From the Founder, Brian Mazza 2/6
It’s Okay to Be Misunderstood
One of the most important conversations you can have with the people you love is about being misunderstood, especially your young hungry children trying to pave their own way. Why is this important:
When someone decides to work harder, dream bigger, or chase something meaningful, the resistance usually does not come from strangers. It comes from people close to them. Family. Friends. Teammates. People who are used to the old version of them.
If we do not prepare our children early for this, they may think feeling uncomfortable means they are doing something wrong. In reality, discomfort is often a sign of growth. This is a letter I am sharing with my sons this weekend because we are in the stage of comprehension. They can understand effort, standards, and responsibility. I encourage you to have a version of this conversation with anyone you care about who is trying to build a good life.
My boys,
I want to tell you something important that I need you to remember as you grow up.
It is okay to be misunderstood.
When you work harder than others.
When you practice more.
When you care a lot about soccer or anything good in your life.
Some people will not understand why you try so hard. Some kids might tease you. Some might joke. Some might say you are doing too much.
That does not mean you should stop.
When you choose to get better, you will stand out. And standing out can feel uncomfortable. It might feel awkward sometimes. That is normal.
I want you to know something else. I’ve been misunderstood my whole life. It was the best thing that ever happened to me and still at 41 local people in our town still don’t understand why I train and run so much. They are confused, let them be :)
Doing the right thing is not always the easy thing.
And doing something special usually feels strange at first.
If you want to be a great soccer player, a great teammate, or a great man one day, you will have to do things other kids will not. You will practice when you are tired. You will listen to your coaches. You will take care of your body. You will keep going even when no one is cheering ( I will always be your biggest cheerleader)
And one day, people will notice.
Not because you talked about it.
But because you did not quit.
Always be kind. Always be respectful. Never make fun of others for trying. And never stop trying because someone else does not understand your dreams.
I believe in you more than you know. I am proud of how hard you work. And no matter what, I am always on your team.
Love,
Dad
