CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

Playing in Germany was a huge part of my career. While I was there, I developed and grew as a footballer in many ways. I become more tactically aware, more technical, and my German got better too. I was chosen to be in the starting 11 throughout the season (playing fullback).

This photo was taken of the only game I didn't start on the pitch. It's not a glorious action shot, but if you look closely, you can see something glorious in itself.

Take a look at me sitting there, where my eyes are focused, how engaged my body language is, how focussed I am.
Even though I wasn't on the field, I was using the opportunity to study the game from the bench. I watched the players in my position. I watched their movements, their decisions, how they interacted with the collective group. I watched the opponents and picked out which of them were most dangerous on the ball, which were fastest, which formation they played as a team; Scanning, identifying, preparing. It's not something every player does, but being invested in my career, it's part of the discipline.
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The key take-away: Every moment is a choice, you can choose to sit back and be passive or you can create opportunities for growth. If you really want to achieve something, this is important. Patience is important too, but don't forget to do what you can with what is within your control.

​When your chance comes, you'll be ready for it.

- Zak Drake