While playing football, when you find yourself in a goal-scoring position, if your mind starts thinking about the celebration that you will showcase after scoring or about the reaction from the audience after you score, you are likely not going to make the right connection to score in the first place. 

You need to be present and fully focused in the moment and on actually manoeuvring the ball past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. 

Football, and sport in general, requires our full attention in order for us to do well, especially against opposition of the same level as us.

The same is true for learning, conversations, and everything else that we do. It's just not as evident as it is with sports. 

Mindful presence is a pre-requisite not just for sports, but for everything that we do. If we are to do it well that is.