For fans of Liverpool Football Club, the retirement of our manager, who has changed all of our lives, has been a matter of high emotion. But his example contains much deeper learning. Here are my ten learnings for life, love and work:

1. Respect tradition and history, but don’t drink too deeply from the well of nostalgia. Ultimately, it is an intoxicant and can numb you to what needs to be done today and tomorrow. History and past greatness are powerful things to behold and to hold onto, but in time they can also become a burden. Live in the now and for the now as well, and always build for your future and that of those who will come after you.

2. Don’t be overawed by the greatness of others. Work towards your own greatness and that of those around you. Do not allow those with privilege and assumed superiority to drive you into false humility or stifle your aspirations.

3. Don’t fear emotion and passion – they are your fuel and, frankly, to feel them means you are still alive. But don’t let them burn you up. Think things through clearly, give attention to detail, re-establish and retain focus and allow both heart and head to steer and drive you.

4. When you succeed, acknowledge those upon whose shoulders you stand. They’re the foundations of what you have built. If you’ve reached this point, you’ve probably done so by listening to the advice of wise and good people – cherish them and continue to listen.

5. When you fail, accept the failure and learn from it. Don’t become bitter, resentful, or entrenched in the things that have gone wrong. Do not allow the clamour of criticism to deflect you from what needs to be done – just as you should not wallow too long in adulation when things go well. Keep moving forward.

6. Never give up, as long as the fight is still on. Always find a way back to the straight and true path you have chosen. Keep pushing until the end and, at the final whistle, be grateful for what you have achieved, remembering how you will do better next time.

7. Accept that others do things differently to you, that they live, think, work, believe, pray in other ways. Respect them for it and give them space to be themselves. One day the tables may be turned, and you might need their understanding, patience, help and empathy.

8. Accept your detractors. Learn to embrace them, even if you don't take them to heart. They, too, make sense of those who do love and support you. Listen to what they say, just once, take on board anything that is valid and of value in what they say. Then move on.

9. Look after yourself, acknowledge your limits and be prepared to stop when the time is right. If you have to, be prepared to move on, to let go. Nothing is forever – not us and least of all our work. Your people matter most, so give time back to them. Just as our failures make sense of our successes, calling time on things allows us to comprehend and be grateful for our achievements. If you manage to stay true to these things, your legacy will live on in all the things you have done, large and small. Even when projects, work, friendships, and relationships come to an end, we will remain connected. All that we have done together will endure, sometimes even despite us. New chapters will be written, but will not necessarily overwrite what you have done.

10. You will never walk alone.