10 Things Football Can Teach You About Business

Football is much more than “just a game.” It is a metaphor for life; an example of living life to the fullest, and you can learn a lot about business by watching the players. As a huge football fan, I’d like to share with you my top 10 things football can teach you about business.

1. Visualize your success
   You won’t win if you don’t believe you can. Before heading out onto the field, the players get psyched up for the game. They walk onto the field knowing, not wishing, or hoping, or praying, knowing they are ready to win the game. They visualize finishing on top, because anything less than that is unacceptable. Football, like life, is an emotional game. You can’t win if you don’t care.
2. Practice, practice, practice
   If they want to stay winners, they must continually challenge themselves to be better than their last game. Don’t rest on your laurels – you an always improve. If you think you’re good, strive for great. If you’re already great, work to achieve awesome.
3. Dress for success
   The team dresses like the champions they know themselves to be. Do you attend every meeting with, in addition to the right clothes, a winner’s “Game Face?” Wear a confident smile, and people will gravitate to you.
4. Teamwork
   It takes more than one player to win a game. If you’re a solopreneur, create your own team of mentors, confidants, motivators – people who care about your success and can help you achieve it.
5. Commitment
   Many games have been won in the final seconds. A good team will constantly assess their current position, and make adjustments. Even when things look bleak, there’s always another play. If you are committed to success, and things aren’t going well, this is the time to work on “Plan B” and C and D…
6. Focus
   From kickoff to the final whistle, the winners are the ones who are totally in the moment, focused on the current play. They pick their path and dedicate themselves 100% to the execution. They don’t try to execute the play, they do it. When you a creating your product, or providing your service, focus 100% on quality.
7. Don’t be afraid of mistakes
   Everyone makes mistakes. A good player sees this as an opportunity to learn, and correct his behavior, so he is better than he was before. Mistakes are an opportunity to improve. Sometimes a mistake can even unveil a hidden opportunity. If you truly believe in yourself, you’ll see those opportunities when they present themselves.
8. Don’t give up
   When you get knocked down, get up and keep playing. If the competition is breathing down your neck, keep running. What you do next could make all the difference.
9. Everyone is watching
   Your competition is watching your every move. But, more importantly, so are your fans. Set the bar high so your competition will be challenged, and your fans will be thrilled. Your fans want you to succeed. Enjoy the praise, and let it motivate you to be good enough to deserve it.
10. Have fun!
    The players who are truly passionate about the game are the ones who end up at the Super Bowl. When you’re doing what you love, enjoy it! Don’t complain about how hard you work. Celebrate the experience. Focus on how much fun it is to be doing what you love. Enjoy your success, and get ready for the greater success you’ll have tomorrow, and every day for the rest of your life.

Dare to dream. Life is the Big Game. Play everyday like it’s your last play.