I Don’t Know!
“The most important thing in life is not knowing everything, it’s having the mobile/email of somebody who does.”
unknown
I don’t know, for some, possibly one of the scariest phrases, and for others a truly authentic and powerful phrase!
I was recently watching a video from Jeff Walker, a marketing and content launch expert. He shared a statement from someone in his mastermind:
“I don’t know how, but I know the how is known!”
Whoa!!!
Did you catch that? I’ll repeat it, “I don’t know how, but I know the how is known!”
The fear or insecurity of not knowing something or knowing how to do something can have a paralyzing effect(s) on our lives.
One of the more interesting comments I hear about job opportunities and next careers from pro athletes is to go into coaching their sport. The irony is that a majority, often share soon after that they really don’t enjoy coaching, but their sport is all they know. So, their plan is to coach.
At the heart of this reality is often insecurity and fear of the unknown. The thought of being a professional at their sport, and now having to move into something completely new makes one uneasy, fearful, and/or insecure. It is easier to stay in what you know, rather than take the risk and move into an arena that is unknown!
Well, that’s a lie or myth at least!
Let’s take a step back, take in a deep breath, in and out, and repeat a few times.
Ok, now with a clear mind imagine the vast network of people you have interacted with over your athletic career: teammates, coaches, sponsors, other athletes from other sports, agents, marketing firms, financial investors, angel investors, community leaders, educators, etc.
Just because you may not know something about a new arena doesn’t mean you don’t know someone who is already there and thriving!
Your network as an athlete is invaluable, maximize it!
Quick 15 minutes Network Exercise:
Identify 20 people you have met or engaged with over the past 2-3 years and list what market, vocation, or career that they are currently working.
Identify 10 people (that you don’t know yet) in your current city that you are competing with who you would like to meet, ask questions, learn from.
Create a priority plan on who to initiate with first to meet for coffee, over zoom, or phone call. Have 3-5 questions about their field of expertise prepared and begin to learn about how their vocation works and what they do.
Not only will you deepen your current network, you will also grow your network within your city.
A side note: networking is not a one-way street. As you learn, maximize your network, but also give back by investing/helping those you talk with. This will not only help you to gain clarity on what your next career could entail but also will strengthen the relationships within your network. And you never know how those relationships will cross paths to make a greater impact in the world!
With transitions, make your next step your best step!
Jonathan