Why Following Your Passion Matters (And What Football Taught Me About Life)
They say, "Follow your passions."
It sounds simple — but it’s often easier said than done.
For me, football has been a lifelong passion.
I’ve been a Liverpool supporter for nearly 45 years, and this weekend, I witnessed something extraordinary: Liverpool winning their 20th Premier League title! 🏆⚽️
The experience stirred powerful emotions — elation, pride, gratitude. But it also reminded me how deeply passions shape our lives, and why, as a coach, I encourage everyone to discover and nurture theirs.
Passion Connects Us to Our Emotions (And That’s a Good Thing)
The raw outpouring of joy after Liverpool’s win — and Wrexham’s promotion — was incredible to witness. For many fans, these moments aren’t just about sport. They're emotional releases.
We spend so much of our lives containing our feelings, presenting a composed front. But when something truly meaningful happens, it gives us permission to let go.
As a coach, I often speak about the importance of understanding and managing our emotions.
Generally, emotions are shaped by our thoughts — and yes, with practice, we can learn to manage them for our wellbeing.
But passion is one of the beautiful exceptions.
When you're connected to something you care deeply about, it's right to feel fully.
Those feelings — joy, disappointment, hope, pride — are evidence that you are truly engaged with life.
Passion Is Not Always Easy
Supporting a football team (especially one as dramatic as Liverpool!) teaches you that passion isn't all highs.
It’s about enduring the lows, the frustrations, the heartbreaks — and showing up anyway.
That's what makes it meaningful.
That's what makes it yours.
Similarly, when clients come to coaching looking for "more" from life — often what they are missing is connection to something they genuinely care about. Something worth riding the highs and lows for.
Finding or reigniting passion isn't about chasing constant happiness.
It’s about embracing the full spectrum of experience — and becoming stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled because of it.
What Football Taught Me About Coaching (And Life)
Following Liverpool has been one of my longest, most committed relationships.
Longer than any job.
Older than any hobby.
Deeper than many other life experiences.
It’s taught me patience, resilience, loyalty, and how to manage both crushing disappointment and soaring joy.
In coaching, I see these lessons play out time and again:
Commitment to your dreams matters.
Resilience through setbacks is essential.
Joy needs space to be celebrated, not suppressed.
Connection to purpose transforms "going through the motions" into meaningful living.
How to Reconnect With Your Passion
If you're reading this and wondering, "What am I truly passionate about?" — you’re not alone.
Here are some simple coaching questions to help you reconnect:
What used to light you up when you were younger?
What activities make you lose track of time?
If you had no limitations — no financial, time, or confidence barriers — what would you pursue?
What conversations or topics energise you most today?
You might be surprised what you uncover.
It doesn’t have to be football.
It could be music, art, writing, entrepreneurship, nature, community work — anything that sparks genuine feeling inside you.
The important thing is to make time for it. Make it a priority. Because passion doesn’t just make life more enjoyable — it makes life meaningful.
Need Help Finding Your Passion?
If you feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to start — you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Encompass Coaching, I help individuals reconnect with their passions, clarify their purpose, and build fulfilling lives around what truly matters to them.
If you’d like support in uncovering or reigniting your passions, I’d love to help.
Feel free to contact me — and let's explore what lights you up.
Because life is too short not to live with passion.