Stepping out of the locker room and into the professional world is an opportunity to master a new game: The game of life. This is a game you’ll continue playing for as long as you live. You’ll never get cut, you’ll never be too old to play, and no one can ever take your spot. When competing at an elite level, the majority of an athlete’s time, energy and focus are dedicated to practice and training. The fully loaded schedule required to operate at this level doesn’t leave muc

While those on the outside looking in may view sports as just a game, athletes know it’s far more than that. Participation in athletics means you stand for something bigger than yourself by default. Whether it’s the name on the front of your jersey, or your teammates counting on you to make the big play, your performance affects others. The athletic arena is a testing ground, an external representation of internal fortitude. A tough loss or a poor performance can highly affec

You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do. We’ve all heard it before, but how effectively have we applied this to our lives? If you’re like most people, your life’s purpose, and what you do for a living are two completely different things. There’s nothing wrong with that separation, but if you want to live a life that you can fully enjoy, it’s important to look for ways to bridge the gap. I spent many years after graduation trying to find a job that I could

As a former athlete, you understand the impact that a great coach can have on you. Under the guidance of coaches, you’ve learned how to listen to feedback (or screaming criticism) and apply it immediately. You’ve learned how to put your ego to the side, and allow someone to show you where your weak spots are. You’ve learned how to ask good questions and actively seek out people who not only recognize your potential, but know how to effectively pull it out of you. Whether it’

Have you ever noticed how many former athletes end up working as financial advisers, recruiters, and sales associates? Don’t get me wrong, these are all potentially great careers, but I suspect that some of us may be drawn to them for all the wrong reasons. Let’s first acknowledge that all three of the career paths mentioned above are essentially sales roles at the core, with other duties sprinkled in. Athletes are often drawn to, and encouraged to apply for these roles due

Whether you played in high school, college, or professionally, you know the day eventually comes when it's time to hang up the jersey. Every former athlete goes through withdrawals at some point after their career ends. In my case, it took moving back home into my childhood bedroom before I realized I would never play the game I love again. Life for retired athletes can be tough. Many of us are still searching for a path in life where our talents can shine like they once did

Has following the path you were taught to follow led you to the life you've always wanted to live? Unless you were fortunate enough to get some really great advice growing up, your answer to that question is probably "not really". If that’s the case for you, when was the last time you stopped to question the direction your life was heading? Before we’re old enough to tie our own shoes, we’re taught to go to school, get good grades, get into a good college, get a good job, an

An old Cherokee talking to his grandson says: “There’s an internal battle going on inside of me. It’s a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil: Filled with anger, envy, sadness, regret, greed, self-pity, guilt, resentment, false pride, and ego. The other wolf is good: he is joyous, peaceful, loving, hopeful, kind, honest, and compassionate.” He then says: “Grandson, the same wolves battle inside of you, and inside of every human being on this earth.” The boy asks