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Finally! And Five Lessons
Personal Development

Finally! And Five Lessons

Michael Heppell
Michael Heppell
March 20, 2025

Finally! And Five Lessons

Yes, at last! After 70 years, Newcastle United has finally brought home a trophy. And I was there, with Christine and two of our best mates. Witnessing history.

Unbelievable. Absolutely, totally, and utterly unbelievable.

I know not everyone reading this is a football fan. But stay with me, because this is about more than just football. It’s about winning - in sport,in business, in life.

When Newcastle lifted that trophy, I (after much whooping) asked: Why?

And I found five lessons that you can use, whether you’re chasing silverware or something even bigger.

 

1. Hold on to hope

There’s a famous book called Hope is Not a Strategy, but let me tell you this - hope absolutely is a strategy.

Two years ago, I was at the Carabao Cup and we had hope. Maybe too much.That was blind hope.

This time? We had the right amount. It wasn’t wishful thinking. It was belief.

If you’ve been waiting a long time for your win - don’t give up. Keep hoping- Keep believing.

 

2. Surround yourself with the right team

If you’ve got people around you who aren’t playing for you, who aren’t part of your team get rid. Put them on the bench. Sell them. Give them a freetransfer!

Newcastle’s win wasn’t just about the players on the pitch. It was about who was in the dressing room, the dugout, the training ground, the boardroom,the list goes on. 

Success isn’t solo. Find your team.

 

3. Supporters make the difference

The fans were electric. The atmosphere? Spine-tingling. The noise kept setting off our friend’s Apple Watch decibel warning.

I even had Sunderland fans messaging me to say ‘Well done.’ – like I’d played 😂

In life, you need your own cheering squad. The people who believe in you, fight for you, push you forward.

Who are yours? Thank them. And if you don’t have enough - find more.

 

4. Discipline Wins

This time, Newcastle approached things differently. They weren’t making hype videos before the game. They weren’t staying in the middle of Wembley. It felt different.

They stayed focused. Disciplined. Ready.

Only when they won did the hype start.

Do something every day that moves you towards your goal.

 

5. Celebrate Like Crazy

When you get a win—don’t just move on to the next thing.

Newcastle owned their victory. The fans, the players, the whole city - a party kicked off like no other. It’s still going on 🥳.

That’s how life should be. When you hit a milestone. Pause. Soak it in.Celebrate.

What’s the point in winning if you don’t stop to enjoy it?

 

Five lessons from a historic moment

Hope

Team

Support

Discipline

Celebration

 

Now, your turn. What’s your next big final? And how are you going to make sure you win?

Howay the lads!

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