A Coach’s Life- How to Manage it All
Coaching youth football is one of the most rewarding yet challenging endeavors you will ever do. It is a full time job that requires attention. A lot of it.
As a coach, you’re contributing to your community by teaching a sport to children that will likely benefit them for the rest of their lives. To do this successfully you will make sacrifices in your personal life, as much of your time spent will be toward developing athletes, analyzing your competition and figuring out how to win.
It is important to maintain your sanity and stay involved in your personal interests- *family and friends*.
Here are 5 tips to Managing it all
- Always set a positive tone, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. No one wants to be around negative energy- try not to take the football season so seriously. Setting a lighthearted, positive tone confirms to your family, friends and athletes know it is ok to have fun.
- Take one step at a time. To build a foundation you must build it brick by brick. Each brick represents a priority in your life. You surely can’t build a castle in one day, it is a slow and gradual process and requires great effort. Brick laying requires an even distribution of cement, just the right amount. In the same respect, you will distribute your time and efforts evenly.
- Set objectives that are worthy of your time and effort. Think of an objective as a light that guides a long and winding path. This serves as the direction for us, without it, we just might get lost. Setting objectives also opens our imagination to new and creative ways of getting tasks done.
- Plan efficient practices. Create an effective practice plan and continue to adjust it throughout the season until it is just right.
- Carve out time for your family. Set date night, spend time working out complicated algebra problems with your kid- ensure you are not neglecting your family time. As coaches, we tend to get lost in the x’s and o’s- I’m not saying there is anything inherently wrong with that- just make certain you are enjoying all of which is important.
Understand your role as a coach, it is to be the center of it all. You are the conveyor belt that keeps all activities flowing in a positive direction. Make sure it flows in that positive direction!