Spain Wins and Debt Lessons from the World Cup!

Spain wins the 2010 FIFA World Cup!!!

You know about the World Cup unless you haven’t turned on the TV in the last month.  Sorry, you can’t use the excuse you’ve been out of the country, because soccer or football is the most popular sport in the world!

Every 4 years, 32 teams from across the world come together to play for the honor of calling themselves world champions of soccer.   All of these countries qualified for the tournament from their own continents after dueling it out with neighboring countries.  The end result is a drama filled atmosphere of tears, celebrations and soccer at its finest.

Not a fan yet?  Don’t worry.  The sport is gaining more and more attention from media and the Major League Soccer professional league created after the 1994 World Cup which was held in the United States.   Americans love baseball, basketball and football, but youngsters are now stepping onto the soccer field versus playing these other sports.

The result is evident in the performance of the US national team recently qualifying for the second round of the World Cup and narrowly losing to Ghana.   This wasn’t the best result for the US national team in a World Cup, but most would agree it’s the best team ever produced by the US.

Recently, I’ve taken a time out from the excitement and drama to think about the qualities a world class soccer player possesses to perform above the rest of the athletes on the field at the World Cup.  Yes, there are some that stand above the others and they make a difference for their team as did Diego Maradona of Argentina who was said to have won the entire World Cup himself in 1986.

Perhaps some of the qualities such players possess on the field can be used off the field in work, relationships and our personal lives to excel further and accomplish goals.  And why not take a look at how these qualities that can help you overcome debt!

1. Intensity

There is no room for a haphazard approach on the soccer field during the World Cup.  If you exert less than 100%, you’ll reap a less than desired reward.  Intensity must be applied to whatever it is you’re hoping to accomplish.

Dave Ramsey says you have to approach your debt snowball with gazelle like intensity.  Otherwise, people give up and extend their debt plan to several years instead of months.

2. Teamwork

While some players stand out on a team, at the end of the day they need each other to win the game.  We have to recognize those around us who can help and not be afraid to approach them for support.

When trying to pay off debt, relying on trusted financial counselors is important.  Especially, if you’re having problems staying out of debt, or continuing to use a credit card while in debt.  Counselors and advisors should be a part of your personal finance team.

3. Attitude

I’ve seen the wrong attitude crumble players on the soccer field.  Some of the players at the World Cup are distracted by bad referee mistakes.  As Bob Bradley, coach of the US men’s national team said, bad calls are part of the game.  No, you have to go on and not let a bad attitude about whatever circumstance bring you down to the point of stagnation, or drive you backwards.  Playing the blame game doesn’t work either.  You have to accept responsibility for your actions.

How would you ever be able to overcome a debt obstacle if you didn’t stay positive?  Debt isn’t about blaming others.  It’s looking within and fixing the problem at home first.

4. Drive  and determination to overcome obstacles

Winning the World Cup isn’t without obstacles.  You may face arguably the best team in the world as The Netherlands did in going up against Brazil in the quarterfinals.  Were they the better team?  Probably not, but they won because of their drive and determination.  You can’t out play that!

So, some months you may not be able to pay as much on your debt as others.  Things happen and your plan may slow down.  But overall, you have to have the drive to continue in pursuit of your debt free day.

5. Confidence

How many times have you heard the announcers comment on the confidence level of a player or team?  A great goal is scored, the momentum shifts and the confidence level is raised.  All of the sudden you’re playing at a new level.  Think about the little things you do well and collectively let them raise your confidence to play at higher levels.

Yes, you can do it.  Celebrate the monthly extra payments you’re making.  Pat yourself on the back.  Know with confidence debt free day will come soon!

6. Willingness to go the extra mile

The players of the World Cup are on the field for a reason.  All of their lives they were willing to go the extra mile.  There are no spoon fed babies on the pitch (well, mostly but we won’t mention names).  They will dig deep, stay after practice and do what it takes to succeed.  Invest a little extra and see what rewards it brings you.

You just might have to give up something to gain something.  Perhaps you need to take on more work or an extra job.  Or, you need to drastically change your spending habits You have to go the extra mile if you want to get out of debt.

7. Never quit

Never quit or give up.  If you can stay committed to whatever it is you’re doing what may seem like the impossible can happen.  Just look at the US National team and how they were able to score a winning goal in extra time versus Slovenia.  They didn’t quit.  It seemed impossible, but they scored a winning goal to win their group.

No matter what happens; don’t quit working on your debt plan and go back to old habits.  It would be foolish to trade the benefits and freedom getting out of debt provides for wasting away in old careless spending habits (if that was your poison).

8.  Self motivation

No one is going to do it but you.  Stop talking about what you want to accomplish and accomplish it.  Dig deep and determine why you want to accomplish your goal.  What’s the final outcome or result?  Picture that in your head.  See yourself doing it and make the sacrifice to get there.

You have to be motivated.  No one is going to do it for you.  The best way to get motivated and stay motivated is to keep your eye on the target you desire.  Perhaps writing your debt free day on your bathroom mirror would help or continuing to think about the lifted weight when all your debt is gone.

9.  Focus

The national anthem plays and you look into the eyes of the players on the TV.  They have a focused energy of doing their business on the soccer field.  They’re not multi-tasking.  All of their energy is on winning the game and accomplishing their objective.  A scatter brained approach, or trying to handle too many balls in the air will not allow you to succeed in your mission.  Focus your energy and avoid distractions.

Avoiding distractions in personal finance isn’t easy.  Should you save while in debt? Should you invest while in debt? Perhaps, depending on the situation, but ultimately, you have to have a primary focus, or you won’t achieve your desired results.

10. Celebrate

Players of the World Cup know how to celebrate.  Sometimes goals don’t come easy.  Sometimes they take 90 minutes or more of blood, sweat and tears.  But when the ball crosses the goal line, there is nothing left to do but go crazy and celebrate!  Celebrate your successes with your team, family and friends.

And finally, when debt free day is here, celebrate your win!  Enjoy the freedom and then focus your attention on achieving other goals such as savings and investing.  And why not help someone else do the same!

So, the next time you are facing a work, financial, relationship or life-related challenge, lace up your soccer shoes, put on your shin guards, run onto the field and face your obstacle with the confidence of a world class super star!