Lessons from blueberries

This morning I dropped a container of blueberries and they fell all over the kitchen floor.  

At this point I could have done one of two things; gotten upset at the fact that I had to take the time to clean up the mess or laughed at my clumsiness and picked up the blueberries.  

I initially started to get frustrated and then realized that it wasn't worth wasting the time or energy getting upset at such a minuscule thing. I think this was a simple lesson that so many of us as coaches and athletes make day in and day out.  

We get upset and mad at a little thing that we couldn't do or get upset at an athlete for a mistake that they made.  I'm all about paying attention to details as well as holding yourself and athletes accountable for doing little things, but I think we have to put things in context as every situation depends.  

If an athlete is making a mistake for a lack of effort, I will let them know about it and educate them how their lack of effort isn't going to help them succeed.  

If they make a mistake while demonstrating great effort, you have to realize that it's not worth getting irritated. Teach them what they did wrong, correct it and praise their effort.  

Too many coaches lose sight of the big picture and take every mistake to heart.  

If you find yourself showing displeasure at every single issue that comes up then athletes will soon tune it out and when you really need to make a point about something it will go in one ear and out the other.  

If you don't correct these things they will come back to haunt you, but realize that every mistake isn't intentional and isn't the end of the world.  

It will be better for your health, sanity and your athletes will respect you as well.

It comes back to knowing those you coach and looking to get the best out of them.

This only comes by truly connecting with each and every person you are fortunate enough to work with.

Often times, if we can take a step back from a difficult situation, and take a breath, we will find clarity.

I know I found mine through blueberries.