Are You Playing Offense?

Imagine you’re on a soccer field. The ball is at your feet. You have a choice: wait for the game to come to you or take control, make your move, and head toward the goal. Living life “playing offense” is like stepping into the game, confident and determined, knowing that every step you take is getting you closer to where you want to be.

Now, think about your business. Maybe you started it with big dreams, but the day-to-day grind feels like you’re running in circles, reacting to problems, chasing deadlines, and hoping things work out. That’s playing defense. It’s exhausting. Playing offense, though? That’s where the magic happens.

The Power of Taking the First Step

A friend of mine, let’s call him Mike, started his business from his garage. For months, he waited for clients to find him. He’d sit by the phone, refreshing his email, wondering why things weren’t taking off. One day, Mike decided he’d had enough. He made a list of ten businesses he wanted to work with, picked up the phone, and made the calls. He didn’t wait for the game to come to him—he went after it.

Mike got three meetings from those calls. One turned into a deal that grew his business. He told me later, “That day, I realized my future wasn’t about waiting—it was about moving.” That’s playing offense.

Why Playing Offense Matters

When you play offense in life and business, you stop letting the world decide what happens to you. Instead, you step up and take control. Here’s what it looks like:

1. You Make the Rules
   Instead of waiting for opportunities, you create them. It might mean reaching out to a potential client, launching a new service, or finally building the website you’ve been talking about. Whatever it is, you’re in control.

2. You Learn by Doing
   Playing offense isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being bold enough to act, even when you’re unsure. Like a kid riding a bike for the first time, you wobble at first, but every pedal builds your confidence.

3. You Build Momentum
   Each small action leads to the next. Make that call, send that pitch, and post that video. Momentum doesn’t come from sitting still—it comes from taking steps, even imperfect ones.
   

A Personal Shift

I remember a time when I felt stuck. I was drowning in the day-to-day tasks of running my business, reacting to every fire, and constantly chasing. One morning, I decided to shift my approach. Instead of letting my to-do list control me, I asked, “What’s one bold move I can make today?”

That simple question changed everything. I started my mornings with one proactive action—an email to a potential partner, a new marketing idea, or even just brainstorming my next big step. Suddenly, I wasn’t just surviving my days. I was leading them.

Your Turn: Get in the Game

Ask yourself:

• What’s the one thing you’ve been waiting on? A client? A breakthrough? The “perfect” moment?

• What’s stopping you from making the first move today?

Maybe it’s picking up the phone. Perhaps it’s setting aside time to work on your business, not just in it. Perhaps it’s saying yes to that opportunity you’ve been avoiding because it feels risky. Whatever it is, don’t wait. The ball is already at your feet.

The Reward of Action

When you live life playing offense, the rewards go beyond business. You feel alive, energized, and confident. You start believing in yourself because every action proves you can make things happen. You’ll fail sometimes—everyone does—but those failures teach you more than sitting on the sidelines ever could.

Your Journey Starts Today

The game doesn’t wait. It’s your turn to step onto the field and take control. You’ve got the ball. You’ve got the vision. Now, it’s time to take the shot.

Go make your move. Your future is waiting.