Living the dream

The place that I wrestle has a few kids that are aspiring to be "super star MMA Fighters". A hefty goal indeed, but what is most worrisome is that in their quest, they are neglecting their education. There are a HUGE number of kids who aspire to be professional athletes, with MMA becoming more mainstream, there will be more kids wanting to be Pro's. 

I am not the person to tell someone to not follow their dreams, in fact, I think everyone should. I ALSO think that EVERYONE should have a secondary plan. MMA is a new sport and the money isnt there. The money that is there, is for the upper echelon and even then, if the person isnt smart about their money, can still be broke(I remember reading a story about an a former NFL player that ended up washing cars).What do you do when you retire?  there are countless fighters who are fighting past their prime, just to get a pay check. Lets not even talk about IF you dont make it. If you put everything into one avenue and it doesnt work, what do you expect to do? What if you are injured? There are tons of prospects in professional sports who get injured and can never play again. What then?

Following through with education and making sure there is another outlet is just as important as training and practicing, whatever sport you aspire to follow. I am 100% for following ones dream and if you are, putting as much into it as possible, but always realize some dreams do not come true and others are not as grand as it may seem.