As a sports fan, I was anticipating a great run for the U.S. soccer team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa. They had prepared for this moment for four years playing in various international tournaments and other matches. Their results in the 2006 FIFA World Cup were less than impressive as they finished last in their qualifying group and were sent home after their preliminary matches.
The 2010 tournament started full of promise as they held a very good England team to a draw. The following game was against Slovenia, where the U.S. was favored. They fell behind 2-0 in the first half, and in the second half they drew even. Late in the game, they scored a third goal that was somehow disallowed by a referee who had a long history of controversy in the international soccer community. The final preliminary game also featured a disallowed goal for the U.S. as one player was called offside during the goal-scoring sequence, although replays proved the goal was scored legally. That game ended with a dramatic 1-0 win in extra time as Landon Donovan scored the winning goal to allow the US to advance to the round of 16 against Ghana.
In the game against Ghana, the U.S. ended up losing 2-1 in extra time to make their exit from this tournament.
So let’s examine something very important. Sports in just one arena where we can work hard only to be disappointed in the end. This team had worked really hard, and had some of their success arbitrarily nullified by an official.
Have you ever felt ripped off like this? I have no doubt that all of us can probably say we have been treated unfairly at some point in our lives–perhaps in our careers, our relationships, or in our own families.
In spite of having a string of bad things happen, this U.S. World Cup team persevered and didn’t give up.
That’s what champions do.
In the face of obstacles and hardships, champions keep going and never give up.
What are you facing today that is difficult?
Are you tempted to give up? If you are, DON’T DO IT!
Very often, there is a great opportunity for success buried somewhere within the struggles we face.
It takes mental toughness to keep going when things seem difficult. However, I am confident you are stronger than you realize.
The next time you feel ripped off or disappointed, focus on a time where you were successful. Then dive right in and move ahead toward your greater prize.
You won’t regret it.
