I realize it isn’t Cyber Monday anymore, but a few technical issues hindered me from telling you about this yesterday. I’m going to keep this short and sweet because this is one of the birthday weeks on our family (2 people celebrating this week). Bascially, I’m just here to let you know about THIS.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the ONLY thing.” Honestly, I’ve never cared much for it. It may sound good as a “slogan” and it may be motivating to some and look cool on t-shirts and stuff. But the truth is, it’s totally and completely FALSE. You may or may not agree with me, but in my world, that saying just never really connected with me for a number of reasons. I was reminded of why I feel this way over the course of this softball year.
IF winning truly was everything OR the “only” thing then, technically, there would be no gripes and no grumbles when a championship was won. Everyone that had anything to do with the championship team (parent, fan, player, coach) would be utterly and completely happy and overjoyed if winning really was the ONLY thing. No one on a championship team would ever have any sort of ill feeling or complaint about anything related to the team or the season or the coaching or the players or the organization as a whole if winning was the ONLY thing. But that’s simply not the case.
Even when a team wins a championship there are times when players or parents are not completely happy and satisfied with how the season/tournament went. Why? No, it’s not because they’re cry babies (although some may be). It’s usually because they are HUMAN and because THERE IS MORE TO THIS GAME, TO THIS EXPERIENCE, THAN WINNING!
Don’t get me wrong. Winning is great! Championships are awesome! Any time I step on the field I’m out there to out-do my opponent and come out on top. But these things are not the end all/be all of participating in this sport.
When all is said and done, I wouldn’t want people to remember me only for the championships I’ve been a part of, but hopefully also for positive qualities like integrity, honesty, determination, inspiration, etc. In fact, if they could know me for either championships OR those positive qualities – I would want them to remember me for having those positive qualities. If I had to choose between being known as a coach with those positive qualities and no championships OR a coach with championships and but little integrity, little honesty, and little inspiration – I don’t think I have to tell you which scenario I’d choose. What a shame it would be to be known for a championship or two and nothing else.
Winning isn’t everything nor is it the only thing. However, many have reminded me that while winning isn’t everything, expecting to win and striving for perfection is.
I just received an e-mail about the Coaching E-Course that comes as a FREE Bonus with the Keeping Softball Fun e-book. The message came from Dan M. who just completed the e-course and here is what he had to say:
“I think the e-course is great. I think you are right on the money with all of the messages sent in one week instead of over the course of 4 weeks. It is easy to save and get to it when you get a chance rather than wait……..You have a lot of good information for me to tell the parents and the players. Your coaching style is what I like best during the e-course. Very valuable on how to assess players, parents, and, of course, myself. Thanks for all the good info and I can’t wait to read your e-book!”
Thanks so much Dan. I’m glad you enjoyed the Coaching E-Course!
Right now this e-course is only available when you purchase Keeping Softball Fun, so if you’re a new coach and you’ve been thinking about getting it, don’t forget that this e-course comes as a FREE bonus. Have a wonderful week!