You are unique...
Elvis Goes
Owner & President Excel Sports & IFAPT International Football Academy de Portugal
Do not compare yourself to others! You are unique and different in every sense and every aspect:?
"Confidence isn't walking into a room thinking you are better than everyone, it's walking in and not have to compare yourself to anyone at all" ...(Author Unknown)
?This message comes from my heart and my religious beliefs and faith. I know you have your own belief so I shall not impose mine but only share these thoughts which I often do on our IFAPT group as inspired by my spiritual teachings. This message comes with a backdrop of all that is going on in this cynical and complicate world we live in today… the wars, the lost humanity, lack of understanding, lack of tolerance and everything else under the sun… and yet all of us (you) thrive to live and set objectives and overcome challenges as you navigate this complicated and complex world…
?To All the athletes…As you navigate through this journey to excellence with countless sacrifices and dedication to accomplish your dreams and objectives. And, as you have set some milestones for accomplishments in this journey I like to share with you all my thoughts and experiences as I have gone down this path before you…
?Today, I want to share something that affects many youth sports persons and others too as they work hard to achieve their own dreams and aspirations… this is a condition I call self-comparisons in what you see on (social media or other mediums) and sometimes when you hear or see from a very limited perspective or through your limited lenses, what appears on the outside… these appearances are most of the time very visible only to the naked eyes or physical appearances or related to material things…number of followers or photos with celebrities or driving an expensive car or places visited and things done, even better openly boasting about their accomplishments and wealth… turn on your Instagram or Facebook or LinkedIn and you will find many such examples. ?
?Here are my thoughts and some perspectives which I have experienced over the last 58 years of my life as I have navigated through this journey of life trying to pursue my dreams and aspirations in sports and life in general. This simple message hopefully will help you understand and help you navigate your own journey…
?I have borrowed these words from a very wise and thoughtful person… parts of it I have added mine own…He said it well so I shall vibrate them as they are…
?“self-comparison is not the same as emulation. When we compare ourselves to others, there can be only two results. Either we will see ourselves as better than others and become judgmental and critical of them, or we will see ourselves as less than others and become anxious, self-critical, and discouraged. Comparing ourselves to others is rarely productive, not uplifting, and sometimes downright depressing.?In fact, these comparisons can be spiritually and emotionally destructive preventing us from receiving the spiritual or emotional help we need. On the other hand, emulating those we respect who demonstrate good humility, integrity, courage, respect or human attributes can be instructive and uplifting and can help us become better human beings in this imperfect world we live in…”
?Life on this earth was never meant to be smooth and easy… it’s full of many great and exciting moments and memories and also plagued with many negatives, challenges, obstacles and everything else you can imagine. Sometimes injuries comes when you where about to sign a big contract or just as you where selected to play in the first 11 after all the hard work and dedication you put into it… many of you athletes are part of this post pandemic era … an event that shocked and shook the world…
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?This is what makes you who you are, unique and completely different from anyone else. This is your life journey… and it’s just the beginning and there will be many successful events and experiences and some not so successful and sometimes down right challenging… how you overcome these will define you as a person because that’s our purpose in this mortal world we live in… The media is full of these sensational images and messages. Trying to close yourself from these images and messages is one of the greatest crisis of our times. However, I am seeing a different kind of a generation a more resilient generation of youth. It's been my pleasure of the last 31+ years of interacting with thousands of young men and women all over the world to hear their success stories and their challenges. Its been a privilege and honour to work with you all.
?I’m here as a mentor for you, to help you and to guide you, along with your love ones who are there too. When the burden becomes too heavy ask for a helping hand to carry this burden. This journey is not meant to be done alone and many times we feel scared, prejudged, fear of ridiculed and many other social stigmas which prevents us from seeking the help and guidance we need. In my life, I have faced many challenges and sometimes when things got really desperate especially financially, or emotionally I have reached to my family and close friends for help. Over the years things have improved and now I am able to help my family, repay all my debts, including the emotional ones as well as the financial ones and help others… I call it pass it forward.
My Christmas wish for all my athletes past, present and future...Move forward with hope and charity in your heart, knowing that no matter what today was there is hope for a better tomorrow...God Bless and wish you much success and thank you for this opportunity to work with you…?
?With sincere gratitude and love.
Elvis J. Goes
President & Director?
IFAPT- AAC Football Program?