5 Key Lessons from Stephan El Shaarawy on Success and Personal Growth

Sharing the perspective of friendship and mentorship, this post tributes Stephan El Shaarawy, a model of how determination, ability and ambition with relentless support can lead to exceptional accomplishments. This story doesn't take place on the soccer field, where Stephan's ability is generally recognized, but in the area of self-improvement and academic pursuit, highlighting a chapter in his life when, as a teenager on the verge of signing his first life changing contract with A.C. Milan, he also finished his secondary school education.

The Essence of Dreaming and Achieving

From a young age, Stephan showed an extraordinary commitment to soccer, his life intricately developed with the sport's demands and his educational duties. His journey, marked by the transition from Genoa to Padova, underscores a geographical shift as well as an example to the sacrifices and meaningful support from his family, particularly his father, Sabry El Shaarawy. As a migrant myself, with dual citizenship I value this more than others. 

The story echoes the tales of sports legends like Valentino Rossi, where family support played a crucial role in aligning their aspirations with their academic and personal development milestones.

A Mentor's Perspective: Lessons in Persistence and Humility

In my role as Stephan's Education Manager, our interactions were less about soccer and more about harnessing his potential off the field. It was a journey that required balancing rigorous training schedules with educational commitments, a challenge Stephan met with remarkable dedication. 

This experience offered me a unique vantage point, from which I observed that Stephan's success was not a product of luck but the result of hard work, passion, and an unyielding drive to achieve his dreams. 

The path to success

Stephan's story is a vivid illustration of the importance of dreaming big beyond practical boundaries and the relentless pursuit of those dreams. His progress from a prodigious young talent to a recognized international soccer player serves as a powerful narrative of achieving one's goals against the backdrop of sports' demanding and competitive nature. Yet, it was his humility, strength of character, and playful spirit that resonated most, serving as a counterbalance to the pressures and expectations of professional sports.

A Tribute to Enduring Support and Ambition

Reflecting on Stephan's journey, it becomes clear that the path to success is not straight, including challenges, sacrifices, and the invaluable support of those who believe in our potential. As Stephan's educational tutor, I learned the profound impact of guidance, patience, and the belief in someone's dreams. 

This story is not just about Stephan El Shaarawy, the soccer player, but Stephan, the individual who dared to dream and pursued his goals (no pun intended) with steady self-discipline and support.

Drawing inspiration from athletic success

In recognizing Stephan's achievements, I want to remind you of the essence of ambition, the importance of support, and the constant commitment to personal and professional growth. I am sharing this now as I grow as Entrepreneur myself, on the other side of the world, serving as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and work tirelessly towards their goals. 

Success varies from person to person, but the underlying principles of hard work, commitment, and support remain universal.

A Shared Journey of Growth and Ambition

I will never forget a moment when Stephan's performance with the increasingly successful Padova team began to soar. One Monday, he approached me, asking, 'Prof, did you see I scored a goal over the weekend?' In an effort to temper the highs and prepare him for the inevitable lows of sports fame, I responded with measured approval, 'That's great, but save some of that celebration for times when you might not score, and the fans aren't as pleased. It's easy for them to lift you high on a pedestal, but just as easy for them to knock you down.'

He might have hated me then, preferring simple congratulations and a pat on the back.

However, I believed success was not something everyone could handle; it was like a massive rock that could either trap you beneath it or raise you above the rest. Despite Stephan being only 18 and me being his tutor, that experience taught me a valuable lesson for which I am profoundly thankful.

Here are the 5 key lessons for entrepreneurs:

    1. What role did family support play in Stephan El Shaarawy's career?

   - Family support was critical in Stephan's journey, providing him with the foundation to pursue his soccer career and educational goals. His father, Sabry, played a crucial part, serving as a parent as well as an agent and coach, guiding Stephan through the challenges and sacrifices required to achieve his dreams.

    2. How did Stephan manage his schooling alongside his soccer profession?

   - Regardless the demanding nature of his soccer training and commitments, Stephan was dedicated to completing his high school education. This was made possible through flexible schooling arrangements and the support of his mentors and family, underscoring the importance of balancing professional aspirations with personal growth.

    3. What lesson did I learn from their experience together?

   - I learned the value of hard work, dedication, and the role of continuous support in achieving our dreams. Stephan's attitude highlighted that success is not just about talent but also about the perseverance, remaining humble, and the strong environment that supports growth.

    4. How does Stephan El Shaarawy's story inspire others?

   - Stephan's story is inspirational because it demonstrates that with passion, hard work, and the right help, achieving our dreams is possible. It serves as a reminder that success can be obtained in various aspects of life, not just in professional accomplishments, but also in personal development and growth.

    5. Can success in sports translate to other areas of life?

   - Yes, the qualities that lead to success in sports, such as discipline, dedication, and the ability to work towards long-term goals, are universally applicable. Stephan's story delineates how these attributes can facilitate success both on and off the field, including achieving educational goals and personal development.

Stephan El Shaarawy’s story is more than a tale of sporting achievement; it is a narrative that resonates with anyone chasing their dreams with enthusiasm and determination. As I reflect on my own journey, his achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding me that the principles of hard work, dedication, and support are universal keys to success. 

Whether on the soccer field, in the business world, or within the sphere of personal development, these values guide us toward realizing our full potential. Stephan's journey, consequently, becomes a part of my own story, a testament to the power of dreaming big, playing big, and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, becoming the soul of your business.

Ciao,

Elisa