Thank You Brother: Three Coaching Lessons from my Best Pal

Coaching runs in our families’ bloodline. My father was a hockey coach, and currently both of my brothers are Coaches in various disciplines. The word “Coach” energizes me. It’s my alarm clock in the morning! My passion. To Coach is an honor. It is the ability to mold, shape, discipline, inspire, motivate and cultivate an inner potential that many may not even know exists. I have had the unique opportunity of having strength and conditioning mentors that have molded my career by affording me the opportunity to “stand on their shoulders.” For that I am forever grateful. However, long before the days of these mentors my older brother Misha shaped my childhood in ways he may never fully comprehend. I was a better brother, a better son and a better person because of my older brother.

Over the course of the past three seasons 2009-2012, Misha served as the Assistant Coach/Assistant GM of the London Knights (Ontario Hockey League). During his time with the Knights, he completed his Masters Degree in Kinesiology from The University of Western Ontario. Misha recently signed a contract as an Associate Coach with the Ottawa 67’s. His hard work, motivation, passion, listening skills and genuine attitude have inspired me on my personal journey. These intangible qualities have lit an eternal spark in my belly that will never burn out or fade away. From sand box memories to long coaching discussions in our backyard, below are three intangibles that I owe to my older brother. Thank you Misha! I can never repay you for what you have given me.

Listen: We each have two ears and one mouth for a reason. One of the qualities that I admire most about my brother is his ability to listen! Ask, close your mouth and listen! Many times there is no need to continue to speak because the answer will come out if you simply listen. "Silence is a source of great strength." (Lao Tzu)

Embrace The Grind: Embrace the process. “The quality of the effort is where I found-and continue to find-success.” (John Wooden) Embrace each day as a learning opportunity. Put your time in and grind! Nothing worth having comes easy. My brother is a grinder, an early bird, a squeaky chain and one of the hardest working people that I have ever met. He has earned everything he has gotten through rolling up his sleeves and going to work. Embrace the grind is a way of life for us at Donskov Strength and Conditioning.

One-Day Better: What a profound goal. This quote from my brother lives on the walls of Donskov Strength and Conditioning. Leave things better than when you found them, smile, learn, live and constantly improve!

There are other valuable lessons that my brother has taught me: be authentic, vigorously pursue your passions, never forget your roots, be a good brother, son and husband (one day), value education, seek excellence is all you do, help young people, continue to dream, stay in touch with close friends and leave a legacy. Thank you brother for sharing with me lessons that I could not attain in any classroom setting. Thank you for inspiring me to be “One Day Better”. Thank you for your time, energy, love and commitment. I can never repay you for your guidance. Your mentoring has allowed me to grow into the Coach and man I am today.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Donskov-Strength-and-Conditioning-Inc/111694352189187

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Donskovsc