I like to think that everything in life is a metaphor. Things can be broken down into comparisons, and when it comes to the game of football, we can spend entire lives trying to find our positions on the pitch.
There’s the big, powerful centre forward. So tall and imposing that you can sense their presence in a room. Off the pitch, they could be singers, actors, social media influencers, or something else. In short, they’re people that thrive in the spotlight and want more of it.
Then there’s the reliable centre back, always ready to head away dangerous balls. Their no-nonsense style of play is based on realism. These are our doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Without them, you can’t win trophies.
You also have exciting but unreliable fullbacks. They’re full of energy and excitement but can forget important responsibilities like tracking back. It’s the most erratic type of player you’ll meet. Maybe it’s the high-school dropout working at Taco Bell that is secretly a math genius.
There are 11 to pick from, but nailing down one that you’re good at and enjoy is the tricky part. When you add mental illness to the mix, It makes finding your way that much harder.