Brits share best life lessons they've learned from playing sport

A POLL OF 2,000 ADULTS FOUND 92% HAVE FELT MORE CONFIDENT AFTER RECEIVING POSITIVE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM OTHERS, AND HERE ARE THE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE ROB KNIGHT 15:09, 20 May 2025

Brits have shared the top advice they've received during their sporting endeavours, with gems such as run your own race, don't fear mistakes - that's how you learn, and play

because you love it. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed a whopping 92% felt a boost in confidence after receiving uplifting words from others. Additional morale-boosting tips include the game

isn't over until the whistle blows, you win as a team you lose as a team, and stay humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Other useful nuggets of wisdom include control what you can

control, learn from every defeat, confidence comes from preparation, and focus on the next play, not the last mistake. The study was commissioned by Cadbury, who are launching a campaign

dubbed Game Changers, emphasising the significant impact of a bit of support. A host of current and former footballers from the UK and Ireland, including Leah Williamson, Jill Scott, Lauren

James, and Katie McCabe, have thrown their weight behind the initiative, having been inspired by encouraging words themselves. The poll also found that 89% believe positive reinforcement

contributes to creating a more upbeat team environment – whether in sports, work, or other areas. The most common situations where this advice is put into practice include dealing with

setbacks (25%), navigating friendship issues (22%), and learning new skills (20%). A significant number of people, 16%, have turned to such advice when navigating tricky workplace

relationships with colleagues. The OnePoll study revealed that the most sincere forms of encouragement are those expressed in one-on-one settings, with 53% of respondents sharing this view.

Beth Williams, junior brand manager at Mondelēz International, the company behind iconic brands like Cadbury, commented: "Our new study shows just how powerful positive words can

be." Mondelēz International is currently running a competition on its Instagram account, offering a chance to win a motivating face-to-face meeting with Leah, Jill, Katie, or Lauren.

Williams added: "Through our Game Changers campaign, we want to celebrate the individuals who provide crucial support and demonstrate that a little support can truly change the game for

someone." Article continues below TOP FIVE - MOST INSPIRING PIECES OF ADVICE RECEIVED DURING SPORTS. * Focus on your own performance. * Don't be afraid of mistakes - they're

an opportunity to learn. * Play for the love of the game. * It's not over until the final whistle. * Teamwork makes the dream work - you win and lose together.