It’s not who you are, it’s who you know.

Clichés are more artistic and at times provide very little wisdom or insight. A cliché is just a string of words used to generate an idea or provoke a thought.

No big deal.

The idea for this post came from a comment left by Christopher on my previous article,

“Kids Soccer: Can Love Buy You Money?”

Chris, (hope you don’t mind) replied,

“…part of the 2%…”
Depends on your will, and how strong it is, not on your surroundings and all that. If you’re goal is to become a pro soccer player, then, you WILL become one, if you keep trying. Depends on the person, not on the surroundings/situation/century/year/parents/etc, is my point.

No offence intended here but lets break down your comment.

Depends on your will, and how strong it is, not on your surroundings and all that.

Your will needs to be strong, I agree.

Not only does your will have to be strong; you need a thick skin and balls of steel. You need to train, play and even live outside your comfort zone. Outside your comfort zone you sigh, unfortunately it’s the only way.

When you leave your comfort zone you experience many things but the first one that springs to mind is fear. With the introduction of fear comes the motley crue of self-doubt, low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

If you’re will is strong you should be able to shake these off, agree?

Whack!

What’s that?

You’re joking?

Training didn’t go to plan.

Whack!

The coach has dropped you to the bench.

Whack!

The sound of your hamstring tearing as you reinact the last scene in Platoon.

Whack!

You’ve been pushed, punched and kicked all over the park.

Whack!

Another dagger firmly embedded in your back.

Whack!

I’m hungry; I live in poverty and have nothing to eat.

Whack!

I’m hungry and my family hasn’t eaten in days.

Whack!

I live in the ghetto and fear for my life.

Whack!

Soccer isn’t played in my town and I have no transportation.

Whack!

My father is an alcoholic.

Whack!

My father is abusive.

Whack!

I wish I had parents.

Whack!

Soccer is my strength but I lack ‘team” political influence.

Whack!

Here we go again, contract negotiations.

Whack!

I can’t afford to play.

Whack!

There goes my knee again.

Whack!

The coach is useless.

Whack!

Unfortunately my parents are not in the click.

Whack!

The local club is rubbish.

Whack!

I’m running on empty.

Whack!

I’m 100% committed but will start next week.

Whack!

The sideline abuse continues.

Whack!

Not another injury.

Whack!

Operation, out for the season.

Whack!

Motivation makes a run for the back door.

Whack!

Team dynamics change, you’re scrapping from the bottom of the barrel.

Whack! Whack! Whack!

Your corner has thrown in the towel.

Goal setting is extremely important but must come with a warning and a disclaimer. It does not guarantee results and the strongest of wills could lead to heart ache and disappointment.

To suggest that the environment, parents, social status, location and “who you know” have no relevance to the player you become is both naive and ignorant.

Life can throw many curve balls and things you take for granted can disappear forever without a trace.

Players that are fortunate enough to play soccer should never take it for granted.

Why?

Most Kids with the biggest of dreams never get the opportunity to play because life has thrown them a curve ball.

“May the winds of destiny blow you to the stars.”