I was very fortunate to see “Seve the Movie” at the cinema recently. It tells the story of Seve Ballesteros who is one of my sporting heroes of all time.

I found the film both inspiring and incredibly moving. Inspiring, because it proves that if you have a big enough desire and commit yourself to achieving your dream, you can overcome the odds and achieve anything.

Moving because he died so young in May 2011 aged just 54. Sadly, Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008, a year after he retired from golf and ultimately it caused his premature death.

Despite being blocked at almost every turn in pursuit of the sport he loved, Seve Ballesteros fought against adversity to become one of the most talented, exciting and charismatic golfers to ever play the game.

Seve Ballesteros was a genius with a golf club in his hands, an inspiration to everyone who saw him create shots that didn’t seem possible.

The Spaniard’s passion and pride revived European golf and made the Ryder Cup one of the game’s most compelling events. Ballesteros, a five-time major champion whose incomparable imagination and fiery personality made him one of the most significant figures in modern golf.

His career was defined not only by what he won, but how he won. He was feisty. He was proud. He was charming. He made people watch, and he usually gave them something to remember.

Seve played with a rare combination of talent and heart, and his intensity endeared him to his teammates in the Ryder Cup, a competition that elevated his talent and leadership. He once said, “I would like to be remembered as an artist, someone who made the people happy.”

When Seve died the legendary golfer, Jack Nicklaus said. “Today, golf lost a great champion and a great friend. We also lost a great entertainer and ambassador for our sport, no matter the golf that particular day, you always knew you were going to be entertained. Seve’s enthusiasm was just unmatched by anybody I think that ever played the game.”

He started life in humble beginnings. His parents ran a small holding in Pedrana, Northern Spain and did not have a great deal of money. He was the youngest of 5 boys.

He developed a passion for golf early in life. Aged 9 he practised golf daily on the beach using a make shift club made from a rusty 3 iron. He had a vision to be the best golfer the world had ever seen.

His passion and love of the game meant that he skipped school and dedicated himself to developing and honing his skill. Partly because of his humble roots, partly because of his Spanish blood, Ballesteros always played as though he had something to prove.

The story gives some valuable lessons and insights to anyone that has a dream that they would like to realize which I summarise below:

1) A lack of the right tools, equipment and environment does not need to hold you back. Remember Seve learnt his trade with a make shift club and on a beach.

2) The importance of visualisation. If you have a clear vision and strong enough desire you will achieve the dream locked inside you.

3) The importance of practice, determination and commitment. Each day you need to do something towards progressing towards your goal and improving your performance and skills. Nothing comes easily but is achievable with small steps applied consistently. Seve once said “to give yourself the best possible chance of playing to your potential, you must prepare for every eventuality. That means practice.”

4) Adversity and setbacks do not need to define you. Seve was expelled from school, his parents could not afford for him to play at the local golf club full time. They once had to sell their prize calf to raise money for him to participant in a match at the club against the club President’s son. He won against all the odds and expectations.

5) Life is short and it is important that we follow our heart, seize opportunity and spend time doing the things that we love and are passionate about.

6) It’s never too late to pursue your dream – it starts with a single step and that is often the hardest one to take.

This week have a think about whether there is there a dream or goal locked inside of you. Is there something that you are passionate about that you would like to spend more time doing?

Maybe there is a new hobby you would like to pursue or something new that you would like to learn.

Quote for the week:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk