Thought For The Day – Wednesday 10^th May 2023

Judging by the excellent radio coverage on “Talk Sport” radio of the  European Champions League men’s football semi-final  between Real Madrid and Manchester City, listened to whilst working,  it was an intriguing match. 

A first half dominated by Manchester City, saw Real Madrid score with their first shot from a characteristic sweeping and clinical breakaway. Much of the second half was the reverse;  Manchester City brilliantly and skillfully equalizing against the home team’s dominance.

Both teams had to weather a storm (we had a literal storm in Bishop’s Stortford last evening), show resilience, find solutions, keep their discipline, be committed and make the most of their chances.  In the build-up to the match, the Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said: “Every minute has to be played with a high level.”  The second leg will be interesting.  Whatever the result, both teams, and their managers, are outstanding.

There are parallels between these big matches and your examinations, not only preparation for the examinations but your approach in the examinations themselves. Examinations themselves can be a metaphor for aspects of career and working life too. 

Ultimately it is about us doing our best and being a good person. Life is a journey. We give back to others in this process.

A fearless focus is needed, mindful of a larger perspective.  In year twenty, and continuing to excel and break records,  legendary and iconic basketball player, as an individual and a team player, on and off the floor and court, including opening his “I Promise” school to give young people chances where he grew up, and standing up for social justice,  LeBron James,  illustrated this with two recent quotes below.

The motto of LeBron’s school is: “We are family.”