🏆 The 8 Realities of Being a Coach.

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💭 ONE THOUGHT

Being a high school coach is a rewarding but challenging job!

If you are a coach, you know what I am talking about.

If you are not a coach, or you're considering becoming a coach, knowing what you're getting into is essential.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a Twitter Thread on this topic. It ended up being one of the most viral Threads I have ever written, with over 1.7 Million views 🤯. Here is the Thread below. Today’s newsletter digs deeper into this topic.

Here is a deeper dive into the 8 realities of being a high school coach.

1: It will consume you.

Coaching is not a 9-to-5 job.

You will spend long hours at the gym or on the field, preparing for games and practices, reviewing game film, and communicating with players and parents.

When do coaches watch the film? Early mornings, late nights, on the bus ride home.

Not having to scout other teams in person is one of the benefits that Covid brought to coaching. Everything is online.

I have found that one of the most efficient times for me to watch our film is on the bus ride home.

It clears my mind and allows me to be more present with my wife and family.

Being a coach is a calling. It is a lifestyle. It has a way of occupying space in your brain in all of your free time.

As a quick example, I was married on August 8th, about ten days before our football season was to start. I was an Offensive Coordinator for our varsity football team at the time. On our honeymoon, while at the bar, a thought crept into my mind. I immediately grabbed anything I could to diagram the play I was thinking about (salt and pepper shakers, bottles, etc.) to visualize it. I then grabbed a napkin and wrote it down to save it for later.

For those of you who do coach, you know this is 100% normal for most coaches.

I do not go anywhere without a pen in my pocket now. Many notes are typed on my phone as well.

What does this mean? The coaching lifestyle will become a big part of your life, so be prepared to make sacrifices.

2: There will be critics.

Coaches are constantly under scrutiny.

Parents, fans, and the community will all have their opinions on how you should do your job.

It's important to remember that you can't please everyone, and you need to always focus on doing what's best for your team.

If you have thin skin, you will not last long.

Be Confident! And always remember this excellent quote by Teddy Roosevelt.

3: You are not in it for the money.

Coaching is not a high-paying job. Many high school coaches start out as volunteers or receive a small stipend.

If you're in it for the money, you're in the wrong profession.

The money is slowly getting better, but do not calculate your hourly wage!

For many, coaching is a hobby, a true passion, and a calling. It is also why it is so frustrating that others can be so critical of coaches.

Because the money earned as a high school coach does not often compensate for the headaches that can occur from parents.

4: There is no overnight success.

Building a successful program takes time and effort.

You won't win every game or turn your team into a championship contender overnight.

Unlike what many in society think, winning does not define you. The process is the prize.

This is something we need to keep talking about with others.

Coaching is about life. It is about the struggle. It is about the adversity, the exhilaration of victory, and the agony of defeat, but ultimately it is about the habits, the growth, and the skills you learn for life.

It takes patience, perseverance, and a lot of hard work.

5: You need a supportive spouse.

Coaching can be a stressful job, and it's essential to have a supportive spouse who understands the job's demands.

Remember my honeymoon story?

They will need to be understanding of your long hours and your dedication to your team.

You need a supportive spouse who gets how coaching can occupy your brain. They need to tell you when they need you to be more “present.” Open communication is incredibly important for coaches.

And even though it can be challenging, always make sure you keep your family a #1 priority!

6: You will not make everyone happy.

As a coach, you'll have to make tough decisions, such as who starts, who sits on the bench, and how to run your practices.

You will not make everyone happy with your decisions, and that's okay.

I know this is hard, but you really cannot think about what other people think. You simply need the confidence to know that you are doing what is best for the TEAM. And that is why YOU are the coach.

This is also why being a great communicator is critical for coaches.

7: You can't want it more than the kids.

As a coach, you can't want success more than your players.

It took me a few years to learn this. Having your own kids really does help in this regard as well.

It's your job to inspire and guide your players, but they must want it for themselves, too.

You will become much happier when you realize this.

8: It is still WORTH it!

Despite the challenges, being a high school coach is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have!

You can positively impact young athletes' lives, teach them valuable life skills, and help them achieve their goals.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your team succeed and knowing you played a part in their success!

Summary:

In conclusion, being a high school coach is demanding but fulfilling.

You'll face challenges and criticism, but it's worth it if you're passionate about coaching and dedicated to your team.

Keep these eight realities in mind as you embark on your coaching journey!

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