Ready to Strike: The Business Lesson Behind Isak’s Cup Final Moment

Last weekend, I watched something I’d waited 53 years to see - Newcastle United lifting a trophy for the first time in 70 years.

As a life-long fan, the moment was pure magic.

After the match, Alexander Isak, who scored Newcastle’s second goal, was asked about his goal.

‘It's not really about being good as a striker - it's about when you get the chance to be ready and to finish it off’ said Isak.

Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand chimed in, saying ‘When your goal came, it was an unbelievable strike, coming from someone who hadn’t touched the ball as much as you probably would have wanted to’.

Isak responded "The first half was a bit frustrating; I didn't have much to work on.

But I kept telling myself - and my teammates kept telling me - that my moment would come.’

‘At half-time the coaching team told me my chance would come – and that was really my mindset. When the chance came, I put it in the back of the net." Concluded Alexander.

He could have been frustrated.

He could have lost focus.

But instead, when his moment arrived - he took it in unbelievable fashion.

He was ready.

That’s it.

That’s the difference.

It wasn’t about how many chances he got.

It wasn’t about seeing loads of the ball.

It was about staying sharp, waiting for his moment, and burying it when it came.

And that’s a lesson every business owner, entrepreneur, and retailer can learn from.

You won’t always have a constant flow of opportunities.

Things might be slow.

A big client might not have responded.

A campaign might not be working.

But if you stay in the game, keep your focus, and maintain the right mindset - when your moment arrives, you’ll be the one who’s ready to strike.

Are you ready for your big moment?

Is that your mindset?

That’s what it takes to be a winner.

Have a great week.

Mark