Have you ever faced a moment when you felt broken or not enough? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m not talented enough, I’m not wealthy enough, or I’m not strong enough.” You’re not alone. But here’s the truth: winning isn’t just about physical strength or talent. It’s about mindset. Today, we’ll explore the story of a boy who overcame the odds and share the four keys to unlocking magical results in your life.
The Story of Lionel Messi: From Broken to Unstoppable
Let me start with a story—a story about a boy with a big dream. This boy loved playing football. He was good at it, and his parents took him for tryouts at a prestigious football club. However, there was a problem. He was too small.
Doctors confirmed that he had a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that would prevent him from growing normally. The club decided not to sign him because they didn’t want a “broken” player. But this boy didn’t give up. Instead, he made a decision: “I will do whatever it takes to make my dream come true.”
This boy, nicknamed La Pulga (The Flea), would grow up to become the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi. The player who won a World Cup at 35 after years of trying, named the best player in the world seven times across three decades, proves that winning is all about mindset.
Four Keys to Winning in Life
Messi’s story teaches us that the difference between success and failure lies in our mindset. Here are the four practical keys to unlocking limitless possibilities in your life:
1. Have Big Dreams
Most people don’t dream big enough. Even those who are successful often fear going bigger. But if you’re going to win, you need to dream big—bigger than what feels comfortable. Why? Because big dreams push you to grow.
Take this example: A famous athlete once told me he hadn’t won a grand slam in two years. When I asked him about his dream, he simply wanted to get back to his old level. But I challenged him to dream bigger. Within five weeks, he not only won the US Open, but he also went on to win three more grand slams that year. The difference wasn’t his talent; it was his mindset.
So, what’s your big dream? Can you make it bigger and faster? Don’t wait for the perfect time—go for it now.
2. Use Powerful Words
Words shape your reality. The two most powerful words in any language are “I am”. Why? Because your subconscious mind takes it as a command. If you repeatedly say, “I am not good enough,” your mind believes it. But if you start saying “I am capable,” your brain releases chemicals that make you feel empowered, confident, and ready to act.
Let’s take tennis champion Novak Djokovic. Early in his career, nobody believed he could beat tennis giants like Federer and Nadal. Yet, Djokovic boldly declared, “I will beat them.” It wasn’t arrogance—it was confidence. And sure enough, he became the world’s number one.
3. Take Bold Actions
Dreams are great, but they won’t come true without action. Messi could have given up after being told he was too small. But instead, he trained harder, adjusted his style of play, and proved everyone wrong. Taking bold actions might involve stepping out of your comfort zone or doing things that scare you.
For instance, I remember facing one of my biggest professional challenges. I was about to speak in one of the most prestigious theaters in Buenos Aires, and someone questioned my ability to draw a crowd. My fear almost led me to cancel, but I decided to go for it anyway. The result? A sold-out show and a standing ovation.
4. Make Big Decisions
Finally, you need to make big decisions that move you forward. It’s easy to get busy with day-to-day tasks, but being busy doesn’t mean you’re progressing. Take time to audit your activities and see if you’re actually making decisions that push you toward your goals. If not, it’s time to adjust.
After years of running my business, I realized I wasn’t making decisions that would move me to the next level. So, I made a bold choice: to expand into the English-speaking market. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to grow.
Comparison: Playing Not to Lose vs. Playing to Win
| Playing Not to Lose | Playing to Win |
|---|---|
| Avoiding risks | Embracing challenges |
| Sticking to what’s comfortable | Pushing beyond your limits |
| Playing it safe | Taking bold actions, even when afraid |
| Feeling “stuck” | Continuously growing and evolving |
Conclusion: Embrace the Winning Mindset
Winning is not just for athletes like Messi. It’s for anyone who dares to dream big, uses powerful words, takes bold actions, and makes big decisions. The distance between you and your next big dream is not physical; it’s the mindset you choose to adopt.
So, what’s your next big dream? Go bigger. Go faster. And remember, as Messi showed the world, it’s not about being the biggest or strongest—it’s about believing you can.
FAQs
1. What does “winning is a mindset” mean?
It means that success is determined by how you think. Your mindset—how you approach challenges, setbacks, and opportunities—plays a critical role in your ability to win in life.
2. Why is it important to dream big?
Big dreams push you out of your comfort zone and force you to grow. Without big dreams, you’ll likely settle for mediocrity.
3. How can words affect our mindset?
Words have power. Saying “I am” followed by a positive statement convinces your subconscious mind to believe it, leading to better performance and outcomes.
4. What’s the difference between being busy and making progress?
Being busy involves doing many tasks, but not all of them lead to meaningful progress. Making progress means focusing on decisions and actions that directly move you closer to your goals.
5. How do I handle fear when going for a big dream?
You don’t need to eliminate fear. Instead, acknowledge it and go for it anyway. Fear is often a sign that you’re pushing yourself to the next level.
