Coaching is more mental than it is physical. We spend more time thinking during a practice than we do actually moving our bodies. We are problem-solvers, observers, and researchers. We are making numerous split-second decisions. We are communicating in various ways. We are retaining knowledge and giving knowledge. We are reading emotions, motivation levels, and curriculum pages. The mental work we put into every practice moves mountains and changes the world one girl at a time! In this episode of IGNITE, we will explore the ways we use our Champion Minds in every practice and beyond.
As coaches, we are natural observers. We are using all of our senses at max capacity to interpret our surroundings. We are observing multiple humans with varying moods, abilities, interests, and goals. We notice subtle shifts in energy. We actively listen to classroom issues. We are actively aware of the situational space and the spacial environment. We read body language and analyze objectively. As observers, we notice 3rd graders who naturally want everything to be a game. We notice 5th graders who thoroughly love a physical challenge. As observers, we pay attention to a nine-year-old who tires easily and says everything is boring. We settle the eleven-year-old who loves to argue and is in constant motion. With our Champion Mind, we understand everyone has growing seasons- mentally, emotionally, and physically. Our natural ability to observe as a coach, assists the team with clarity to see the journey we are all navigating and the goals that can be accomplished.
As coaches, we are natural thinkers who hold knowledge. We may not hold knowledge in running or coaching. We may not hold knowledge in building confidence in girls. But we hold knowledge in something. And we can use that something to coach runners and build confidence. Coaching is less about “teaching” and more about Anthropology. According to siri definition, Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity that crosses biology and sociology, concerned with human behavior, human biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics. As natural thinkers we are analyzing the girls reactions, responses, and relationships throughout the team and practice. We hold knowledge in the life area where we are experts. We are nurses, project managers, assistants, directors, chefs, journalists, and the list goes on. Applying that knowledge to our girls and our practices, makes our connections more authentic and boosts confidence in everyone. Applying our own real-life stories, what we know a great deal about, builds bridges in comprehension and connections. Our Champion Minds hold enough knowledge to relate to feeling discouraged, misunderstood, empowered, and encouraged. With our Champion Minds, we can flip the script and use our own “I CAN” knowledge to move our girls in their journeys.
As coaches, we are natural problem-solvers. Sometimes to a fault. We hear a small tone shift, our ears perk up, and we immediately gravitate to the person to help soothe, calm, or distract. We believe we do not want conflict. It is understandable. Conflict feels uncomfortable, uncontrollable, and unwanted. There are two types of conflict: internal and external. We naturally encourage the internal conflict with our girls and team. Our internal conflict revolves around our goals, morals, and impulses. We want them challenged with their goals. We want their morals challenged to feel strength in what they believe in. External conflict comes when our own feelings, thoughts and reality do not align with someone else’s behavior or expectations. External conflict is discouraged and we try to avoid it most times. Yet, external conflict is unavoidable and should be welcomed into our practices. We are giving our girls the tools to succeed as an advocate, decision-maker, leader, and community resource. Each of those require external conflict. Without conflict, what will we advocate for? Without conflict, how do we show our strength as a leader? Without conflict, resources would not be needed. Our practices are the safest place to practice problem-solving life conflicts. With our Champion Minds we facilitate and nourish conflict that arises to allow the girls the freedom to try out their tools in real time. Use some of their own stories for “why would you be their friend or why not.” Make it organically real for them. Allow girls to argue, get loud about it, and attempt to work it out in the way they have interpreted our lessons and feel they should. With our Champion Mind, we know to be their guide and facilitator to problem solving, making them master advocates, decision-makers, leaders, and resources.
The mental work we accomplish as coaches moves mountains in our girls and our team. We are actively listening, goal setting, giving constructive feedback, questioning, reflecting, planning, persevering, and leading. We are Champion Coaches igniting our Champion Minds to build relationships, conquer challenges, and change our world one girl at a time!
WATCH HOW TO IGNITE YOUR CHAMPION MIND
Shayla A is the Coach Mentor for Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City. Her background comes from the classroom, coaching, day treatment schools, wellness, and advocating for children with special needs. She enjoys empowering and advocating for girls and coaches in every challenge and celebration. Connect with her for support and assistance this season via call, text, or email: shaylaaranda@gmail.com, 816-284-9770.
RESOURCE LIST TO IGNITE YOUR CHAMPION MIND:
- Mental Power: Unlock Your Hidden Potential by Maia Bachiashvili
- Keep Sharp by Dr. Sanjay Gupta
- Why My Brain is Magic: A positive Story About Celebrating ADHD, Neurodiversity, and Brilliant Kids by Childlike Mischievous