The Overlooked Key to Working in Football

Last year, I stepped onto a pickleball court for the first time.

I had zero experience with racket sports, didn't know the rules, and frankly, I was terrible. But here's the interesting thing - I loved every minute of it.

What started as a weekly beginner session has transformed into a 3-4 times per week obsession. And this journey got me thinking about something crucial that applies to every skill you might want to develop.

The powerful connection between enjoyment and consistency.

Why Enjoyment Is Your Hidden Superpower

Here's what I've discovered - when you genuinely enjoy something, consistency follows naturally.

It's not about forcing yourself to stick to a routine. It's about finding that spark that makes you want to keep coming back for more.

I saw this same pattern in my professional journey in football analytics.

I started creating basic data visualisations in Excel, completely unaware of tools like Python or Tableau. Today, I'm working professionally as a data analyst and scout, building web applications and creating comprehensive dossiers. The transition didn't happen overnight, but my enjoyment of the work made the consistent effort feel natural.

The Two Faces of Enjoyment

But let me challenge your perception of what enjoyment really means. It's not just about having fun - though that's certainly part of it. I've found that true enjoyment manifests in two powerful ways:

1. The obvious pleasure of doing something you like
2. The deep, focused state where everything else fades away

When I'm on the pickleball court or deep in analysis work, I enter this second state. External concerns vanish, and I'm completely immersed in the task at hand.

This type of enjoyment is actually a form of deep focus that accelerates skill development.

Navigating the Learning Curve

Let's be real - every worthwhile skill has its challenges.

Learning Python was like climbing a steep mountain, while Tableau felt more like a gentle hill. But here's the key insight I've gained. The steepness of the learning curve matters less than your understanding of why you're climbing in the first place.

When I started learning to code, I knew it was a crucial skill for my goal of working in professional football analytics.

This clear purpose helped me push through the initial struggles - the phase where many people give up because they're doing it "just because" or without a clear intention.

Your Action Plan for Skill Development

Here's how to apply these insights to your own journey:

1. Start with the "Why"
   • Before diving into any new skill, clearly define your purpose
   • Understand how this skill connects to your larger goals
   • Visualise the specific benefits you'll gain
2. Set Realistic Consistency Goals
   • Remember: Three times a week for a year beats twice daily for a week
   • Choose a frequency that you can maintain long-term
   • Start small and scale up as the habit forms
3. Embrace the Two Types of Enjoyment
   • Notice when you're having fun
   • Pay attention to when you enter that state of deep focus
   • Use both as indicators you're on the right track
4. Push Through the Learning Curve
   • Expect initial difficulties
   • Keep your purpose in mind during challenging phases
   • Celebrate small improvements as signs of progress

The Path Forward

Whether you're learning to code, developing analytical skills, building an online presence, learning about scouting or even in my case, picking up a new sport, remember this.

Your enjoyment is not just a nice-to-have, it's your secret weapon for long-term success.

Start by identifying one skill you want to develop. Then ask yourself: What aspects of this could I genuinely enjoy? How can I structure my learning to maximise that enjoyment? The answers to these questions might just be the key to unlocking your consistent growth journey.

P.S. I'd love to hear about your experiences with enjoyment and skill development. What skills are you currently developing, and how does enjoyment play a role in your journey? Share your thoughts and let's learn from each other.

Have a great week and go well.

Liam