Category Archives: Coaching

Law of the Lid

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51EcFbudX2L. SS400 Law of the LidRecently I was given a copy of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and decided that I will partake in applying these laws to my life online.

My hope is that I can also urge you, my readers and friends, to also partake and keep me accountable for my goals, dreams and ambitions as I also help you.

  • List some of your Major Goals. No more than 10; No less than 5. Figure out which ones need help.
    1. Become a Head Coach of a HS or Club Program
    2. Achieve Level 3 ASCA Certification or Higher
    3. Prove my self as knowledgeable in Leadership/Coaching
    4. Become a speaker on leadership and motivation for athletes/workers
    5. Get involved with post-college athletic groups, such as Master’s Swimming programs
  • Assess your leadership ability. Questions not shown as respect the author and his work.
    • Strengths – Legacy, Growth, Buy-In, The Picture, Empowerment, Inner Circle, Magnetism, Intuition, Respect, Solid Ground, and Addition. From what I gather, it goes along the same lines of other analysis that I have done. I’m attracted to people and people are generally attracted to me. Essentially, I am a people person. I like to network and talk, and can seemingly gain their trust through example.
    • Needs Work – Timing, Sacrifice, Priorities, Momentum, Victory, Navigation, Influence, the Lid. What this is telling me is that I have to do a better job of increasing my effectiveness as a leader and rate on a better scale. Not only that, but I also need the willingness to sacrifice my personal time and set better priorities for myself and my teams that I work with.
    • Weaknesses – Process. Upon the first completion of the analysis this is the only area that is a true weakness. The process at which I grow needs work. I’d like some help in how to develop a prices of personal growth that I can engage in and would like some classes, articles or books to help improve myself in this category.
  • Finally, ask others to rate your leadership ability. This is something I’ve not done and I would welcome those of you that read this and know me to do so.

John Wooden on Character

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“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

This quote really resonates with me. As I was tweeting back and forth with a few friends, there was a sense of humility.

The reason this quote speaks to me so much is just that, you should have humility. Let other people tell you that you do a good job. Ask for that recommendation letter or on

Simple Workout Ideas

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My Workout Gear e1312322352894 199x300 Simple Workout IdeasEveryone’s busy. How do you manage to get a workout in? Do you have an expensive gym membership? Do you just walk or run around your neighborhood? Or do you have trouble finding the motivation to do a workout?

Today, I’m going to give you just a few simple workout ideas using nothing but a resistance band, AKA Stretch Cords.

Resistance bands come in different lengths and resistance levels. The nice thing about using resistance bands is that you don’t have to worry about dropping something heavy on your foot, so this makes for a nice workout even when you are alone.

Find the Bands that work for You

Luckily for the consumer, some giant supermarket stores have a variety pack of Resistance bands. The package that I purchased a few years back included 2 short bands, 2 long and some weird ankle thing (I never have used it) and handles.

This is great because you get multiple resistances easily, and you can adjust between sets or between various exercises. If one band is too light, switch to the other. Still not what you want? Use both!

3 Simple Workouts

In these workouts make sure you are slow and controlled. The best part about using the band is that you can truly feel when you are out of control.

  • Bicep Curl – Stand with your feet shoulder width apart (SWA) on the band. Make sure the band is tight enough to give you resistance while standing straight. Loop the band by your feet and stand on it to adjust resistance.
  • Tricep Extension – Stand w/feet SWA and pull the band over your head. Extend your arms until they are straight. I recommend keeping the band BEHIND you. Also, make sure to keep your elbows in towards your head.
  • Figure 8′s – Start with your arms at your side. Again Feet should be be SWA. Make a figure 8 with your hand and arm. Your Palm should always be facing the way you are moving. This is very useful for people with Rotator Cuff problems.
  • Others – For more workout ideas with a Resistance band visit the Sports Injury Clinic website

All you have to do is couple this with some ab work and maybe a quick run and you’ve got a full body workout without ever having to go to the gym.

Now, these are some very simple workouts that you can do at home or even at the office for a short break. I wish you all the best and feel free to post any questions or comments below!

Determining your Motivation Style

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If you’ve ever watched a college basketball game, the coaching staff in the locker room is trying to “psych” up the team. Sometimes it works; however, it also creates undue stress in what could be your top performers.

Motivation isn’t something that can be taught. It’s also something that a coach or parent shouldn’t be in control of. Allowing an athlete the ability to stay relaxed in a familiar environment is more of a motivation than anything that a coach or parent can say. Staying relaxed and following your routine is vital to performing at your optimum level.

Motivational Styles

  • Fear – The “If you don’t do it, you’ll pay” mentality. Seems to be the old school thought process. Punishment is NOT a motivating factor. It actually causes people to tense up and play/work worse than they would if they were in a calm mindset.
  • Incentives – “If you do it, you can have _____ in return.” Might work for some people, however, it’s putting too much pressure on people to earn the goal. They won’t even appreciate what’s going on around them. This isn’t motivation to play better; it’s only to get the prize.
  • Purpose – This is where a coach, parent or boss’ focus needs to be with athletes or workers. It creates a long term motivational effect. Setting seasonal, monthly and/or yearly goals are the best way to motivate through purpose. However, it’s not just a coach or boss that needs to set these goals. Talk to your team and have them set the goals, your job? Make sure they mesh with what you are trying to accomplish in your program. In turn, these goals will help individuals meet end of the season/year incentives. These can include: Work Bonuses, MVP Awards or even a chance to participate at a State competition.

So, how do I motivate people around me? I give them praise for doing well and recognize their hard work. Sometimes just saying “Thanks for working hard this week” will give someone enough motivation to keep it up. I also allow them the chance to relax they way they want, while making sure they are in the correct physical and mental shape. There is one last piece of the puzzle that I have not mentioned. You have to be motivated yourself. Is it possible to lead a team as an unmotivated leader? In short, no, you have to want to be there in order to motivate others. People will feed off of it and give you the best results.

Now it’s your turn! How do you motivate your employees, athletes or children? How do you motivate yourself? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Do You Handle Disappointment?

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JohnWoodenQuote Do You Handle Disappointment?If you were one of the many Americans watching the Women’s National team make a run toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final you may be somewhat disappointed. However, if you look at the accomplishments of the team, you’ll understand why you shouldn’t be.

Team USA Accomplishments

  • Hope Solo went 1,054 minutes without allowing a goal.
  • Team USA only lost 3 matches in 2011 – Four Nations Tournament, International Friendly and to Sweden in the Women’s World Cup.
  • Made it to the World Cup Final defeating Brazil. Undoubtedly a top contender.

So in all honesty, what’s there to be disappointed about? The women’s world soccer program was rejuvenated by the 2011 World Cup because of the performance of the US Women.

I know people don’t like to lose, but sometimes you have to look at the entire result of a game, meet or match. Did you accomplish more than you ever thought you could? Did you improve upon previous attempts? Did you team come together in a time of struggle?

These things are more important than winning. While it can help boost a team’s morale by winning the big game, it’s your job as a parent, coach or friend to make the team realize that they did a hell of a job even without the “W”.

So how do you manage to overcome disappointment? Are you irritated when you lose or are you pleased to just be given the chance? Share your thoughts, I’m listening.

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