Jan 31, 2015

I must confess sports was the last thing I had an interest in, only until last year. The fun of mobilizing human bodies under complex rules and regulations had never clicked with me until then. I would rather read books, think and write some stuff first, which led me to the public relations profession to date.

Well, things have changed then. Sports have brought broader meanings and further importance to my life for simple reasons --- I watched a TV drama titled "Roosevelt Game" aired last year  when I was on sick leave, and read the original novel written by Jun Ikeido over and over again. I realized how much you can lean about business from sports --- learn how to fight through power game and team management with out-of-the-box yet sincere approach.  

When I returned to work, I also have learned from SAP, a global software firm I support that data analytics technologies are making innovations in sports, and the trend is coming to Japan. 

Japan Sports Analyst Association（JSAA） has launched in June 2014 to align with the movement.  

Excellent in many ways. Software technology is innovating sports and its fan engagement, while sports is creating new markets for software firms. Reciprocal relations are opening up new horizons and new markets. That's what I need to practice upon my business and career building.

Furthermore, I realized it's about time to reconsider my view.

Prof. Stephan Nop of German Sport University Cologne in charge of data analysis at the German Football Association commented in Akita Sakigake Shimpo on Jan 6, 2014. “In prior, we (German national team) used to change our style depending on the opponent. Yet now, we keep our succor unchanged; maximize our capabilities through optimization within our style to beat the opponent. So, secret of Germany’s championship in the World Cup 2014 lies in the unchanged style,” “Every national team will benefit from understanding what sort of style it has and sticking with it thoroughly”.

Just like the world's champion used to be, I have been analyzing the conditions and circumstances first and thinking how to overcome the challenges to position myself better. Yet, as being age of over forty and considering what to do in another forty years, maybe I should shift my focus to what I want to stick to rather than being circumstantial.

This reminded me Confucius said,"I threw away my hesitation at the age of forty". As I interpret it, true champion understands who he/she is, and doesn't hesitate when surroundings change. Take initiatives of your own life.

Lessons learned.

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