Core Beliefs and Understanding the ‘WHY” in Football and Life – Anton Ferdinand

‘Everything has a ‘why’ to it, finding the ‘why’ for your goal will propel you to achieve what you want to achieve’
In this episode, Steven is in conversation with Anton Ferdinand, professional footballer and entrepreneur. They discuss the underpinning core values that have driven Anton throughout his successful footballing career and the challenges professional athletes face when they transition to retirement.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Why is mindset important?
Having a brother who was already a successful footballer made it challenging, I was always being compared to him when I  was on the pitch.
I had my own ambitions, goals and purpose and was very focused on achieving.
The negativity can help you; it gave me the drive to move forward.  When something didn’t go well  I asked myself what could I do better?
People allow negative external beliefs, events and the words and actions of others to affect them and alter their perspective on life but you can use it as a driver to show others what you can do.
If you have a weakness then understand it and work on it day in day out until it become a strength.
With money comes responsibility, how do you deal with it?
I’ve never had any education about money and when you first have money, you go through a period of having what you want before you understand the importance of investing for the future.
As a footballer you just want to know how much you are going to make, you don’t ask about risk.
If you seek education about any new area you want to work in you are able to mitigate some of the risks. Continuing your education and having the right people around you is key for any entrepreneur.
As a footballer, you have to prepare for the day when you are not playing. You have to find something that gives you buzz you get standing in the tunnel on a Saturday.
Lots of footballers now retire from the premier league and then begin a second career abroad and are able to build their brand through new endorsements.
What are your next steps?
I know I can add value and give back helping others. I’m moving into finance but still, want to remain connected to football.
I'm interested in active coaching, being able to implement what you are directing others to do.
If you have done what they are aspiring to do and are working with them day in and day out before they get to the first team what sort of impact would that have?’
You can go in two-fold as a coach, someone who’s training with them and provide advice to mould them into a professional of the future.
Footballers have got no choice other than to plan for the future if they want to continue with a similar lifestyle to the one they’ve had during their professional careers so planning for the future is vital.
How important is it to be physically fit?
At the core of everything is energy so it’s vital to be healthy. You gain confidence from being fit but you have to adjust as you get older. The energy you feel from ‘eating clean’ is a huge boost.
With nutrition it's about finding what works for you, having a balance. It’s important to achieve an alkaline state and understanding what you are eating is vital.
It’s down to me to make sure when I retire I keep on top of staying healthy and nutrition, so I am able to maintain what I have spent 17 years creating.
Without the hard graft, the talent means nothing.
What advice would you give someone else?
Be true to yourself, know what your core values are and be true to those values.
When things get tough and you don’t know where to go, go back to your core values they will put you in good stead for whatever you want to achieve because you might have a goal, but you’ve got to have a ‘why’
When you are content you become complacent, when you are happy you can always strive for more.
 
BEST MOMENTS
‘When things get tough and people doubt me that’s when you see the best’
‘I just love being on the pitch, being on the grass’
‘The door is unlocked but I’ve still got to perform, he can’t go out and do that for me’
‘I'm loud and a joker on the training ground and in the dressing room but the minute  I get on the pitch it's serious’
‘Having core values, always going back to the basics’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
The Steven Sully Study Podcast
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
Anton Julian Ferdinand is an English footballer who has played for teams such as West Ham, Sunderland and most recently, St Mirren’s. He was a product of the West Ham United academy and has also played for the England under - 21s.
 
Born in Peckham, London, both him and his brother had a successful football career. His brother, Rio, played for Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United, and is a former captain of the England national football team; and his cousin, Les, is a former England international. Anton showed considerable talent from an early age. Like his brother, Rio, he preferred to play in defence. His ability in this position led to him being signed to West Ham United's academy.
Along with his passion for football, Anton also shares an interest in finance and investing. Entrepreneurship is a large part of his current life and future.
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ABOUT THE HOST
The Steven Sulley Study is my take on success. My view is you should have multiple focuses to be a well-rounded individual. Success shouldn't be just one thing like money, for example, it should also consist of a healthy fit lifestyle and thriving relationships. As a person who has made a success in life and also made huge cock-ups I feel I can offer suggestions and tips on how to become successful or at least start your pursuit. My 'Study' has taken resources from reading and education plus being around, my perception, of successful people and I, know a lot of successful people from all walks of life. My 'Study' coming from my experiences in business, investing, sales (my core background), training, boxing and education has enabled me to become well rounded and successful.
 
CONTACT METHOD
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