Once again, the world is under the grip of the football fever. The once-in-four-years football extravaganza has the entire globe focusing its attention on a globular object – the football. Undeniably the most awaited sports event, FIFA Football World cup is not just about football. It offers plenty of lessons – of endurance, patience, perseverance, discipline and a lot more that not only helps in being an awesome football player but also make you a good investor. Let’s take a look at five ways in which football teaches us lessons that can helps manage our finances effectively.
Start Young
Arguably the most popular footballer on planet earth right now is an Argentinean – Lionel Messi. The man who can make millions euphoric or plunge into the depths of despair – based on his success or defeat on the field. The 31 year old player, who many believe the best player of all time, was just 13 when the Spanish club Barcelona took him under their wings. Trained at their youth academy, Messi’s progression into FC Barcelona has been meteoric. He made his competitive debut in 2004, at the tender age of 17.
Lesson worth learning: Start as soon as you can. Don’t wait for your first hike or you next job or the right age to start saving and investing. Thanks to compounding, the money you save and invest when you are young grows faster than the money you invest when you hit your late 30s or early 40s. To know more about compounding refer this article.
Don’t Risk It All
2018 FIFA world cup has been springing a lot of surprises. Teams that have been perceived as ‘strong’ were often beaten by the ‘minnows’. Probably, the most shocking setback so far has been the one wherein the champions Germany was beaten by South Korea. The former champions were stunned and shown the door by the Asian country. Of the two goals scored during the injury time, the second one was an example of the reckless desperation of the Germans. Even the goalkeeper was away as a midfielder when Son scored the goal into an empty net.
Lesson worth learning: Never ever abandon your financial guard and have a well-diversified portfolio that takes care of all your needs – short term, medium term and long term. Often people tend to go all in when an investment/ asset is performing really well. Don’t get tempted to go all in with the prospect of making more money just because others are also making money out of it.
Take Initiative
A reigning trend so far in this World cup has been ‘first goal wins’. Whichever team scored the first goal either won or managed to draw the match. Of course, it was no coincidence. The confidence a team derives after striking the first blow keep energizing the entire team for the whole of 90+ minutes of play. Naturally, they gain an upper hand and strive to unleash attacking football rather than resorting to lame tactics of defensive football.
Lesson worth learning: Don’t just wait for the ‘right time’ or the right kind of ‘opportunities’ to invest. Neither be apprehensive thinking that you don’t have the know-how. All you need to do is to take the first step.
Stay Focused
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the finest players were gracing the world cup 2018. But there is temperamental difference between the two players. While Messi could not honor the expectations upon his shoulders in the match against Iceland and missed the penalty that would have helped Argentina win the match. While Ronaldo, in his characteristic style scored an amazing free kick against Spain that captivated the world.
Lesson worth learning: Stay focused on your financial goals and pay no attention to distractions as it may lead you to the losses that you may not recover ever.
Humble Start
Some of the best players the world has seen, have humble origins. Be it Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar from the present generation or Pele and Diego Maradona from the past. They never let their humble beginnings act as stumbling blocks. Instead, they overcome penury and other problems with a systematic approach to their primary passion – football.
Lesson worth learning: Don’t think that the amount you can put aside in a month is too meager to even consider. What really matters is a systematic approach to saving and investing. Important is to Start from somewhere.
Now you have seen the many ways in which you can take a cue from the world of football to invest and save. If you’re football lover, we’re sure you’ll keep these in mind while achieving your financial goals.
