The United States made history as they hosted the first-ever Copa America: Centenario, to celebrate the 100th year of the Copa America competition. After watching match after match, and the many post game interviews, I think their are definitely some life lessons we can take away from this universally loved sport, especially in the Copa.
1. You can overcome any obstacle.
Hearing the stories of all the players, where they started, and the obstacles they've overcome to get to where they are today, inspires you to get up and try again.
2. Focus on what you can control.
In the end, the only thing you can do in life is focus on your effort and how you go about it, and not the outcome. Do your job, and do it with 110 percent of everything you have.
3. Don't give up on your team or yourselves.
Always have your family and friends' back, and make sure they know that they can rely on you. Likewise, you need to never give up on yourself and your dreams.
4. Become a true team player in all aspects of life.
This extends to the classroom, workplace, and life. It's such an important quality to have, and the sooner it's learned, the better. Being a team player means you contribute 100 percent, and at the same time cooperate and collaborate with others to help bring out the best in them.
5. Celebrate success.
Both large and small, it all should be recognized and celebrated. It's so rewarding seeing those smaller goals turn into larger accomplishments.
6. Win and lose with dignity.
Learn to respect yourself, those around you, and those you "lost" to. You will be respected more for your integrity in the lose than you would in the win. Your true character is shown in these situations, so take advantage of the opportunity to teach through your actions.
7. Short-term goals add up.
It starts with a dream that seems so ridiculous, and takes time to grow and nurture. Eventually those small little dreams leads to a whole future you never knew could be true. Every single player in the Copa started out with a small maybe and what they had to do to fulfill their dreams.
8. And finally...a little salsa never hurt nobody.
So this might be the most important lesson out of them all. Celebrate every achievement with a little salsa dance with your friends. To get what you want in life you have to work darn hard, but cherish the journey getting there, and celebrate once you reach it.
Sometimes in life, it's more about the struggle and journey getting to your goal and not about the glory that comes with it. Again, this is shown in the Copa. Unlike other popular sports like football or basketball, soccer is not a sport played mainly for money.
It is played for national pride.
