ENGAGING THOUGHT
I don't really enjoy watching sports. I'm not a sports-hater, just not a huge fan of spectating. I love to see people excel at their passions and celebrating their dedication - athletes included. What I find most entertaining, however, when it comes to sports is watching the fans - especially when they disagree with the coaches. I find it highly entertaining to watch the arm-chair "coaches" who, from the comfort and anonymity of their living-roooms, clearly know far more about the game in general and the specifics down on the field or court than the guys who are paid, oh, say...MANY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO COACH!!!
Perhaps, though, it stems from a misunderstanding of what coaches actually do. I think there's a misconception that coaches are supposed to be experts at whatever they are leading others in - or at least from the ranks of the best. Nothing could be further from the...need. Coaches do not need to be the best players or the most skilled, or even have the most experience. It isn't about what the coach needs to be, it's really all about what the player needs. The player needs a coach that can bring the best out of them and encourage them to stretch beyond themselves.
We assume that every team needs a coach - but have you ever given thought to the role of coaches in your every-day life? What about in the pursuit of God's DREAM for your life, what role could a coach play? Clearly, a coach in this area cannot possibly be the best at living God's DREAM for your life, can they? That's silly. Maybe it's time for a reality-statement (sorry if this hurts, but that's what coaches do sometimes): you don't really need someone to encourage you to do your best - you've already been living your best (at least the best you actually want to strive for). You need someone to push you past your current best and into more than you've ever done before.
You might be thinking, "Hey! Wait a minute! This isn't the best for me - I want God's DREAM. That's why I read your silly blog every day and do your dumb ACTION STEPS. This isn't my best!!" The simple truth is this: for whatever reason you haven't pursued more than what you are living right now. You may have a million different reasons or excuses or justifications - and that makes no difference at all. The reality is still that you haven't pushed yourself past where you currently are. That's where a good coach comes in.
What makes a good coach? Here's a sampling:
1) Coaches will never do the work for you - even if they know exactly what is needed and how to do it. They aren't going to "play the game for you."
2) Coaches help you expose your excuses for what they are (lies with a skin of truth to make them taste better) and help you get past your legitimate challenges.
3) Coaches have the permission to be jerks when you need them to be. They aren't there to make you feel good - they are there to push you beyond yourself.
4) Coaches are committed to your success - even if that means standing aside to let you flounder a bit. I always tell those I am coaching that I will not let them drown, but I have no qualms about letting them suck down a lot of water!
In the end, it's the players in the game that win or lose. Sure, from the sidelines the coaches can call good or bad plays - but even the best strategy relies on the players. It is the player that decides to be coached (or not). The "best" coach in the world is useless to the player who isn't looking to be pushed, challenged, or corrected. The strength of your "game" is a direct result of the role of your coaches.
Perhaps, though, it stems from a misunderstanding of what coaches actually do. I think there's a misconception that coaches are supposed to be experts at whatever they are leading others in - or at least from the ranks of the best. Nothing could be further from the...need. Coaches do not need to be the best players or the most skilled, or even have the most experience. It isn't about what the coach needs to be, it's really all about what the player needs. The player needs a coach that can bring the best out of them and encourage them to stretch beyond themselves.
We assume that every team needs a coach - but have you ever given thought to the role of coaches in your every-day life? What about in the pursuit of God's DREAM for your life, what role could a coach play? Clearly, a coach in this area cannot possibly be the best at living God's DREAM for your life, can they? That's silly. Maybe it's time for a reality-statement (sorry if this hurts, but that's what coaches do sometimes): you don't really need someone to encourage you to do your best - you've already been living your best (at least the best you actually want to strive for). You need someone to push you past your current best and into more than you've ever done before.
You might be thinking, "Hey! Wait a minute! This isn't the best for me - I want God's DREAM. That's why I read your silly blog every day and do your dumb ACTION STEPS. This isn't my best!!" The simple truth is this: for whatever reason you haven't pursued more than what you are living right now. You may have a million different reasons or excuses or justifications - and that makes no difference at all. The reality is still that you haven't pushed yourself past where you currently are. That's where a good coach comes in.
What makes a good coach? Here's a sampling:
1) Coaches will never do the work for you - even if they know exactly what is needed and how to do it. They aren't going to "play the game for you."
2) Coaches help you expose your excuses for what they are (lies with a skin of truth to make them taste better) and help you get past your legitimate challenges.
3) Coaches have the permission to be jerks when you need them to be. They aren't there to make you feel good - they are there to push you beyond yourself.
4) Coaches are committed to your success - even if that means standing aside to let you flounder a bit. I always tell those I am coaching that I will not let them drown, but I have no qualms about letting them suck down a lot of water!
In the end, it's the players in the game that win or lose. Sure, from the sidelines the coaches can call good or bad plays - but even the best strategy relies on the players. It is the player that decides to be coached (or not). The "best" coach in the world is useless to the player who isn't looking to be pushed, challenged, or corrected. The strength of your "game" is a direct result of the role of your coaches.
ACTION STEP
Consider who you will ask to be a coach for you in the pursuit of God's DREAM for your life. Spend some time thinking through their strengths (and weaknesses) and if they will really be what you need them to be. Remember: you aren't looking for someone who will just encourage you and make you feel good about your efforts - that is important, but will they have the boldness to ask you the tough questions and challenge you?
Don't rush through this step: you don't want to be in a position where you have to "fire" your coach halfway through and don't underestimate the importance of today's ACTION STEP!!!
Tomorrow we relive the playground nightmare...but this time, we're in charge!
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