What makes a great footballer?

With some sport back on the TV, I happened upon a football game and whilst not an avid fan (I prefer a big V8 and a race track), I did watch the game for a while and was impressed by the skills of the players.

The one key skill that caught my eye during the game was that players don’t move to where the ball is, they move to where it’s going to be; and their skill is in arriving at the same place and at the same time as the ball. Part skill, part instinct, part training….

Of course, I can’t resist using this analogy in business. So, it got me thinking, particularly about the way we set goals (yes, another pun!). We are always being told that we should set goals; and there are many, many books and workshops on how to set goals, how to plan for milestones and how to achieve those aforementioned goals.

However, what if success comes less from the goal and more from the journey?

What if it’s more about arriving at the same place and time as your goal?

This makes us less fixated on the goal and more focused on the journey and the activities to get us there. Creating the best journey for ourselves, developing our skills, learning new tactics, perhaps making mistakes, taking advice and being kind to ourselves, is all part of that journey.

Just like the football player who kicks the ball high into the air, in the general direction of a team-mate, who then has to use all his experience, skill, instinct, training and coaching to maintain control of the ball and pass it on.

Perhaps business is all about playing the game and making the best of our journey?

This plays (yes, another one!) a big part in what motivates me; I can support and coach people to achieve their goals, but I’ve found that the real value, the real success, is making the journey a successful one.

The game of football is often called “The Beautiful Game” and perhaps the beauty is in playing the game…and not winning the game.

Could business be the same?

Book a call with me here and let’s make you a better player in your business game.