The 12 Lessons Learned While Chasing My Dreams
Originally published in 2017, after what had been a wild 12 months for me – graduating university and transitioning from playing collegiate soccer to pursuing a professional football career.
Upon finishing university, people take many different paths. Some athletes get drafted, others secure contracts in various leagues, and many start working full-time jobs, putting their dreams of the game aside. And then there was me…
I moved from the comforting structure of an NCAA Division I soccer program – where practices and games were fully scheduled and time off the pitch was filled with coursework – to a world of unknowns. Where would I be training tomorrow? Where would I sleep? Would a new opportunity arise? These questions and experiences continued well beyond 2017 as I kept chasing the game. It was a whirlwind of chance and risk that brought valuable lessons – not just for athletes chasing similar dreams, but for life as a whole.
Since 2017, I’ve had many more experiences, and remarkably, many of the 12 lessons I shared back then still hold true – in sports, business, and life. With new experiences and learning along the way, I’ve refined and added to these lessons, though most remain the same. They are presented in no particular order.
Learn to embrace criticism: Friends, coaches, agents, teammates – even strangers and fans – will have opinions about your performance. While some comments will be helpful, others may feel like they’re meant to undermine your dreams, your confidence or question your path. It’s easy to let these voices create doubt, but learning to filter feedback is essential.
Listen, apply what is valuable, and keep moving forward.
You’ll get told “No”: Rejection is part of the journey in chasing your dreams – from trial invites that never eventuate, to contracts that don’t materialize, to coaches who simply don’t see your value. The “no’s” are inevitable.
It is about how you react and respond that matters more. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, it is about adapting, learning, and staying ready for the next opportunity. Just keep knocking on doors until one opens.
You will have doubts: It’s easy to lose confidence under the spotlight of professional sports – and life. There will be days when you question yourself, your abilities, your choices, even your beliefs.
Doubt is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable – it means you’re human. What matters is your ability to return to faith in yourself and trust that your path is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to.
You will want to give up: There will be days when all you want to do is pack up your suitcase – the same one you might’ve been living out of – and head home to the comfort of the familiar.
Chasing your dreams is hard. It demands persistence, resilience, and an unwavering belief that it’s worth it. On the toughest days, dig deep and keep showing up. The breakthrough often comes just after the point you felt like quitting.
Look for the lessons: Learning is essential on the journey. The ability to take something away from every experience – good or bad – is one of the most valuable skills you can develop, both now and for the future.
Every setback, challenge, or unexpected turn is an opportunity to grow. If you can find the lesson, you’ll always move forward, no matter the result.
Connections matter: Relationships can open doors that talent alone sometimes can’t. But more important than just knowing people is the impression you leave on them. You never know when someone from your past might reappear in your journey – and when they do, will they remember you in a way that makes them want to help?
The way you carry yourself, the respect you show, and the energy you bring all shape how people remember you. And when the time comes, those impressions might be the key to your next opportunity.
There’s a cost: Some things in life are free – chasing your dreams isn’t one of them. Every pursuit worth chasing comes with a price. That price might be time, comfort, financial strain, relationships, or missed opportunities elsewhere.
As your journey unfolds, the cost often increases. So you need to keep asking yourself: Am I still willing to pay the price? If the answer shifts, it might be time to reassess your path, adjust your plan, or redefine what the dream truly means to you.
Be prepared to travel: Opportunities can be rare – and they don’t always show up at your doorstep. Be ready to say yes, pack your bag, and take that leap of faith. Sometimes, the next step in your journey requires meeting opportunity where it lives – even if that means crossing time zones, borders, or comfort zones.
Preparation never stops: When you're chasing a dream, preparation is constant. Just when you think you’ve trained enough – think again. There’s always more to refine, more to sharpen, more to learn. The work doesn’t stop, especially on the parts of your game you think you’ve mastered. True growth comes from a commitment to constant improvement.
Professional sports is a business: At the end of the day, pro sports is business. And like many businesses, not everyone will care about your feelings or your journey. Decisions are made based on performance, not sentiment. Can you help the team win? Sadly, that’s often the bottom line.
That’s why it’s vital to look after yourself. Know your value, protect your wellbeing, and never lose sight of the bigger picture – your health, identity, and long-term fulfillment matter more than any contract.
Habits are key: In the midst of uncertainty and disappointment, your habits become your anchor. Staying consistent with healthy routines – like eating to match your workload, staying hydrated, and getting enough quality sleep – is essential. These habits allow your body to perform, recover, and adapt at the highest level. When everything feels out of your control, your habits are what keep you steady and moving forward.
Comparison will crush your dreams: Everyone’s journey is different. We each carry our own story, experiences, strengths, and struggles. Comparing yourself to former teammates, opponents, or people you see online only takes energy away from your own growth. It’s unfair – and unhelpful. Focus on what makes you unique, what helps you improve, and what keeps you moving forward. Your path is yours alone – own it.
As you pursue your dream on this extraordinary journey, remember — it’s your dream to follow, no one else’s. Strive to shape your own destiny with perseverance, and humility.
Go forth with confidence and belief in your journey.
And if you’re seeking guidance or support along the way, please reach out. I’d love to support you and share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained to help you go further.
Erik C. Panzer
*I use AI to review my writing and assist with editing for grammar, clarity, and flow.
