While doing some yard work yesterday I was listening to the podcast HIDDEN BRAIN. An NPR podcast. The title of this one was REBEL WITH A CAUSE.
In the gym I am a pretty conservative guy. I tend to try to learn as much as I can and follow the paths others have followed. I take their recipe and just add my own spice. That being said- I also ask “WHY?” very often. I find it pointless to do a drill that I do not understand.
I have met many coaches who rebel for the sake of rebelling. They want to “do it their own way” or they have a disagreement with a colleague and want to rebel. I have worked with some great people and some real nut jobs. BUT I never lost sight of the fact that if we were going to succeed we needed to be going in the same direction. Every ship can have only one captain but all sailers need to do their job for the ship to sail. It is OK to rebel against the norm and come up with a creative solution to a problem as long as you keep your on on the overall goal of the program.
Someways to rebel in the gym that could lead to success
1. Identify your differences and personal talents.
Take inventory of what makes you unique. What is it that makes you different from other coaches? Leverage what you have that most others don’t, and let it be known.
Set yourself apart. It is OK to not conform and be the same as others. Share what you are good at. Allow yourself to be you and not let others put you in a box.
2. Be curious.
Questions allow the other coaches to better understand you and avoid misunderstandings. Let your mind and interests lead you to new information and opportunities.
3. Say “yes,” not “no.”
Saying “yes” expands opportunities. Saying “no” closes off opportunities. Don’t say “no” because you think you should. Give yourself the liberty to say “yes” to what you want. When I am dealing with other coaches or parents I try to ALWAYS say YES. But that YES also has consequences. An extreme example from a parent:
“Can my daughter be a level 10 and only work out 3 days a week”
Answer, “YES. Although she will probably NOT be able to compete”
Don’t close doors before they even open
4. Don’t tether yourself to what you have learned.
Don’t get stuck in the past. Don’t let what you have learned hinder you from looking to the future. If something you hear is inconsistent with what you learned, check your bias towards doing what you know or think is comfortable. Doing what is comfortable may not be the best decision. Just because something is new does not make it less true or more risky. As Professor Gino says, “learn everything and then forget everything.” Don’t restrain yourself.
5. Focus on what can be done, not what cannot be done.
Limited options can make things easier for you. You don’t have to think about tons of scenarios. Instead, you can thoughtfully consider the few that exist. Don’t view your limitations as a roadblock but rather an opportunity to focus on a few options.
Only you can be you. Capitalize on your uniqueness to become a groundbreaker and ask questions, be open to new information and see the possibilities.
