Watching sports is seen by many as a mere pastime activity or a hobby that can soon turn into an obsession, designed to distract us from what really matters in life. But people need to relax, because not only is sports spectating a great way to relax, there are also many useful lessons to be learnt from how professional sportsmen and women approach their jobs.
Here are 7 ways you can channel the mentality of a dedicated athlete and apply it to your day-to-day.
#1 How to Deal with Employment Issues
There’s nothing more unsettling than being out of a job or being between jobs, but sportsmen and women are only too used to the situation; their short careers often necessitating that they move on a regular basis to maximize their earning potential. As if to highlight this fact, you can actually bet whether Tom Brady will swap the Patriots for Miami, Dallas or Tennessee in the off season. However, despite the pressure of the situation, Brady has remained cool, giving nothing away until a new deal is signed on the dotted line. You can also be sure that whatever happens, he will remain respectful of all parties involved, being careful not to burn bridges. This is excellent inspiration for all readers who may be in a similar situation, when the temptation to trash your old employer is strong, and the want to blurt your future plans even more so. Brady knows all too well that keeping your cards close to your chest is always the best option
#2 How to Eat Right
Being an athlete is all about maintaining discipline, not only when it comes to training, but how you fuel your body as well. One of the easiest ways to benefit from observing an athlete is to copy their diet or at the very least how they track their calorie intake. Obviously, you just must be aware that unless you’re a glutton for the gym, you may not need quite as many carbs as a pro swimmer of weightlifter. The wonderful thing about social media is that many athletes now openly log and post their dietary habits, meaning there’s no need for you to pay for expensive eating programs or nutritionists. Some of the best to follow are runners, such as Shalane Flanagan and Emma Coburn.
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#3 How to Adopt a Never-Say-Die Attitude
All sports fans know that it’s the story lines sport produces that keeps them coming back, and everyone loves a Rocky-style comeback, against all the odds. Just look at how Tiger Woods’ tale of redemption inspired millions, how Lance Armstrong did too before falling from grace, and how recently Tyson Fury battled depression to become heavyweight champion of the world for a second time. If you ever feel a little down and need a pick-me-up, sports stars of past and present can provide all the inspiration you need to dig yourself out of the hole you’re in.
#4 How to Find the Perfect Work-Life Balance
For many athletes with obsessive tendencies, it’s hard to disconnect from work and to make time for family, friends and even themselves. You may be reading this thinking you have the same problem! More and more sports teams and coaches are suggesting that players who find it tough to detach themselves should take up a hobby or a class of some variety, which bares no resemblance to their everyday training and competing. Something they can do with their loved ones is even more of a bonus. Some examples are Novak Djokovic who loves to cook, Russell Westbrook who designs clothes, and Shaquille O’Neal who takes to the mic to rap crazy beats.
#5 How to Stand Out from the Crowd
To succeed in any field, it rarely pays off to blend into the crowd. Sportsmen and women know this all too well, allowing their personalities to flourish, as well as their talent, allowing fans to see the real them in the process. Serena Williams is a genuine role model when it comes to blazing a trail, donning everything from catsuits to tutus while becoming arguably the greatest tennis player of all time. Usain Bolt gave off similar vibes on the running track, posing for the cameras before even the most important of races and always being ready to crack a joke. If there’s one thing you take away from the likes of Williams and Bolt, it’s that you should never shy away from who you are as a person, or what you want to achieve in life.
#6 How to Celebrate Like a True Champion
Sports stars know that after all your hard work has paid off, you need to go and treat yourself, but how many times do us mere mortals get a promotion or hit that target only to go for a low key dinner or a few tepid beverages at the local bar you always frequent? Everyone can learn how to celebrate properly from their sporting heroes. The England cricket team, who having beaten Australia to win The Ashes in 2009, tottered a little worse for wear into No. 10 Downing Street after spending all night out on the town. Then there was Ricky Hatton, who having gone twelve rounds with a rival in Las Vegas, would then hit the Vegas strip with his hordes of adoring fans, proving his stamina both sides of the ropes. Remember, if you succeed in life you owe it to yourself to celebrate.
#7 How to Quit While You’re Ahead
Have you ever felt like you stayed in a job too long, going stale, before losing interest completely? Most people have, because they fear change or taking the next step in their lives. Sport is full of people just like that, those who refuse to let go of the fame and fortune, unable to see how they can live without that buzz. Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn continued to ski despite her knees being constructed more of metal than of bone, Aaron Rodgers took so many hits during his NFL career that he suffered memory loss, and is anyone really interested in seeing another match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal? Deep down, all these sports stars knew it was time to call it a day but carried on too long. In this case many sports stars show you exactly how not to do it.
