I almost wasn’t going to go. But a dear friend gave me tickets for my birthday.
The game was on a Sunday, the to-do list is always long on Sundays, and honestly, I wasn’t sure it was worth it. Still, I’m so glad I went—because what happened at that Boston Legacy game gave me more business clarity than any podcast or productivity book I’ve read in a while.
The Boston Legacy is a brand-new women’s professional soccer expansion team. And as of day this post was written, they had yet to win a single match. Not one.
We were in the Supporters Section, and per usual, I was holding my breath. At halftime, they were tied. I’m ok with a tie. But I really wanted a win. The second half starts, and the opposing team scored. Naturally, the energy in the crowd dipped. You could feel it. It’s that collective exhale of here we go again.
But here’s what happened next: with five minutes left on the clock, Boston Legacy scored. And then? With ONE MINUTE left in the game, they scored again.
They won. They freaking won! Their first win. And at home, too.
I was on my feet, screaming, probably a little teary-eyed, and I’m not even going to pretend otherwise.
And driving home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much today’s game mirrored what it feels like to run a business—especially in the early days. So let’s talk about what we can learn from the business lessons from sports.
1. Don’t Give Up When You Feel Down and Out
That crowd had every reason to write the game off. Down with five minutes left after being tied at half-time? Most people would mentally check out.
But the players didn’t. They kept their heads in it and they kept moving.
This is exactly what it feels like to run a business. The hardest part of building a business isn’t starting—it’s staying in it when nothing seems to be working yet. When your launch flops, you lose a client, or when you refresh your inbox and hear crickets. That’s exactly the moment most people quit. And it’s also exactly the moment you need to stay on the field.
2. Trust the Process, Even When It Takes Longer Than You Want
Boston Legacy didn’t win in the first game. Or the second. Or any of the games before today. And yet, they kept showing up, kept training, and kept getting stronger.
Sustainable businesses aren’t built in a week. Systems don’t fix themselves overnight. And results don’t always show up on your timeline.
The hardest thing I’ve had to learn (and honestly, relearn regularly) is that slow progress is still progress. When it feels like nothing is happening, something usually is—you can’t see it yet.
Trust the work you’re putting in. The win is coming. It just takes time.
3. You Have People in Your Corner
You have fans and supporters, even if you don’t see them all the time. We were there, even when the team was struggling. The stands were full of people cheering, clapping, and staying until the final whistle. You have that too—whether you feel it or not.
Your community, your clients, your peers, and your people are supporting you. They’re rooting for your next offer, your next post, or your next big thing. You don’t have to do this alone, and you’re not as invisible as you think you are. So, lean on your people and let them cheer for you.
3 Action Steps to Keep You Moving Forward
Okay, inspiration is great—but I want to make it practical. Here’s what I want you to actually do this week with these business lessons from sports:
1. Identify the thing you’ve been close to giving up on. Write it down. Is it a service you’ve been underpricing? A system you keep meaning to set up? An audience you’ve been afraid to show up for? Name it. Then decide: is it time to recommit, or genuinely time to let it go?
2. Audit your timeline expectations. Most business goals take 2-3 times longer than we expect. Where are you being impatient with yourself? Adjust the timeline—not the goal.
3. Reach out to one person who’s been in your corner. Send the text. Leave the comment. Book the coffee chat. Remind yourself that you have a community, and then actually be in community with them.
Boston Legacy won their first game today. Not because everything was perfect, but because they didn’t quit. And neither should you.
