Traits Of Successful Football Players and Entrepreneurs
If you’re asking yourself what Peyton Manning or Cam Newton can teach you about entrepreneurship, read on!
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. Work days can be long and never-ending, there may be no time for a personal life outside of the office, and the combination of both are known to negatively impact one’s health and happiness. However, the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices for successful entrepreneurs who persist and thrive: among other things, freedom, flexibility or a steady income await those who have what it takes.
Experienced football players are as passionate about winning as entrepreneurs are. In order to be a successful athlete you have to be willing to put in the long hours of training, staying in shape, accept some losses, obstacles and never lose sight of your end goal. There’s no quitting time, and if you’re not fully into it, you’re in the wrong business.
Successful football players and entrepreneurs possess the following integral qualities:
1) Perseverance. Entrepreneurs and football players are survivors. They will come across a multitude of challenges both internal (self-doubt and fears) and external. They both have the ability to stay optimistic, battle the challenges, work hard and continue to fight the fight.
2) Strong Leadership Skills. A leader is someone who values the goal despite the mountain of work required to reach that goal. A leader has exceptional communication skills and the ability to motivate his or her team of people toward a common goal.
3) Willingness to Fail. Successful football players and entrepreneurs are risk takers who have a mastered a very significant hurdle: they are not afraid of failure. Things will not go according to plan. You will experience all manner of setbacks and challenges. You will make an occasional wrong choice. Do not be afraid to fail! They will never ask themselves, “What if…?”
4) Know What You Don’t Know. They both understand that there’s always a lesson to be learned. They know that there is a wealth of information and resources available to them. They are not afraid to ask questions and gather much-needed information that will help them make the best decisions.
One of the biggest mistakes athletes and entrepreneurs make is that they assume success is immediate. Successful entrepreneurs can agree that if you really want to succeed, stay committed to your goal and develop a plan to execute it, step by step.
If you are a member of Spiegel & Utrera, P.A.’s General Counsel Club and have questions about starting or running a business, call (800) 734-9900 or clubassist@amerilawyer.com for assistance. Remember, as a member of the General Counsel Club, you receive unlimited legal, business, credit and tax advice all year long.