Experience is a valuable teacher, arguably the single most important step in the learning process. Learning from past success and failure allows us to build efficient, effective training methods, exercise components, philosophies, coaching cues, professional, hands-on knowledge, and most importantly saves time. “Time is of essence, and the essence of success is time.” (John Wooden) There are many avoidable mistakes young coaches make to form their experiences: from the muscle head coach who creates his workout regime from a Bodybuilding Magazine, to the Coach who tries to fit square pegs in round holes and hurts his clients or himself, to the Coach that thinks a former sporting career qualifies him as a competent, effective strength and conditioning professional. The question we all need to ask ourselves is: “Can we expedite the learning process?” “Can we learn from wise coaches with years of experience making mistakes so that we may avoid them?” The answer to this question is YES! I call this Fast Forward Learning.
Fast Forward Learning
The Runway Theory:
The path of 1,000 miles starts with one step. Making mistakes is part of the process. However, making avoidable mistakes can cost us potential clients, revenue, and reputation. It can also stall our quest in ultimate success, and reaching our inner potential. Abraham Lincoln used to say, “I never met a person from whom I didn’t learn something, although most of the time it was something not to do.” Wise coaches have made plenty of mistakes! Learn from them, and DON’T make them yourself! I call this the runway theory: How much runway have you traveled as a Coach? Runway equates to years of experience. A coach with 25 years under his/her belt has made many more mistakes than a young coach. Learn from these mistakes and make your path of 1,000 miles a shorter one.
Young Coaches: plenty of runway yet to travel!
Wise Coaches: Know the ins and outs of takeoff. Have logged 1000’s of hours in the cockpit.
“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”
“Don’t mistake activity for achievement.”
-Coach John Wooden
Find Your Yoda(s):
“There’s a quicker was to gain the information experience provides, namely, ask somebody who already has it.” (John Wooden) This is such a powerful statement. Want to expedite the learning process? Find your Yoda and ask questions! “Seek them out and listen; absorb their knowledge and use it.”
“Do or do not, there is no try!”
Surround yourself with Professionals:
Surround yourself with like-minded professionals and build working relationships with them. If you’re a strength coach, surround yourself with competent, like-minded coaches, physical therapists, and Sports Med professionals. Communicate in hopes of learning and creating additional value for your clients and athletes.
“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.” (John Wooden) The path to becoming a great strength and conditioning professional starts with one step. This path is a continuous journey of one day reaching our inner potential. We can make this journey easier on ourselves by learning from others that have walked before us. The goal is not to “skip steps”, and follow blindly, but to take detours that enhance our experience and expedite our trip in hopes of taking in more scenery. It takes effort to become great! “The quality of that effort is where I found-and continue to find-success.” (John Wooden)
Reference
(1) Wooden J, Jamison S, Wooden on Leadership, McGraw-Hill Books, 2005.
Anthony Donskov, MS, CSCS, PES, is a former collegiate and professional hockey player, founder of Donskov Strength and Conditioning Inc., (www.donskovsc.com) and Head Instructor/Director of Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning for Donskov Hockey Development (www.donskovhockey.com). He can be reached at info@donskovsc.com .
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