Sporting Confidence through Ups and Downs

Some of the world’s top sports figures have recently experienced ups and downs in their careers. Take Rafael Nadal for instance, one of the top men’s professional tennis players in the world. Two years ago, Nadal was forced to sit out for seven months due to a knee injury. Then he fought his way back in 2013, winning two Grand Slam titles and ending the year at No. 1 in the world. Just recently Nadal announced a wrist injury that caused him to withdraw from the final Grand Slam event of the year: the U.S. Open, where he was the defending champion.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Rafael Nadal Injury News: Rafa to Miss 2014 US Open; When Will Tennis Legend Return To Court?” from International Business Times, Aug. 21, 2014.]

The recent roller-coaster ride of young golf pro Rory McIlroy’s summer success demonstrates how quickly the tide can turn. After three straight wins this summer, including the British Open and the PGA Championship, he shot a 3-over par 74 during first-round play of his next tournament — and had to worry about even making the weekend cut.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Rory McIlroy Stumbles to Worst Start in Two Months with 3-ver 74 in The Barclays,” from New York Daily News, Aug. 22, 2014.]

Two of America’s veteran athletes recently experienced back-to-back highs and lows as well. Soccer pro Landon Donovan was cut from the U.S. men’s national team and unable to play in this year’s World Cup. But just weeks after the tournament, he announced his retirement in style after scoring the winning goal in the MLS All-Star Game against Bayern Munich — which included some of the German players from this year’s winner of the World Cup.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Landon Donovan Lifts MLS All-Stars Over Bayern Munich,” from USA Today, Aug. 7, 2014.]

Another veteran, Olympic swimmer and gold-medal record holder Michael Phelps, has stepped back into the water at the international competition level. Phelps retired after the 2012 Summer Olympics, but just four months after returning to training, he helped his teammates win gold in the 4×200-meter relay at the Pan Pacific championships. He came just short of reaching the medal podium in his 100-meter freestyle final, but Phelps said he came out of retirement because he believes he can swim faster than ever before.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Phelps Wins Gold, Ledecky Breaks 400 World Record,” from AP News, Aug. 23, 2014.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Swimming: Phelps can swim faster after comeback, coach says,” from Ahram Online, Aug. 20, 2014.]

What exactly are the qualities these athletes share that empowers them to rebound to such success after disappointment? Perhaps it’s confidence: Knowing that you have performed well in the past gives you the strength — and the hope — to believe that you can achieve those heights again.

Perhaps it’s preparation: Working hard to make sure you have the ability to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. Perhaps they surround themselves with competent professionals they trust to share their vision and support their goals. We believe all of these characteristics also can help people secure their financial future, and we’re here to help you prepare with confidence by sharing our experience and knowledge. Please give us a call.

Our firm assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies utilizing insurance products.

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