🏆 Burnout and Coaching

💭ONE THOUGHT
Burnout and Coaching

Have you ever felt burned out as a coach?

I know I have.

And I was only 33 years old.

I became a head coach at age 26, and I am an “all-in” type of guy.

So, becoming a head coach was an all-consuming experience for me. And those of you who have been head coaches know what that means.

Coaching can consume your time, but it can even consume your thinking.

It is always on your mind.

In my first head coaching stint, I was a head coach from 26 to 33 years old. During this time, I was also married, had our first child, was getting my Master's Degree, and then got my Principal’s license.

When I finished my Principal’s licensure, I had a tough decision. Was I going to use it and get out of coaching…at age 33?

It was a very tough decision for me.

But you know what? I have not told many people this, but I was a younger coach and starting to feel a little burned out from coaching.

Legendary Coach Don Meyer discussed the five Stages of Coaching, with the last one being “spent.”

I knew what he meant.

But I took a leap of faith. I became the Principal of a nearby school and stepped away from coaching.

For a short time.

And when I stepped away, part of me was okay with taking a break from coaching.

And for the first year or two, I honestly did not miss coaching as much as I thought I would.

But then, as my son got a little older and I stepped back and reflected, I started to miss coaching and was looking for ways to get back into it.

Coaching filled my bucket.

Eventually, the same head coaching position opened up, and I have been back ever since as both a Principal and a head coach.

But I also have changed.

And some of these changes have helped prevent me from burning out again.

So, what causes coaches to burn out, and how can you prevent it?

Here are three key factors that can lead to burnout and some strategies for coaches to help prevent it:

1. Overworking and Lack of Boundaries

Coaches often push themselves too hard, spending so much time on game planning, player development, and administrative tasks. Without clear boundaries, this can bleed into your personal and family time, leaving no room for rest.

Rest is key. Balance is key. Time with family is key.

Make sure you find time for this.

Prevention Strategy:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Dedicate specific times for work and personal life. Avoid thinking about coaching during off-hours.

• Delegate: Trust your assistant coaches with responsibilities; lighten your load.

• Time Management: Prioritize tasks that have the most impact and avoid overloading yourself with unnecessary activities.

2. Emotional and Mental Exhaustion

The emotional investment in players and teams, coupled with high expectations, can lead to mental fatigue.

We all only have so much daily emotional energy. Make sure you monitor its daily use and align it with your priorities.

Prevention Strategy:

• Self-Care: Regularly engage in activities that help you recharge, like hobbies, exercise, or mindfulness practices.

• Seek Support: Lean on trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to discuss challenges and frustrations.

• Mindset Shifts: Focus on the process, not just the outcomes. Celebrate small wins along the way.

3. Feeling Isolated

Coaching can sometimes feel like a lonely job. You're responsible for making tough decisions, and there may not always be someone who truly understands what you're going through.

Your support system is crucial to your longevity and preventing burnout as a coach. This is why the spouse of a coach is so important.

Prevention Strategy:

• Build a Support Network: Connect with other coaches for advice, support, and encouragement. Attend clinics or join coaching communities.

• Communicate Openly: Share your thoughts and concerns with your team or assistant coaches to lighten the emotional burden.

• Family Time: Keep strong connections with family or close friends to provide balance and emotional support.

Burnout is real.

By being intentional about your expectations and creating balance, you can stay energized and passionate about coaching for years to come.

Check out this video for more: JP Nerbun discussing burnout.

Good luck!

Greg

P.S. One of the best ways to prevent burnout is through organization, knowing your why, and using a “less is more” approach in what you do. In my masterclass course for coaches, Better Coach OS, I provide many strategies to help coaching manage this incredibly dynamic job.

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