Anytime millions of people rally behind a grand moment, we are bound to have some incredible life-lessons.

The World Cup is more than a series of games. It’s a testament to what humans can accomplish. Somehow, we were able to invent a sport and build its popularity to such global proportions that people would fight for it, children would train for it, and fans would worship it.

As I’ve watched the adversity, the intensity, and the rivalry I am unable to ignore the emotional undertones of these incredible players. Their love and camaraderie and connectedness. These men are far more than professional soccer players, they are leaders.

I recently partnered with Dignity Health’s campaign hello human kindness [http://bit.ly/1iC3Czm] in an effort to highlight the hidden beauty of kindness in events, relationships, and everyday life.

Below I have outlined a few incredible lessons I have observed while watching this grand event take place.

3 Powerful Life-Lessons From The 2014 World Cup:

1. No Matter How Different We Are, We Are Still Fellow Humans

I was searching World Cup hashtags and this found this photo under #keepitkind. The friction and opposition could not be more intense then that of these games. But even in such harsh moments we see kindness and sympathy rise to the top. In the moment of loss or injury or error we see compassion and brotherhood.

These men are from different religions, cultures and countries yet they still breath oxygen and experience pain after falling. No matter how different we are, we are still fellow humans. We still have emotions and children and families. Let’s remember that.

2. Mastering A Skill Is Worth The Years Of Dedication

Whether it’s a business, a craft, or an instrument––any journey toward mastery is easy to forget why you started. But as I watched these athletes, who have likely trained their entire lives for this very moment, I see radiant eyes of rare satisfaction. A gaze few of us will ever have the chance to experience.

So whatever you’re passionate about, don’t give up. Mastery take years of consistency and discipline. But the payoff is worth it. There’s nothing quite like being best in the world at something.

3. You Accomplish Very Little On Your Own

Rarely is anything great achieved by one man. There is no business, no movement, no cause, no family, and no World Cup ever created by one person. We were designed for community and to utilize the strengths of others.

Kill the myth of the lone ranger. The maverick. The rockstar. You are the sum total of everyone you have ever met. Period. Start something with people. Move closer instead of falling away. Dig in and grow through your differences. It’s this process of teamwork that has always ended in greatness. Don’t miss out.

Conclusion
At the end of the game, we know who wins. Kindness. It always has and it always will. We were created for it. So I’m going to leave you with a challenge:

Hello Human Kindness has this incredible site where you can upload photos (taken by you) showing human kindness. A stranger holding the door open. A volunteer picking up trash. Or a father hugging his daughter. Whatever it is, I want you capture it and post it. Because if there is anything our world needs to be reminded of, it’s kindness.