Are You Surrounding Yourself With The Right People?

During the summer holidays, our 13-year-old daughter Lily attended The Nationals, one of the World’s best and fasted growing Goalkeeper Camps. It was a three-day residential at the prestigious Haileybury School (remarkable sports grounds).  Off she went – not knowing a single person, full of excitement and naturally some nerves.

Jacki rocked up for the showcase event on the final morning and was astounded by the sheer number of junior goalkeepers; over 200 from 20 different nationalities!

Lily had the most incredible experience and feedback from the Coaches, but one thing she said really struck a chord with me:

“Dad, it was so good to be at a camp with just goalkeepers”.

You see, whilst you are part of a team, a goalkeeper plays the loneliest and most exposed position on the pitch; EVERYTHING you do is under extreme pressure with EVERY mistake on display.

You’re the only one on the pitch that can see the entire game at all times, so you’re expected to be the confident communicator and natural leader from the back. 

You’re the only position that has to be skilful at both goalkeeping and playing outfield; footwork for today’s GK is just as essential as safe hands and agility.  

You have to quickly and clearly organise the rest of your team for corners and free kicks.

You train separately from the rest of your team, have a different coach to everyone else, and you even wear a different kit.

So, attending a camp just for goalkeepers, with ex-pro goalkeepers coaching, and even a goalie Mindset expert, was THE best thing Lily could have done.  She was surrounded by everyone who understood her, her ambitions, her challenges and worries.

And she was surrounded by talent, and with scouts watching, so this has made her even hungrier and knows what she has to do to push herself to that next level.

And the same goes for business.

As a Business Owner you face extreme pressure, it can be pretty lonely at times, and you’re expected to be a natural Leader.

Surrounding yourself with the RIGHT people, will help change everything...

People who are (or have been) in a similar position or journey as you...

People who are smarter than you...

People who have already accomplished your goals...

People who are winners...

People who will invigorate you and give you confidence...

As Jim Rhon famously said:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

The people you spend time with, are influencing you more than you realise.

So, this week have a think about:

• Who are you mostly surrounding yourself with?

• How are they making you think, act and behave?

• Are you too comfortable with the people you are hanging around with right now?

• Are there any ‘Negative Nellies’ that are bringing you (or your team) down?

• Where else can you cultivate ‘real life’ relationships that will have a positive impact on you?

And remember, if you can’t play football, then watch the game - you don’t have to be able to attend everything in person – you can listen to Podcasts and read books.

BW,

Martin

Martin Norbury

Investor | Business Mentor at Advocate | Author of I don’t work Fridays