From World Cup hero to claiming benefits: Sir Geoff Hurst's winning mentality beating setbacks (Ep6)

There was a time when the England men’s football team were the pride of the country! Sir Geoff Hurst was a huge part of that!

His resilience story has so many layers…

*After his playing career was over you may not know he became Chelsea manager for two years. When he left, he became a door-to-door salesman, much to the surprise of his prospective customers. 
*He was forced to claim unemployment benefits and queue up with people who had idolised him a few years earlier, to support his family. 
*He scored the hat-trick for England when they won the World Cup in 1966, beating West Germany 4-2.
*For West Ham United he scored nearly 250 times, winning a European trophy & the FA Cup.

In this episode of The Resilience Project, host Wes Linden chats with Sir Geoff to learn key life lessons, including the mindset you need to be a true winner. Packed full of inspiration and resilience lessons on how to overcome anything, beat disappointments, bounce back stronger, remain humble and build a life of meaning.
00:00 Intro
02:48 How much do you remember about what was going through your head during the game?
03:50 Everyone remembers where they were when it happened! 
04:28 Help us understand the preparation of a winner. 
05:35 Importance of teamwork.
06:07 At the start of the 1966 World Cup, you weren't first choice - how did you have the mindset that you could get into the team, or had you resigned yourself to being on the sidelines?
08:20 Focusing on your own progress, rather than being distracted by others.
09:31 Remaining calm under pressure. What can people learn from that for their own lives and career?
10:23 You were originally not totally focussed on football career?
12:05 It's stereotypical to talk about 1966 World Cup Final but you had an amazing career outside of that. Do you ever feel like your whole life achievements are overshadowed by one moment?
12:51 Is your life defined by one moment? 
14:19 Imposter syndrome.
15:40 The day after the World Cup Final!
16:48 Jimmy Greaves feeling like the loneliest person in Wembley Stadium that day, and couldn't bring himself to join the celebrations. How did how did you feel about that? Did you speak to him about it?
19:25 Would you have felt the same?
20:35 Chelsea manager to door-to-door insurance salesman. What mindset and resilience helped you to adjust to being in the ‘real’ world.
22:37 Your dedication.
24:31 Break
24:45 Overcoming rejection and then still getting up the next day.
26:54 Failure and success. 
26:59 Leadership traits.
28:37 Staying on the right path, and avoiding destructive habits like other celebrities and sportsman can fall into.
30:08 The greatest mentor.
31:49 Being knighted to become Sir Geoff. How did that feel?
33:12 Being unfazed by celebrities and royalty.
33:42 Staying grounded and dealing with fame and public attention.
34:59 Losing your brother to suicide and dealing with mental health challenges.
36:20 Further family grief and being the last surviving member of the England team. How do you keep yourself so positive?
38:25 So what advice would you give to youngsters that are watching this who want to be the best in their space, whether that's sports or business or any other avenue?
39:00 How would you define resilience?
41:07 What message would you hope that people take away from your experiences and your journey?
43:18 100 years’ time from now, how would you like history and people to describe Sir Geoff Hurst, the man, and his approach to life?
44:11 And finally - was it over the line?!
45:22 Do you ever wake up in a cold sweat about the fact, that the referee and linesman decided it didn't go over the line?!
46:35 They think it’s all over… it is now! Closing remarks.


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More about Sir Geoff: ⁠http://www.geoffhurst.com⁠

Sir Geoff's hat-trick - 1966 final highlights:    • 1966 WORLD CUP FINAL: England 4-2 Ger...  

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