Obstacles the Japanese Soccer Team Endure

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So much anticipation has been building all week long toward last Sunday’s soccer game. The Women’s World Cup final between Japan and the U.S was exciting right until the last minute of extra time. Normally women’s sports do not get much press, but this event has been a welcomed exception. Fans have been taking sides, rooting for their favorite.

Where most women’s events barely get coverage in the news what made this event so popular?  A combination of factors led to a “perfect storm.” Japan rallied behind their team with a unified purpose. Many neutral soccer lovers all over the world cheered on the Japanese because Japan experienced so much tragedy this past year.

Japan definitely had “heart” in the game. Getting to the finals was more than just excellent sportsmanship. It was symbolic for the country, offering hope after a year of destruction and devastation. Playing in the finals helped the country put the aftermath from the tsunami,  earthquake and nuclear fallout on a backburner.

The Americans also had a purpose. The team has worked hard to get to this point. Soccer is beginning to catch on in the U.S. It doesn’t get the headlines or the numbers of the NFL or NBA, but soccer is beginning to build a strong fan base. Considering it is one of the most popular sports in the world, it is about time the US got on board.

Since 1999 when the US Women’s team won the last championship, the face of soccer in the U.S. has improved. Soccer is beginning to develop a stronghold in the country and building a solid following. The final offered a tantalizing mix of ingredients as the game went into extra time. All the way through the Women’s team offered everything a fan could ask for. They were thrilling, resilient, unselfish, and successful.

Japan and the U.S. team were dedicated to playing their best consistently during the entire event. Prior to the quarterfinals the coach for the Japanese team showed the players slides from the earthquake devastation to remind them they were playing for a BIG reason. He incited the desire to play for their country. 

The Japan team had more challenges than usual to overcome to reach the finals. They played strongly as a team because of the obstacles, not in spite of them. Rising up to the challenge nourished a power to succeed. Taking one step at a time, the women grew unified becoming a strong team. 

A definite purpose and plan is a key component for success. Each and every woman on the Japan team, along with their coach, had a specific aim to rise to the top. Although they were underdogs, smaller in size than their competitors, they excelled in technique. A plan developed and strategically put into action. Excellence, working together as a unified team, set them up for success on the field against their opponents. A singular definiteness of purpose, along with a plan, created opportunities to excel.

Evidenced by their performance on the field of the final game, even when they were behind, the Japanese women played to win. Losing was not an option. Desire, intention and commitment created a strong will.

With so much at stake there was really only one possible outcome. Win.

Across Japan you would hear fans yelling “ganbare” to the players. It is a term to cheer on an athlete. A loose translation is to “persevere,” “fight on” and “hang in there.” Basically, it is a strong encouragement to “do your best.” As the Japanese rallied behind their team, this became their mantra, cheering on the women to win.

Although both teams were far away from their homelands, both teams rose up to the rally cry. This game unified the spectators from both countries toward a common goal. Much has been learned along the way. Both teams will become stronger because of their experience. Proudly, the U.S. and Japan teams played to win. Let this be the start of a new revolution, rallying for the exceptional women playing on the field.

Activity: A definite purpose and plan improves your chances of winning. Write down your purpose for competing and pushing yourself to be the best possible in your sport. A strong personal purpose creates the foundation for success. Your purpose sets the tone for winning. Know your purpose; commit it to your heart. It provides the momentum to continue where others would normally give up.

Are you ready to face your challenges? You are committed to doing whatever is necessary to improve your performance. Winners realize the importance of having a strong mental game. On the day of your event your mind does matter. Self criticism, distractions and low confidence drain energy. Train your mental game for laser focus, confidence and to easily deal with distractions.

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