will require a focused mind and critical thinking. Is the team member able to remain calm amid conflict either among team members or during plan execution?
Soccer requires a mental focus and a growth mindset intelligence. Does the player “come alive” when the match begins? When tough times come in both playing matches as well as advancing in the sport toward professional playing, how does the player respond? Does that player double down, practicing their skills, watching intently what successful players do? Players must be able to handle the tensions and turns that occur in the match. Adaptability and focus are key mental abilities. Knowing how to react to risks and not giving up are critical thinking skills. The player must be able to assess their own challenges in playing and be willing to invest much necessary time in working on those challenges in order to improve.
So, too, are these important skills for the workplace and for life. Deliberately investing time and effort into learning and practicing the skills needed for success must be the focus of each individual. Reading, watching others, accepting instruction and criticism with an eye toward self-improvement are important work for the individual. It is said that the more you know, the more you know that you don’t know. Being driven to learn and grow; not giving up if the first fifty tries don’t work; willing to self-evaluate and then act on those evaluations will assure the individual of better performance and results.
Set goals. Assess the vision. See the goal. Know where the nets are. Map out the necessary steps to get where. Delegate and be willing to adapt to changes that may occur during the match. In order to reach the finish, each individual must be able to know not only where they are going but also what needs to be done in order to get there.
Soccer requires the ability to know how to treat others on the field. Not every play will bring desired results. There are times when mistakes are made, and those mistakes may be simple or costly to the match. Being an encourager to others when those mistakes happen and knowing how to calmly respond as well as advise without embarrassment to the other will provide better outcomes during that match and in others yet to be played. Rarely do people respond well to chastisement in front of others and such behaviors will frequently result in more mistakes being made.
In business and in life, the same is true. Mistakes will occur. The individual must be willing and able to self-reflect, assessing their own part in those missteps and seeking help if necessary, to prevent a reoccurrence. Remaining calm and centered when those mistakes include others is vital to the success of the project. Shouting simply exacerbates the situation. Giving encouragement in the moment and private criticism later will yield better results. It’s important to remember that the most calm and quiet voice in the room is the voice that identifies good leadership.
Soccer teams and individuals succeed by recognizing that everyone matters.
The best professional players on the field today are certainly not more important that the fans in the stands who bought tickets. The folks who carry water and dry towels for team members are critical to smooth matches. The statisticians who work diligently for accuracy are important for players’ careers and team standings. The janitors who clean locker rooms, showers, equipment, uniforms and towels are critical to team health and focus. The media who narrate matches, do photography, report highlights and outcomes are a driving force for visibility and income, not only for the team players but for the team revenues as well. How a player treats others on or off the field is vital to both personal and team success.
So too in the everyday world. Wise individuals will learn to say “please” and “thank you” to those who support the efforts they make. Learn the names of janitors, beverage servers, secretarial staff, and all the others who work each day to be sure that others are free to focus on the tasks that lie before them. Evaluating someone’s worth by how much they are paid will not bring the results one truly desires. When everyone feels included, feels acknowledged for their contributions to the company or individual success, that success will feel powerful.
In the late 1800’s, poet Rudyard Kipling wrote a powerful poem entitled “If”. Although the poem was originally addressed to males, it is truly applicable to all people today. The poem is well worth reading, learning, and framing in every office and home.
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all (others) doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting, too… You’ll be a (success), my (friend).”
Rudyard Kipling