11 Things Playing Sport Teaches You About Life

Because sport is so much more than learning how to dribble a ball and score a goal.

1. You're going to need other people.

D2: The Mighty Ducks / Walt Disney Pictures

No athlete got to the top of their sport without the help of others. As well as teammates, they had agents, coaches, personal trainers and parents who took them to practice every Saturday morning for years. Just like in sport, you'll get further in life with a strong support system around you.

2. Enthusiasm goes a long way.

The Voice / NBC

In sport and in life, you have to bring your A-game. Cheerleaders, team huddles and war cries exist because we get the results when we are passionate. Being present and passionate – whether in sport or in life – is the key to success.

3. Perseverance and dedication matter more than talent.

The Next Step / Radical Sheep Productions

Champions weren't born great; they had to work for it. In sport and in life, if you want to be truly great at something, you have to put in the hours. Consistent dedication will beat natural talent every time.

4. You can't cheat your way to victory.

The Voice / NBC

Yes, there will be times when you are called upon to be a rule-breaker. Most of the time though, you need to play by the rules. You need to hand that essay in on time, because without it, you won’t graduate. Playing sport teaches us that you can't cut corners to get where you want to go.

5. You and your opponents have more in common than you think.

The Fox and the Hound / Walt Disney Company

Sport teaches us to play fairly because everyone deserves a chance at success. Our opponents are just people trying to do their very best – just like us. And learning this kind of empathy for others will carry across to all areas of your life.

6. Your health is essential to your success.

Fresh Off The Boat / ABC

Your performance on the field relies much on what you feed your body off it. It also relies on how much sleep you get and your mental attitude. Take care of your body and your mind, and they’ll become your biggest assets in life.

7. Don't be afraid to take risks.

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back / Lucasfilm

Commit to the tackle, and while the opposition might still get past you, you might also stop them in their tracks. Sport teaches us that the most successful of us are those willing to give it a go.

8. Being a leader means bringing people together.

Brooklyn 99 / Fox Production Company

There's no 'I' in team. Real leaders – in sport, in the workplace, in life – know that a good leader brings out the best in their team.

9. Set goals. And when you achieve them, set new ones.

Blackish / ABC

In sport, there's always another competition to win and another title to chase. In life too, there's always another promotion waiting or another holiday you'd like to go on. Set goals, work towards achieving them, and keep building on your success.

10. You don't always win.

Adventure Time / Cartoon Network

One of those most important lessons playing sport teaches us is that you won’t always win. Experiencing the feelings of disappointment, rejection and shame, and exploring how to overcome them, is a vital lesson for navigating the journey of life.

11. But when you do, it's because you've earned it.

Rocky IV / United Artists and MGM

There's no such thing as an overnight success story. Every win is a culmination of years of practice, perseverance and learning from failure. In life, those that succeed are the people that put in work day after day.

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