Honoring the Space Between No Longer and Not Yet

As a professional footballer, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of time. On the pitch, it’s about seizing the moment, reacting instinctively, and making split-second decisions that can change the course of a game. Off the pitch, it’s about dedicating countless hours to training, refining my skills, and pushing myself to be better every day.

But there’s another aspect of time that I’ve come to appreciate, one that exists beyond the thrill of the game and the grind of training. It’s the space between “no longer” and “not yet”—that seemingly in-between period that can often feel like a waiting room. It’s the time after a tough loss, when the sting of defeat lingers, but before the next opportunity to prove yourself arises. It’s the period after an injury, when you’re sidelined from the game you love, but before you can lace up your boots and step back onto the pitch.

This “in-between” space can be challenging. It can be tempting to dwell on the past, replaying mistakes and missed opportunities. Or, we can find ourselves consumed by the future, consumed by anxiety and uncertainty about what lies ahead. But I’ve learned that this space, this period of transition, holds immense power. It’s an opportunity for reflection, growth, and transformation. It’s a chance to acknowledge where we’ve been, to learn from our experiences, and to prepare ourselves for what’s next.

Embracing the Process, Not Just the Outcome

So often, we’re conditioned to focus solely on outcomes. We celebrate victories, lament losses, and constantly strive for that next achievement. But in doing so, we often overlook the journey—the process of growth, learning, and development that unfolds between those milestones.

Honoring the space between “no longer” and “not yet” means shifting our perspective. It’s about embracing the process, acknowledging the small victories along the way, and finding joy in the journey itself. This doesn’t mean we abandon our goals or lose sight of our ambitions. Instead, it’s about cultivating a mindset that allows us to navigate the ups and downs with greater resilience, perspective, and purpose.

Finding Opportunity in the Unknown

Uncertainty can be daunting. When we don’t know what the future holds, it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even paralyzed by fear. But within that uncertainty lies immense opportunity—the opportunity to redefine ourselves, to explore new possibilities, and to discover hidden strengths we never knew we possessed.

This period of “not yet” is not a void to be feared but a canvas waiting to be painted. It’s a chance to experiment, to take risks, and to step outside of our comfort zones. It’s an opportunity to invest in ourselves, to develop new skills, and to cultivate the physical and mental fortitude required to navigate whatever challenges and triumphs lie ahead.

From Reflection to Action: Bridging the Gap

The space between “no longer” and “not yet” is not a passive period of waiting. It’s an active process of transformation. It’s a time for honest self-reflection, for seeking out guidance and support, and for channeling our energy towards meaningful action.

It’s about taking those lessons learned, those insights gained, and turning them into concrete steps that move us closer to our goals. It’s about surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, seeking out mentors who inspire us, and finding strength and encouragement in those who have navigated similar journeys.

Honoring the space between “no longer” and “not yet” is about recognizing that life, like football, is a journey of continuous growth and evolution. It’s about embracing the process, navigating the uncertainties, and finding the courage to keep moving forward, one step at a time.