It doesn’t take much to lift someone up and brighten their day. Everyone deserves to hear positive feedback or reassurance for what they do or who they are, taking time to be thoughtful and mindful of others can change the complexion of someone’s day, week, month and year.
Over the last few years I’ve reflected a lot on my journey in coaching.
Every time I walked on the field, court or rink, I learned something about myself. Something about others. Those lessons still resonate all these years later.
I miss coaching, I miss certain aspects of the process, but what if every coach in every sport took a step back right now in this very instance and reflect on their pathway, philosophy and coaching strategies.
I have my regrets as a coach, no one is perfect, and hindsight is 20/20, but I would change so much if I had to do it all over again.
Could you imagine if every up and coming coach or longtime coach for that matter took the time to evaluate and access their practices. I don’t mean their drills or practice plans, I mean their best practices and the way they approach their role and everything that comes with it.
Let’s just imagine for one second they could fast-forward their coaching career and look into the future. What would they want? Championships or graduating the players to the next level or making a difference in people’s lives?
If I could go back, I would try to lift all of my players up. I would continue to challenge them to get better, but I would focus on their mental health, their self-concept and ensure that every player would feel valued.
It doesn’t take much to be a beacon in someone’s life. A trusted ally or a caring mentor. As a coach we can impact so many people in so many ways.
I tried to be and do all of those things during my coaching day, that’s why it’s so important to take time to reflect now, rather than later.
The coach that reflects and constantly evaluates their players and their unique role is undoubtedly on the cutting edge and will have the greatest impact in the lives of their players.
The coach that is more concerned about their own personal experiences, building their resume and winning, might have early success, but their gains will be short lived.
It doesn’t take much to lift someone up and brighten their day.
Everyone deserves to hear positive feedback or reassurance for what they do or who they are, taking time to be thoughtful and mindful of others can change the complexion of someone’s day, week, month and year.
If you’re a coach, take the time to reflect now rather than later, when it’s too busy
It doesn’t take much!
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