Obscene World Cup ticket prices turn 'beautiful game' ugly | Opinion

As a performance coach who frequently works with athletes and corporate executives on finding their purpose, the first step is asking them if their actions and their values are in alignment. If clients are considering taking action on something they're not quite sure about, I will implore them to ask themselves this question: “If I take a step in this direction, will this action be in alignment with my values? ” I often do this with myself as well if I am having “analysis paralysis” (indecisiveness) when faced with problems.

I recently put this into practice when I was struggling with whether or not I should buy tickets for the upcoming World Cup in the United States . Soccer brings people together Soccer has been an integral part of my life for a long time. I was first introduced to the sport by my father in the late 1970s.

He took me to watch our hometown Memphis Rogues compete in the old North American Soccer League. I was hooked instantly. Over the years, I have been involved in virtually every aspect of " the beautiful game " – as a player, coach, referee and fan.

I love that all these years later, the game still connects me with people in often unexpected ways. Just the other day, I was chatting with an Uber driver from Cameroon. I had the best ride with him while talking about Roger Milla , the legendary striker for his country's national team, which is nicknamed the Indomitable Lions.