James Palumbo

The measurement is often times subjective.

We should listen to the feedback of others and witness their actions towards the value that we provide.

For example, the value of Ruben Dias is very difficult to measure.  After his actions since joining the premier league champions, Manchester City from Benfica, some may forget the price tag associated with the purchase.

As long as we are able to over deliver value and exceed expectations, the cost associated will be often overlooked.

This is a big reason why the most passionate people provide the greatest value.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

The people who make the difference in so many ways are normally leaving behind a legacy.

Others will always remember the way a person took action and how people were impacted throughout the journey.

With each day that passes by we have the opportunity to build.  If we possess a purpose more important than our own enjoyment we will be motivated to move forward.

Sometimes we may feel our time is up and if that is the case we should reflect on what has been accomplished.  We might never let it go if there is more gas in the tank and we realize there is more to be achieved.

Truthfully, there will always be more to do, whether we are involved in the next chapter is hopefully up to us.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

The smoothest path might be attractive however it will eventually lead to a bumpy journey.

In today’s world there is a big emphasis on results in every subject matter.  The quickest and easiest way to get a positive result will be the main focus of most.

Our obsession with the present success will prohibit the later and more important wins if we skip necessary steps.

In the game of soccer and in life, there must be moments of failure to learn.  If we are used to quick wins, we will not be able to handle the challenging times.

Since the challenging periods are inevitable we should prepare for them rather then constantly thinking of ways to prevent them.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

What is the purpose of practice?

Some players might truly answer with; I don’t know.  These same players might feel practice is more of a technicality of something that has to be done before the game.  The competition is the most desired involvement of a player however this opportunity must be earned.

With soccer being a team game, there are things that must be planned and developed both as a collective group and individually for work to be noticed in competition.

Effort and desire to win are non negotiable, however the more important piece is putting effort into doing/playing with an identity.

A style of play does not happen because of a few words on paper and a motivational speech before the game.  Of course emotions are involved in soccer and is a crucial area to be developed however the work that is done in sessions will show on match day.

Results should be considered when analyzing progress however it cannot be the only thing.  As long as we are able to identify certain things happening that have been practiced, then there are steps in the right direction.

We should always be mindful of our individual and collective purposes for a practice.  These reasons may not perfectly align, yet we will be able to grade our efforts and notice improvement in each session.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

The greatest chance of improvement is through consistent effort and a desire to learn.

A part-time approach will not yield noticeable results and will only maintain the current level until it is not enough.

With that said, our hard work and commitment does not guarantee that our improvement will be enough to reach the next level.  Regardless of the sacrifices, struggles and dedication there will still be a moment that it is not enough.

We need no’s to propel us towards the yes.

At the lowest level, it is easier to recognize improvements in a short amount of time, yet the higher the level the more difficult it is to recognize improvements.

The higher the level, the more understanding is necessary to identify the weaknesses that need to be developed as well as tracked.

Of course it is a proud moment to witness improvement according to each person’s level, yet the journey is long and a humble reminder that there will always be a next level to attain is important.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo

What we see is what we are looking for.

When making decisions, others may scrutinize because they don’t understand what you see and they possibly never will.  The end result being positive or negative will be the easiest way to judge the decision.

Each member of a team will not see and understand everything the same, however the purpose of a team is to trust on others to contribute to a common goal.

The collective goal must be the same and the requirement of different views will describe the story of achieving those goals.  Our individual vision should be making the difference inside the shared structure of a team.

The more often we look up and take notice of the things happening around us, the greater the chance of improving our understanding.

Yours in soccer,

James Palumbo