#35 A Top 16 Freestyler In The World Gives Back with Nikola "DJOTA" MILOSEVIC
Athlete Case Study | March 19, 2015
A 20 year old professional football freestyler and student of College of Tourism in Belgrade. Performed over 300 times at various events. The winner of bronze medal from European Championship in Budapest (2013) and top 16 in the World in Challenge.
BACKGROUND
Today we will be talking with an extremely talented professional fútbol freestyler. After playing fútbol for several years he decided to take his skills and pursue in a similar yet very different craft. “Djota” will share with us some of his strengths, as well as some of his weaknesses and what he does as well as what he can do better to achieve his goals of being the best at his craft. Not only is Djota very talented, but he is a generous individual that doesn’t only add value by showing off his gift, but he gives away his money to those
living out on the streets.
BIO
Born, Nikola Milosevic, from Smederevo, Serbia.
Grew up playing soccer for 7 years; eventually quit and began freestyling
He was a little more fortunate than other kids while growing up and had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world.Was a student at the College of Tourism in Belgrade, Serbia
After 4 years of practicing, Nikola learned that he could do this as a profession, travel, and make money
PERSONAL QUOTE
“Just play, have fun, enjoy the game.” -Michael Jordan
Key Mentors
“I learned on my own...parents and friends were very supportive.”
Key Discussion Points:
What was one of your struggles and how did you overcome it?
When was one of your biggest failures?
When was your light bulb moment?
When was one of your proudest moment in life so far?
What are you most excited about these days?
Key Lessons
Always find ways to keep a positive mind despite any family struggles you may have
Don’t let outside influences get you off track
You have to accept struggles during the process of trying to achieve goals
“..that feeling when you feel really tired and all you want is to go home and get some sleep, but your mind doesn’t let you do that because you want to achieve your goals and the only way to do that is to struggle.” NM @ 12:36
You might not achieve a goal in one day, it may take 3 years but you have to trust the process
If you want something, do everything you necessary to get it
“All I have to do is practice really hard, because I think I have what it takes to be one of the best..I know I have something and I know I won’t stop until I achieve that.” NM @ 19:07
It’s important to visualize/see yourself achieving the goal you have made for yourself
“If you can imagine that in your head, and if that goal is in your head it will push your body to your limit.” NM @ 20:46
DJOTA’S TIP JAR
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You can do it, just believe.
When do you go through self doubt and how do you get passed those thoughts?
When it gets lonely during training..telling myself to keep working and not to give up.
A personal habit that has contributed most to your success so far?
Self evaluation/self criticism
One thing you would like to improve about yourself?
Being more emotional
Biggest strength?
Being positive and having extreme focus
Biggest weakness?
My mind; sometimes it is a strength, sometimes it is a weakness
If you had a do over, having learned everything you know now, with all of the your current resources (ESS, Beyond Athletic Podcasts, Mentors, etc.), what would you do differently?
Practice not only hard, but practicing smart
Adding Value to Others?
I make money on the street for the people on the street; I give the money I make on the street to the homeless
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