4 Es TO CHECK FOR IN ESPORTS

1. Check Your Expectations.

Manage your expectations. Like any business, you have your business proposal set out, but in following through, study the ecosystem, locally and globally and manage your expectations. Technology adoption is not the same everywhere, The youth in your vicinity may have totally different world views of things, so you will need to understand the perceptions and thought processes in order to carve something great. On investing so much and getting little back ... well, the reason for investment high should always be guided and it should always be people-oriented rather than Programs oriented.

I have always had people come to me with greater expectations of the video game industry but often get heartbroken because things do not turn out the way they have perceived them... But managing your expectation will always give you a better understanding and build gradually.

2. Check Your Emotions

It is all right to be emotional but don't let your feelings and emotions get the better part of you. Let me share a simple story often seen within this Esports industry:

Kwame and William are good friends, one has an Esports Team and the other has a Gaming Hub, they wanted to do a big tournament for the community of Gamers and so they came together to host a tournament, During the tournament, someone wanted to sponsor the prize pool, and the two friends disagree on what should be done. One taught the funds should go into the bill for management of the tournament, all the logistics cost, and payment of Shoutcastors, Tournament managers and the Graphic designer, But William felt, all the money the sponsor was going to give was to put into the prize pool, but Kwame felt otherwise. The two friends got emotional, and a heated argument ensure, in the spur of the moment, both friends spoke terrible things about each other and eventually went their separate ways. Two friends who had great ideas could have combined their knowledge, resources and energy to build an Esports empire and position it for brand awareness, were too emotional and allowed their feelings to take better advantage of the judgement.

There are many instances in my personal journey in Esports that individuals or businesses have done something to me wrongful and I resolve not to work with them but with time I let my emotions and feelings fade away and then embrace them back and work with them for the community and also achieve something greater together.

Also do not be too emotional when someone steals your idea... You told someone, your esports idea, and the next time, you see him doing it with some else other than you... Well, ideas are like fruits on a tree, some will climb the tree to plug it out but some will also stand at the bottom and throw stones at the fruits in an attempt to get the fruit ... Everyone has their own mindset of achieving an idea or concept... Don't get too emotional when someone seems to have taken your idea. This is my personal philosophy, the sky is big enough for everyone to shine, so ahead, focus on achieving so much with your ideas. Get over the emotion, and take time to cool off.

3. Check Your Engagement

Starting an Esports journey is like a courtship, the best relationship, you build will lead to longer-lasting business and personal growth with like-minded people. In a relationship, you will need to communicate and compromise to understand each other's needs to make it work.

To think about engagement is to think about being in a relationship.Value relationships above other things. Watch whom you engage with, when you start, because you can partner with people that will lead you to build negative sentiments towards others. So guard your walk, engage the right people who are not toxic, free to partner and actively working to improve the community. There are 3 pathways, I have come to appreciate within Esports,

1. Commercial Esports,

2. Academic Esports and

3. Social Intervention Esports.

Whichever one you find yourself engaged in... Build with purpose. In engaging with others always check people's disposition with others. Can you tell me, what their track record is...? Ask the community and get informed and choose to work with people that align with your Esports vision and mission in life. Collaboration is good but not all are profitable. Engage with people who bring harmony and peace to you.

4. Check Your Energy Levels

When you come into the Esports space, you will soon discover that there are things that energize you to keep going and others demoralize you and drain you of your energy. I will say, always check your energy, by finding energy banks or pods in friends and in activities that spark satisfaction. Whenever your energy level is low, find something you naturally love doing and restore the energy back... I often reference Video Games as real-life experiences, so I will use them here as a reference.

Have played an Action RPG or any gamer? You will quickly identify that picking up Health Orbs or locating Health portions along the way is great for survival in the game. So it is with this Esports space, you will need to pick up energy orbs, and these could be people, events and many other things that spark some life in you and keeps you on the right track with Esports. Always look up inspiration points, moments and celebrations that bring your energy level back. Checking your Energy level also means, checking your health, The esports work is not easy work and so you will need your personal and mental health in check most times.

So there you go...

1. Check your emotions

2. Check your expectations

3. Check your Engagements

4. Check your Energy Levels

Well .. these things I share, are not scientific in any way... It is my personal thoughts. You can agree or disagree with me, and that is ok, but do share your thoughts in the comments share... I share these things to also learn from you... so share yours...

I look forward to hearing from you.

My name is Kwesi Hayford and I love Esports