11 years ago I started working at my friend’s newly founded football agency. I had just moved to Spain, and didn’t have an income, so I said yes without blinking.
During the previous couple of years I’ve been doing some scouting work for him, while he was working at Watford FC, but that wasn’t something that could pay the bills.
Given my obsession with football at the time, breaking into such a seemingly glamorous field felt like a dream come true. With so much money on the line and the chance to get into those inner circles and meet players, it was an opportunity anyone my age would’ve jumped straight at.
But little did I know how dirty this world was.
During the next 6 months I worked about 10h a day, and managed to recruit and sign representation mandates with about 30 first division athletes of various nationalities. I got media coverage for our players in more languages than the Bible.
But everyone in this industry was lying. Everyone was trying to hustle you. And unless you start using their tactics, you simply can’t get anything done. Also, in this line of work, you spend more time in airports than with your family or friends.
That’s not who I wanted to become.
Still, I was close to finalizing my first transfer; my Polish striker was on trial in Scotland. Looking back, I’m actually grateful the deal fell through. If it had worked out, the money would’ve probably blinded me, keeping me stuck for years in a field that just wasn't for me. As Naval Ravikant says, we often sacrifice the thing we want (happiness) for the thing that's supposed to get it (money).
The takeaway?
Visualise reaching the end goal, your day to day life when you’ve “made it”, and see if that’s what you really want. If that doesn't excite you, it's the wrong goal.
Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is say no.
This week's action:
Think of something you want to achieve but haven't started. Is it starting a company? Moving to a different place? Running a marathon?
Before you jump in, ask yourself: Do I want the results, or do I actually want the lifestyle that comes with it?
If you want the lifestyle, work out a simple plan. Even if you still don’t have the money, the fitness, or whatever else you need.
Then lay the first brick. Today.
Share this with a friend who might like it.
Thanks for reading,
Valentin