Argentina Wins The 2022 World Cup
Today, Argentina won the 2022 World Cup by defeating France in the shootout following a 3-3 score. Some are considering it the greatest World Cup match in history. What made the contest so compelling was the team’s two mega-stars, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, performed at an elite level.
Lionel Messi
Throughout the tournament, Messi would score seven goals and assist on three others. But it was when the stakes were highest that he performed his best. In the semi-finals against Croatia, he scored one goal and had a mesmerizing assist which will become one of the iconic plays in soccer history. Then in the championship game, Messi scored two goals and had the opening goal in the shootout.
Kylian Mbappe
Though France finished as the Cup’s runner-up, Mbappe won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading goal scorer with eight. Similar to Messi, he played his best when it mattered most. Mbappe became the second player in World Cup history to have a hat trick in the Final.
The #1 Leadership Lesson
The lesson leaders can take from these two Apex Leaders is what separates superstars like Messi and Mbappe, as well as the superstars in any industry, is the ability to execute under pressure. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.
I wrote previously about performing an elite level in high-pressure situations when I discussed Justin Tucker’s record-breaking 66-yard field goal. Regardless of your industry, the following are four things you need to do be your best when it matters most:
Think Execution Over Feelings
Tucker said, “The feelings in those moments don’t matter. What matters is executing.” When the pressure is on, locker room speeches and hyping yourself up do not provide lasting results. Execution does.
To Do Something You’ve Never Done Before, You’re Going To Have To Do Things You’ve Never Done Before.
The wonderful website The33rdTeam.com reported here that Tucker adjusted his mechanics before making the kick. Tucker said, “When you’re that far away you’ve got to both trust your technique and also sacrifice some of it to just power the ball.” What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve things you’ve never achieved before?
Think Execution Over Consequences
When performing at a high level, you must trust your preparation and execution and leave the results to themselves. Tucker said, “It’s about thinking about the action and not the consequence.”
Celebrate Only After Accomplishment
A leader who doesn’t celebrate is a leader not worth following. However, you must know when the proper time to celebrate is. It’s not appropriate to party all the time. Tucker knows celebration should take place only after accomplishment. He said, “When it’s all said and done, then you can let your feelings take over and enjoy the moment and your teammates.”
Execution. Sacrifice. Proper Thinking. Accomplishment. Celebration. Do these five things in order and you may have the chance to perform at the level of Messi and Mbappe in your industry.
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