Great Players Want to Be Told The Truth

I coach my kids.  I love coaching my kids.  It's one of the most enjoyable things that I do.  My oldest is pretty committed to being the best that she can be.  She allows me to push her more than the average kid, but sometimes she doesn't want to hear what I have to say.

That's natural for kids, its natural for athletes, so with time and prayer, I have learned to have the patience to respond appropriately and without anger (a lot of time and a lot of prayer).

I simply remind her of what her goals are (shared vision) and remind her of the work, effort, and sacrifice that it will take to accomplish those goals.

I also remind her that coaches will pour into you as much as you allow, and the best players find a way to allow their coaches to pour into them as much as they need.

I remind her that her best skills need to be her ability to listen, learn, and apply, along with the grit and courage to try something new and stick with it until she masters it.

Then I was reminded of this quote by Doc Rivers.

"Average Players want to be left alone.
Good players want to be coached.
Great players want to be told the truth.“

The conversations now when she gets frustrated are, 'Do you want me to leave you alone, or do you want me to keep pushing you, pulling you, and guiding you along until you get it right?'

With time and prayer, she is getting it.  These are sports conversations, but these are also LIFE conversations.  I hope that they help someone else and their journey.