THE GAME OF LIFE: 5 LIFE-LESSONS ...

Whether it’s getting a ball into the back of a net, a basket, over a try line or into a hole half a kilometre away – sport does teach us a number of life lessons worth remembering!

Here at Old Mutual iWYZE, we help thousands of policy holders to formulate their financial “game plan” in order to take care of their loved ones once the final whistle has blown… allowing them to live life to the fullest today. 

In this article, we share some of the most inspirational lessons we learnt from the on-field superstars that can hopefully also inspire you to live like a champion! 
 

1. Teamwork – Football 

“I never scored in my life without someone passing me the ball.” 

Abby Wambach, US soccer superstar

When life becomes tough, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to go at it alone. Whether its friends, family or a colleague, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help. There is not a single person in the world that hasn’t at some stage needed help from someone else. It’s also important to always surround ourselves with positive people who lift us up, and to be a positive influence in the lives of others!

2. Perseverance – Golf 

“One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot – the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something.”

Peter Jacobsen – 9x PGA tour winner

We all have ambitions, goals and dreams. Ask any athlete and they’ll tell you that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hours, days and years of effort and hard work. Whether it’s climbing the career ladder, creating a happy, healthy family life or anything else for that matter – perseverance is key!

3. Find inspiration and set goals – Rugby 

“Watching Francois lift the trophy had instilled a dream in me, I wanted to do the same one day.”

Bryan Habana – Springbok wing, in reference to South Africa’s World Cup victory in 1995

Inspiration is all around us, if we look hard enough. Inspiration also drives us to be the best versions of ourselves. Look for inspiration and let it define your goals… then don’t stop working until you can tick them off your bucket list!

4. Humility – Cricket 

“AB de Villiers is the best batsman in the world by far. He shows it again and again.”

Virat Kohli, Indian cricket captain 

There has been a long-standing debate between cricket fans from across the world – who is the best cricketer in history – AB de Villiers or Virat Kohli? There’s a valuable lesson to be learnt from this quote – it takes more courage to build others up than tear them down… to give credit when it’s due and to remain humble. Knowing your self-worth, but remaining modest is a trademark of success. 

5. Innovation - Motorsport

“I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself”

Ferdinand Porsche 

Champion athletes are those who bring their individual brilliance to the game – whether it’s in the amount of work they put in, analysing and constantly refining their own performance or having the courage to try something no one has tried before. 

The same apply to life – no one ever stands out by simply fitting in. In order to become a true champion in any goal you pursue, it takes a willingness to change and innovate to set yourself apart from the rest. Want that promotion? Then prove that you can bring something to the table no-one else can! 

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NBA superstar Micheal Jordan once said: “Just play. Enjoy the game. Have fun.” Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. While you’re out there, focused on performing to the best of your ability each day, trust Old Mutual iWYZE to take care of the rest with a life insurance policy that will look after your loved ones once you’re no longer there to be their champion yourself. Get an affordable, reliable quote today.  

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company is an authorised FSP (FSP 703). Risk profile dependent. Terms and conditions apply.