The issues discussed in this book applied to both soccer and life equally. However, the lessons learned affected my life more than soccer, because of the fact that I do not play the sport. Mia Hamm was not a child born into a rich family, with the ability to have specialized trainers, and with no flaws into her life. She had more than five brothers and sisters, one of whom died at a young age. Her brother, Garrett, also had a son when he died. Mia chose to change the course of her path in life. She pushed herself to limits she thought she could not reached. Mia was able to overcome situations she thought were impossible to, such as the death of Garrett. Although she faced a tremendous amount of difficult situations, Mia Hamm is now considered one of the greatest women's soccer players, as well as one of the greatest American athletes to date. The optimism and strong will Mia held on to throughout her life affects my mentality on a day-to-day basis. Anytime I come across a situation that I believe is impossible and immediately want to give up, I remember Mia Hamm. Every individual faces a difficult patch in their lifetime. However, they are not considered the greatest in the field they pursue if they quit along the way. Mia could have easily chosen to step out of the National Team, and come home to be with her family and drown in the sorrow she was in. Instead, she chose that difficult event as a motivation, and worked harder than ever to make her family, friends, and fans proud. She encourages me to avoid any negative feelings I have about difficult situations, and push myself to achieving my maximum abilities.
Affect