Soccer is a game that can teach you tough life lessons. Even though the critics say it is not a tough game; it is physical and requires all players contribution.
Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash
Just imagine working out at a gym for 90 minutes; how would your body feel after that? Okay, soccer is not 90 minutes non-stop; there is a 15 minutes break between the two 45 minutes halves.
Playing this game has taught me some life lessons that I wouldn’t have typically learned. I’ve learned that good team members understand and have each other’s backs. They work together to complete each other.
Each team member shines in their field positions, but are aware of the other areas in case they are obliged to cover for each other. Here are some valuable life lessons that you can use as a team leader.
Know Your Team Members
As captain of a team, you must create and sustain a personal level relationship with each team member. Why? It shows them you care about their well-being.
On the other hand, knowing them builds their trust in you. It is easier to motivate them when they trust you. Also, they’ll contribute more when they feel motivated and valued.
Empower Each Team Member
On the contrary, each member has a role to play. The entire team may not function well unless each member understands and plays their role. The team loses focus when that happens.
The others members will try to pick slack of that one member. To avoid such occasions, the team lead must empower team members. Empowering them helps their self-esteem and increases their level of trust.
Do Not Criticize Them in Public
Criticism creates a hostile situation between team members and may negatively impact their performance. Instead of criticizing each other, encourage one another to do a better job. Don’t do it; it won’t help any situation.
Take upon yourself as a team lead to encourage them when they feel down. It lifts their moral to play better. In the end, it helps the team win their game.
Understand What the Other Team is Doing Differently
What is the other team doing that makes them ahead of your team. We can learn from each other, even when from our opponents. Studying what others are doing better could help your to grow.
Learn from others and discover a way to play better in your league. There is always a room for improvement. Take what you’ve learned from the other team and put it in action.
Never Underestimate Your Opponent
Sometimes teams tend to underestimate their opponents and lower their game plan. Understand that your opponent is working hard to get to your level and even better than you. Some times, we do the same thing with out life goals.
No matter what league you play in, be in it to win it. Work hard as if you are playing against the champions. Keep your life goals intact and act on them until you win.
It is Not Over Until it is Over
Do not slow playing until the referee blows the end of the game whistle. How many times have you seen teams coming from behind to win a game? Often, it is because they other team slowed their attack.
The same applies to soccer; one team might be losing and all of a sudden ties the game and wins. Play hard as if you’ve just started the game. Don’t give up what you’ve started until you win.
Amuse Your Crowd
To keep your crowd cheering for your team, offer something new. If you continue playing at the same level each time, the crowd may be bored and not cheer anymore. Give them more than what they are expecting.
Always look for new ways of doing things, and you will have a crowd. When you hit a roadblock try to work around and through it. Don’t throw down the towel and quit.
Question: What other life lessons have you learned from soccer? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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