When you think of the qualities that make an elite athlete, you might immediately think of strength, speed, and skill. But there’s something else that plays a crucial role in both sports and business: mindset.
At 19, I was living my dream as a wide receiver for Florida State University and a champion kickboxer. But then, in the blink of an eye, I found myself paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident. That moment could have shattered my confidence and derailed my future, but instead, it set me on a journey where the lessons I learned as an athlete became the foundation for my success in business and finance.
In this blog, I’m going to break down how the mindset that helped me excel in sports laid the groundwork for my career in financial services—and how you can leverage those same principles to succeed in your own career, no matter your industry.
The Power of Discipline and Focus
As a competitive athlete, discipline was everything. Every practice, every workout, every moment spent on improving my craft was intentional. That discipline was ingrained in me from a young age and became second nature.
When I transitioned into the financial services industry, I quickly realized that the discipline I developed as an athlete was just as essential for success in business. I had to put in the work, day after day, even when things didn’t seem to be moving forward as quickly as I hoped.
What I Learned in the Locker Room: The Value of Teamwork
In sports, success isn’t just about the individual; it’s about the team. A quarterback can throw the perfect pass, but it means nothing if the receiver doesn’t execute. A fighter can have all the skill in the world, but without a good team behind him, success is limited.
In business, the same applies. When I entered the financial services industry, I realized quickly that no one succeeds alone. The most successful people I’ve met were those who understood the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong, supportive team—whether it’s a mentor, colleagues, or a dedicated support network.
Building and nurturing relationships has been just as important in business as it was on the football field.
How to Develop a Winning Mindset
- Stay Committed to Your Vision
As an athlete, I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve—whether it was scoring a touchdown or winning a fight. In business, that same focus on your vision will keep you motivated and moving forward when you encounter obstacles. - Embrace Challenges as Opportunities
In both sports and business, setbacks are inevitable. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is how they respond to challenges. In business, I’ve learned to view each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a setback. - Keep Pushing Through, Even When It’s Tough
There were many moments in my journey where things weren’t going as planned. But just like in sports, I knew I had to keep pushing through, stay disciplined, and trust the process. Progress comes when you continue to take action—even when it seems like you’re not making headway. - Leverage the Power of Consistency
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you’re training for a football season or building a business, consistent effort over time yields results. Consistency builds confidence, improves skills, and leads to success.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Competitive Edge
One thing that stood out to me during my time in the financial services industry was the importance of embracing an entrepreneurial mindset. The same mentality that drives athletes to break records and push their limits is the same mindset that fuels successful entrepreneurs. You’ve got to take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and be willing to fail in order to succeed.
In my journey from financial services to the fertilizer business, I relied on that competitive drive to excel. The same determination that led me to be a champion in sports also led me to the Million Dollar Round Table, where I was recognized as one of the top 8% of financial professionals in the world.
That’s the power of mindset.
Wrapping It Up: Apply Sports Principles to Your Career
Success in sports and business isn’t determined by talent alone. It’s about having the right mindset—one that’s fueled by discipline, focus, teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering belief in your ability to succeed. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or trying to take your business to the next level, these principles will help you get there.
As I’ve learned from my own experience, mindset is everything. It’s what keeps you going when things get tough, and it’s what drives you to push past your limits.
So, what’s your mindset like? Are you ready to leverage it for success in your career?
Scott Burrows, Keynote Motivational Speaker | Author
Office: 813-477-0862
Website: www.scottburrows.com
Donna Buttice, Business Manager
Office: 630-330-7533
Inspiring organizations to cultivate a Vision that transcends boundaries, a Mindset that defies limitations, a Grit that knows no bounds!
