By Van Adams | Engagement Insider
Understanding how to make the most of your resources will better position you for life away from the game. One of the “perks” of being a professional athlete is the vast variety of influencers, decision-makers, and thought-leaders from various sectors of business that are within your reach. This is a powerful resource when leveraged to its full potential.
But, before you begin leveraging your resources, you must first define where you want to go and what you want out of the next phase of your life. Where do you see yourself in 3… 5…or 10 years from now? What are you passionate about? What motivates you? Only you know the answers to these questions. Understanding what motivates you will help guide you in a direction that satisfies your ambition.
Goal-setting is an important part of the transitioning process. Set goals for yourself that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely). Start with 2-3 goals and build from there. Don't worry too much about getting it exactly right or being perfect at this point. As you progress, so will your ability to hone in with greater specificity.
Consider who’s currently in your network that holds a position, or has held a position, that aligns with your goals. Set up a time to meet with them on a professional level to brainstorm and learn about what is involved in their day-to-day job duties. Inquire about the requirements of the job as well as the growth opportunities in the industry. Keep in mind, these people have practical hands-on experience and can help you cut through some of the corporate clutter. They can also refer you to other like-minded professionals; ultimately helping you expand your network.
When you find common threads among members of your network, tie them together. Is it more education or training you need? Would you benefit from an apprenticeship or internship? These are some of the answers you will be able to learn by talking –and listening – to people in your network. Chances are, you already possess many of the attributes leadership experts frequently refer to as core competencies necessary to excel in business. Now, you just have to apply your skills in a different venue.
During the transitioning phase, it will be important to separate your playing days from what lies ahead. There are instances where you’ll want to leverage your professional athlete status – and other times when you will want (and need) to be known for your business acumen. Deliberate actions and a well thought out plan will help ease the uncertainty that goes along with making the transition from the locker room to the boardroom.