As much as many want to become professional football players, the truth is that many won’t make it. The probability of making it is 1%, if not lower. So what exactly does it take to get there? Here’s four things you need to know in order to make it to the top. 

1. Discipline yourself. 

Who doesn’t want to act like a fool all week while still getting the results you need? Literally everyone but newsflash, it doesn’t work like that. You can’t expect to get actual results without putting in the work. If you say you’re going to work out or go to practice, then go workout and attend your team practice. Follow through with your plans, even if you have to start small. Once you establish the first step, you can move on. Holding yourself accountable is a must.

1. Be a little arrogant. 

Don’t go full-on Zlatan on us but definitely take some of that confidence onto the field. Be confident in your play, skills and overall mindset. If you find yourself thinking “Hey, I think it’s time to move up and find a team that will challenge me.” go for it. There is nothing wrong with deciding that it's time to move up nor does it mean that you think you’re better than everyone else. Think of the mindset of pro football players like Messi or Ronaldo, and make it your own. 

1. Question everyone. 

Although we like to think that everyone is nice and wouldn’t mislead you into thinking something for their own interest...that is sadly not the case. There will be many that will give you advice but that doesn’t mean that you should act on everything that is said to you. Everyone is different. What may work for someone, may not work for you and that is okay. This doesn’t mean that they said this to you to make you fail but you have to be able to critically think and decide what’s best for you. Think about who you want to learn from: who are your role models? What do you want? What do you want to improve? 

1. Kill the distractions. 

Having those distractions are all fun and games until you pay attention to how they may be derailing you from the end goal. Reflect on this following question: What are three things you can get rid of/stop that would make you a better footballer? You should easily be able to come up with three things if not more that are preventing you from being the best you could possibly be. It's time to cut the crap and start now.

Even though it may look tough to get to the top, it's not impossible. Using these tips will help you in the long run and not only in football terms but also your entire life. Sometimes you just need to get it together and get to work!