Are you Leading or just Taking a Walk?

Often in young people you get the whole range of self-perception. There are those who others naturally look up to, but do not necessary see themselves as leaders, all the way to those who think they should be the leader, but are not well-received by their peers. Leadership is a very broad topic. There are many types of leadership styles, and there are many different ways to lead (example, vocal, etc.). Leaders need the respect of those around them. You cannot demand to be a leader and be successful. And, as you can see in some of my previous posts on leadership, a successful leader thinks about those they are leading and puts them above themselves. 

Too often a strong personality tries to assume the role as leader. They rub others the wrong way. They belittle those around them instead of building them up. They do what is in their personal best interest instead of the best interest of the team. These types of leaders need to stop and take a look behind them. A leader has followers; if no one is behind you......you are just taking a walk.

I Can

Two simple words, "I can." Both words show up on a kindergarten vocabulary list, but there is nothing elementary about the two words when they are placed side by side. So often we put too much thinking into something we are trying to accomplish: athletic goals, academic success, work, and/ or family responsibilities. The more things linger in our mind, the more we seem to fixate on why we are not, or cannot, achieve what we want to accomplish. Keep it simple. "I can," when said enough times becomes "I CAN!" Set your self on the path to accomplishment. Focus on your strengths and allow yourself to travel down the road leading to success. And, with every step and every obstacle on the way.....say, "I can."

What is most important?

Another season has come and gone and I know I have been really slacking on my posts. As I begin to reflect on the season my mind has become fixed on the question, "What is most important?" When I was a younger coach I would have immediately answered, "Wins and losses!" Now, I find myself looking more at the team and what they have accomplished together, and I look at the individuals who make up the team and how they have progressed through the season and through the years. The seniors have especially sparked my thoughts. From freshman to seniors they have changed immensely. And, change does not only come in the form of softball skill, but as people. This brings me back to my original question, "What is most important?" As a coach and a teacher my greatest sense of accomplishment is seeing the transformation of my players as people. The passion, hard work, commitment, competitiveness, and emotion throughout all of the practices and games helps to form the person they are and are continuing to become. I enjoy seeing the freshman who stood in the background become the senior that all of the other players look to and look up to. The more and more I reflect on the season, the less it becomes about the game of softball and the more it becomes about the softball players. I have enjoyed the season and look forward to preparing for the next, but for now I continue to think of my players and how proud I am of them, and how thankful I am that they let me be a part of their team.

There are NO "Little Things!"

I am sure many of you have heard, "We just have to do the little things to be successful." Turns out that if all you have to do is the "little things" to succeed, those "little things" must not be that little after all. Many aspects of our game, softball, are very easy: playing catch, fielding a ground ball, taking good angles to balls, etc. (I will say that hitting is not among this list) With that said, we still have to devote time and focus to make sure that we are attacking these skills appropriately. There are no "little things" in our game.

We must make sure that we do not fall into the trap of false language. If we continue to say things like, "we would have won if we would have done the 'little things'," we will soon give in to talk like, "we only lost by one run. That isn't too bad." Focus, work hard, and devote time to improving yourself mentally and physically in all aspects and the game will come easy because you focused on the process and your body knows what to do in each and every situation.

What's Your Greatest Obstacle?

My two least favorite excuses, "It's too hard," and "I can't!" I find these comments to be selfish, and usually stated by someone who wants to do the very least possible. Too often athletes complain about things like the heat, the cold, being bored, running a mile, etc. Coach T sent me this video of a young man that shows great determination and heart. I hope that this story is refreshing and opens all of our eyes to what is possible if we work hard, stay committed, and play with heart.

Crusaders For A Cure

Teamwork is defined by Webster as “work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.” Simply put, sacrificing self for the good of the whole. Great teams work hard together toward a common goal. For the Helias Softball Team that goal is usually tied to the pursuit of a state championship, but for one weekend that goal became something much greater.

On Friday, June 6, through Saturday, June 7, the Helias Softball Team took on their toughest opponent in school history, cancer. The Helias Softball Team became Crusaders For A Cure at the Cole County Relay For Life. Helias Softball players, their parents, and grandparents all took part in the 12 hour event, raising money to help find a cure for a disease that has caused so many people immense pain and suffering. The night was filled with celebrating the victories of cancer survivors and remembering those taken too soon by the disease.

In this extra inning battle that at times seems to have no end, a group of teenage softball players vowed to band together and do their part to ensure victory over the disease. For the entire event at least one member of the Crusaders For A Cure team was on the track in an effort to show their commitment to finding a cure for cancer.

I hope that every team takes the opportunity to be more than a win in the following morning's box scores. I am very proud to be associated with a team whose hard work and dedication could end up being a win for people who otherwise might have little hope.

Living in the Now

History is an important part of our lives. We talk about past experiences remembering the good and the bad. History helps us repeat or refrain from past decisions. But, as an athlete we have to make sure that we do not dwell on negative past experiences.

As athletes we need to live in the present. Clear your mind, focus on the task, and let your preparation take over. In a sport where failing 6 or 7 times at the plate makes you a great hitter, you have to condition your mind to stay focused on the positive and the present. Live in the now! There is plenty of time to prepare your mind before you step into the batters box. The mind is a powerful tool. You have to train yourself to make it your ally, not your foe.

Prepare, be positive, and focus on the present, a quick an easy reminder before you step into the box, or step out on the field.