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Imagine devoting your entire childhood to one dream, only to see it fall apart just as you’re about to achieve it. That’s exactly what happened to me when my lifelong goal of becoming a professional soccer player fell apart at the age of 19. What felt like a devastating life crisis turned out to be the push I needed toward a career in entrepreneurship.
I was born in Miami, but I was exposed to a whole new world when my family moved to Hyderabad, India, at the age of five. School was never my thing. Soccer was my calling. At the age of 14, my passion caught the attention of the Indian national team coach who gave me the opportunity to train with one of Germany’s top teams. It was a great opportunity, but the reality of adapting to a new culture at such a young age was overwhelming.
My soccer journey continued at Ellesmere College in the UK where I played for the national team. However, despite all his efforts, he was unable to sign a professional contract. Another path led me to play soccer at Monroe University in the United States. Despite winning the NJCAA Division I national championship, I often sat on the sidelines and realized I wasn’t good enough to go pro. It was a devastating blow.
The day I accepted that my dream of becoming a professional soccer player would never come true is etched in my memory. It felt like my world was falling apart. Everything I worked for is gone. I felt directionless and unmotivated. I was at rock bottom. But then I found a new path at Babson College, where I went on to play NCAA Division III soccer, where I joined eTower, an entrepreneurial living community, and reignited my passion for building and creating ventures. Not only did it give me a new sense of purpose, it also helped me overcome the feeling of not being good enough.
Surrounded by people who were just as driven as me, I started Kickstart Sports, a consulting business that helps Indian athletes find opportunities in Europe and the US. The pandemic disrupted that business, but opened up new opportunities. In 2020, I worked at real estate data company Compstak, accepted a role at a Chinese real estate hedge fund, and ran a VR/AR sneaker startup. All of these experiences ultimately led me to found DesignAI, a company that leverages technology to redesign the way cities are built.
My entrepreneurial journey has been anything but simple, filled with failures and successes, heartbreaking setbacks and rewarding celebrations. Halfway through, I persevered and changed directions. Here are three important lessons that shaped my life and how you can apply them to your own journey, even when you feel like you’re not good enough.
Related: How to Make Uncomfortable Situations Comfortable at Any Age — Lessons for Entrepreneurs
1. Rebuild your confidence and find new purpose
When my career as a soccer player ended, I felt like I lost a huge part of myself. I had to rebuild my confidence from scratch. This wasn’t just about finding another job. It was about rediscovering myself outside of soccer. I threw myself into new activities such as rugby, student organizations, and networking with people from different backgrounds. This exploration was critical in helping me find a new sense of purpose and ultimately led to entrepreneurship.
My advice: Actively seek out new experiences, even if they are unpleasant. You’ll find what really excites you, what motivates you, and what you’re good at.
2. Build and utilize a strong support system
During this tough transition period, I learned how important a strong support system is. I reached out to a mentor, turned to friends who understood my struggle, and even found therapy incredibly helpful. This network became my lifeline, providing emotional support and practical advice. One thing that worked really well for me was sending monthly updates to my mentors and key connections. This allowed me to take responsibility and make sure they didn’t miss any opportunities.
My advice: Build a support system with people who challenge you, support you, and help you see things from different angles. And most importantly, maintain that relationship to continue to provide the support and feedback you need to overcome adversity.
Related: I couldn’t sleep. I was obsessed with my failures. Then I found the strangest cure – fly fishing?
3. Accept failure as a stepping stone
The setback to my soccer dreams was a tough wake-up call, but it taught me resilience. I’ve had to face the reality that life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. I have come to see failure as a learning opportunity, a chance to grow and change direction. Books like The Psychology of Money and Hard Things About Hard Things helped reinforce this mindset. I learned to reflect on my setbacks, distill the lessons, and use them to guide my next steps.
My advice is don’t be afraid to fail. This is an important part of the entrepreneurial process, helping you hone your approach and keep moving forward. Every failure and setback is an opportunity for improvement in your venture or career.
When his soccer dreams were dashed and he realized he wasn’t good enough to succeed on that path, he learned that resilience, a strong support system, and accepting failure are important skills, especially for entrepreneurs. I learned. Difficulties will come, and the path will be tough. But if you surround yourself with the right people and don’t back down, you can carve your own version of success.
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