SHOWER REGULARLY
The famous author and speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “People often say motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” His words serve as a simple reminder that 1) our words can have a powerful influence on others, and 2) those words need to be spoken frequently. Whether you’re a parent or a coach here today, the words you speak into the lives of your young athletes – and the frequency with which you speak those words – really do matter. I hope you’ll recognize and accept the important responsibility you have to shower them regularly with support and encouragement.
Of course it would be nice for all of us if motivation did last, and if one encouraging word was all it took to keep us moving forward. But life, as you may know, is full of challenges. It can be hard for us as adults, and in many ways even harder for those young people we're working to raise. Our kids need a daily dose of motivation the way they need a daily dose of personal hygiene. The longer they go without either one, the worse off they become.
Our kids need a daily dose of motivation the way they need a daily dose of personal hygiene. The longer they go without either one, the worse off they become.
So what might that daily dose of motivation look like from you? Whether you’re a parent or a coach, here are a few practical ways you can support and encourage your young athlete today:
-shoot them a text
-tell them you’re proud of them
-celebrate their successes - even the small ones
-leave them a note (in their lunchbox, on their pillow, in their backpack, or in their locker)
-share an inspirational quote, bible verse, book passage, or poem
-give them a hug, a handshake, a high five, or a fist bump
-reaffirm your belief in them
-validate their important role on the team
-tell them how much you love watching them compete
-compliment them to another adult in their presence
-send them an email
-share an inspirational YouTube video
-pray with them
-look them in the eye and smile when you see them
-clarify your vision for who they can become
-mail them a letter to their home address
-outline a plan for the challenges ahead
-send them an email
-let them see you cheering for them
-find something they’re better at than you were as a kid, and tell them about it
-praise their effort and/or attitude
-highlight what makes them unique
Of course these are only a few of the many possibilities. I don’t know how exactly you might go about it, but I do know that helping the kids in your care become champions today will probably require some motivating. They may not always recognize or acknowledge that need for themselves. They may even play it off like your support and encouragement are no big deal, but that doesn’t mean their need doesn’t exist.
Depending on their age, they may not recognize or acknowledge their need for bathing every day either, but you know they need it, right? That's why you're leading the way, because you know a few things they don't. The same principle applies here. So see clearly the important role your motivating words and actions play in helping your child become their best. Give them what they need. Do the work. And shower regularly.