This will be the first in a series of articles that I intend to write. Some will be here, hopefully some will be published in magazines that I contribute to. (But don’t worry- if they don’t get picked up- I will put them here!)
Heading to the Region 6 Development Camp last week Neil Resnick and I had a great conversation about what the most successful coaches do (possibly differently from others). What makes them a success.
The most successful coaches I know are also the most productive day in, day out. They run incredibly efficient training sessions.
“Productivity” is such a buzz word these days that hundreds of books, apps and systems have popped up hoping to teach us the magic formula.
But at the end of the day, really getting the most out of your practices comes down to the fundamentals.
Successful coaches have known for years that to stay productive, it’s essential to build habits that organize your day and help you get the most out of your training time.
Here are 3 of the habits that I feel highly productive coaches do every day — even when they’re pressed for time. (and please- if you feel you are a successful coach and disagree or want to share your thoughts- do so. This website has always been about the sharing of information and knowledge).
1.) They’re early risers.
There was probably a period of time in your life where it was easy stay up late into the night (or early into the next morning) trying to get things done. If your anything like me, however, that period was over a long time ago.
Recently, I’ve come to realize that all eight-hour periods just aren’t created equally.
Even when we do not have morning training before school I try to stick to a schedule. Going to bed at 10 p.m. and waking up at 5 or 6 a.m. is exponentially better than going to bed at 3 a.m. and waking up at 10 or 11 a.m., even thought the time frame is the same.
Early risers really do have a distinct advantage when it comes to mental clarity, acuity and energy. Simply put: Waking up early works better than any other strategy for becoming more productive. But you have to make sure you get enough sleep to back it up. So get to bed!
2.) They start every day with an intention, focus or meditation.
Starting your day with a clear idea of what you want to do changes everything.
Have you ever had a day where as soon as you woke up, there were already missed calls, text messages and emails screaming for your attention — and you felt like you were struggling to stay afloat before breakfast? Oh, that sounds like every day, you say? That needs so stop.
If you like, you can meditate. You know, cross-legged, a candle, with some nice music playing in your ridiculously expensive Beats headphones.
I find the time I spend with a coffee before anyone else is up in the house is very centering and helps me focus for the day.
But if that’s too much, you can just “take 10.”
Take 10 quick breaths, think about your main objectives for the day, and then get moving. This seems too simple to have an effect, but it’s not. If you’re used to getting up already in battle mode, then you’ve probably forgotten how it feels to have a moment to yourself.
Take a few of those minutes back and refocus yourself. It really helps.
3.) They train their bodies.
Working out is probably the highest leverage tool in your arsenal that can make you feel predictably better and keeps you both physically and emotionally healthy year round. If you want to have the mental energy to take on an endless competitive season and countless training sessions, you need to be physically (as well as mentally) strong.
What are your thoughts? What do you do to be more productive?
Let us know. Share your thoughts and keep the momentum going.
