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Lessons From the Sports World: Part Three

When it comes to teamwork, dedication, or even defeat, the world of sports is full of valuable lessons you can apply to your job search and career path. To help you learn from sports history, Movin’ On Up is bringing you lessons from the sports world to help you up your professional game and gain real-life applications for the workplace.

American soccer player Mia Hamm led Team USA to its historic win at the 1999 Women’s World Cup and was named Player of the Year the first two years the award was given. She held the record for most international goals scored by any player—male or female—until 2013, and has been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Mia Hamm’s Lesson on Courage
Mia Hamm once said, “True champions aren’t always the ones that win, but those with the most guts.”

When Mia began playing women’s soccer, it wasn’t as popular as it is today. Because of her dedication and hard work, the sport saw a huge surge in popularity. Mia didn’t run from the challenges that came with being a pioneer in her sport, and she became one of its most important athletes as a result.

Is there something standing in the way of you accomplishing your career goals? The simple truth is if you don’t try to overcome your obstacles, you’ll never make it. You have to be brave and willing to do what it takes to reach your goals, whether it’s applying for a job or showing up for an interview. Remember, there is a first for everything. Like Mia, you can be the next success story in your field. You just have to put your best foot forward and persevere.

Mia Hamm’s Lesson on Failure
Mia also said, “Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it.”

It’s easy to want to give up when things don’t go how you planned. But, like Mia, you have to keep trying. If you don’t get the job you want, don’t land an interview, or don’t receive the promotion you’ve been vying for, avoid the urge to be disappointed. Instead of complaining or lashing out, learn from the experience. Try to determine what kept you from getting the promotion or hearing back from a recruiter, and improve upon those skills so you can be even better. And, remember to avoid speaking negatively to or about your employers when things don’t go your way. You never know how your current supervisor may be able to help you down the road, so don’t burn any bridges.

How do you overcome obstacles and learn from failure? Share with us in the comments section below!

If you missed one of the articles in our Lessons From the Sports World series, catch up here:

  • Lessons From the Sports World: Part One
  • Lessons From the Sports World: Part Two

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.