15: Lessons from the GOAT: What Messi Can Teach Us About Excellence

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Content Summary:

• Essay: Lessons from the GOAT: What Messi Can Teach Us About Excellence
• Quote: Overnight success
• Visual: Keep working

Lessons from the GOAT: What Messi Can Teach Us About Excellence

Wednesday night, I had the privilege of witnessing Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in soccer, play against my hometown Columbus Crew.

While the match itself was thrilling, what struck me most were the lessons we can all apply to our personal and professional lives.

Let me share what I observed and how we can translate Messi's brilliance into our own pursuits of excellence.

1. The Power of Persistence

Despite an off start where Messi's touch seemed heavy and he gave away possession more than usual, he didn't let it affect his entire performance.

Key Takeaway: Even the best have off days. The secret is to persist and stay ready for your moment to shine. In your work or personal projects, don't let initial setbacks discourage you. Keep pushing, and you'll find your opportunity to make an impact.

2. Seizing the Moment

With just minutes left in the first half, Messi turned the game on its head with a brilliant goal that left everyone in awe. Later, he bent a free kick around our wall with surgical precision.

Action Step: Identify the critical moments in your field where you can make the biggest difference. Prepare relentlessly for these moments, so when they arrive, you're ready to capitalize on them. What's your equivalent of Messi's free kick in your industry?

3. Intentional Energy Management

I noticed Messi's unique approach to movement - periods of walking interspersed with sudden bursts of action.

Application: In our fast-paced world, consider how you're managing your energy. Are you always "on," or do you strategically allocate your efforts? Try implementing focused work sprints followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity tasks. This rhythm could dramatically improve your productivity and creativity.

4. Leadership Through Humility

Messi's interactions with his teammates were marked by grace, humility, and genuine care. He celebrates their successes as much as his own.

Challenge: This week, focus on lifting your team members or colleagues. Celebrate their wins, offer genuine support, and see how it transforms your work environment. Remember, true leadership isn't about being in the spotlight, but about how you make others feel and perform.

5. Consistency in Big Moments

What sets legends apart is their ability to deliver when it matters most. Messi's performance, even on an "off" night, changed the game.

Reflection: Think about the 'big moments' in your career or personal life. How do you prepare for them? Consider developing routines or practices that help you consistently perform at your best when the stakes are high.

Bringing It Home

As I sat there with my 10-year-old daughter, Emerson, watching this display of greatness, I was reminded that excellence is a journey, not a destination. It's about showing up, day after day, and giving your best - even when you're not at 100%.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or pursuing a personal passion, remember that greatness is built in the small moments. It's in the preparation, the persistence, and the unwavering commitment to your craft.

This week, I invite you to identify one area where you can apply these lessons. 

Here's to your journey towards excellence!

A Visual - Keep working

Image Source: (6) Janis Ozolins (@OzolinsJanis) / X

Until next week...thanks for reading!

Jon Giganti Author. Speaker. Leader.

Attention requires a focused head.
Intention requires a focused heart.

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