It’s April and that means it is time for Opening Day for Baseball season, a sure sign that spring has arrived and summer is on it’s way. What does that have to do with coaching? Everything if you are in the game. But what about professional life or business coaching?
In my recent newsletter, I mentioned how coaching was a lot like the lottery—you can’t win if you don’t play! I started thinking about what it takes to get in the game and really play. It got me a bit teary-eyed because I couldn’t help but recall all those years sitting in the stands watching my son play baseball–I loved those days!
I remembered his passion and love for the sport. Nothing came before baseball. He never missed practice, he lived, breathed and dreamed the sport,he surrounded himself with friends that had the same passion and excitement for the sport and always was an inspiration and leader for his team even if he didn’t get a chance to play.
I admired his passion and tenacity at such a young age and I loved being part of the MOB (Mother’s of Baseball). : )
As a certified coach you have what it takes to get in the game, even if you are a rookie.
You have to be passionate about what you do and tenacious about doing it. You can’t sit the bench, and watch your teammates play and tell yourself you need more experience before you can get in the game. In the words of John Fogarty you have to tell yourself “Put me in Coach, I‘m ready to play, today!” You have to decide what playing the game means to you and how you can make it happen.
Here are a few tips to help you get in the game:
- Connect to your passion and what drives you to want to play the game. Let that fuel you to avoid grounding out to the short stop. See only opportunities, no problems or challenges.
- Surround yourself with raving fans, peers and colleagues that share your excitement and support you to hit that home run!
- Create the perfect play. Make it a priority in your life and create a doable plan by knowing what kind of player you are and how willing you are to commit to your game.
- Never miss practice. Walk the talk—make coaching a way of life even outside the 1:1 client session to build confidence and role model coaching principles.
- Get a Coach. Every great player has a great coach that will champion you, bring out your strengths and support your brilliance and talent.
Here is a little inspiration to get you up and moving from John Fogarty:
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When I need the inspiration to stay in the game, I remember the passion and tenacity of a boy in love with his sport.
I played the game and now my son will celebrate his 23rd birthday (which sometimes lands on Opening Day) and is ready to graduate college, in well, what else….sports management. And he still really loves baseball. : )
Here’s to getting in the game. PLAY BALL!
Please post a comment and share with us how you get in the game.
Great post Stephanie! I think coaches are often great at getting in the game by connecting with their passion, but they sometimes have trouble playing a full season because they’re unfamiliar with the rules. That last bullet in your post is great advice – Get a coach!