Wednesday, June 17, 2009

PREPARE FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY

So often coaches (as well as people) soak in self-pity at the professional situation they are currently in -- while others with positive attitudes realize that no matter where you are, it is a chance to grow and learn. As Coach Don Meyer taught me, "It not where you coach but why you coach." Each job opportunity we have is a chance to get better prepared for the next one -- if we have the right attitude and spend a lifetime preparing.

There can be no better example that Vince Lombardi. The following comes from "Coaching for Teamwork," written by his son, Vince Lombardi, Jr.

Vince Lombardi waited -- was forced to wait -- until he was 47 years old to become a head football coach, while other, younger men were hired. He spend that time well; rather than fret about lost opportunities, he planned and thought, observed and reflected and learned from each experience. And when he finally became head coach of the Packers, he knew exactly what he wanted for his team, and he knew precisely how he was going to obtain it.