It’s easier to be an a-hole
It’s the thick of track season for me. Meets every other day. Canceled meets and line up redos. Hard practices. It’s the grind right now.
I love it. But I’m tired. I can feel it. My eyes take longer to focus. The Wordle takes me longer to do because my brain is a tad too foggy. And well, mostly, my patience-meter is on zero.
You forgot your shoes? It’s week 11 of practice, how could you forgot your shoes?!
Your child lost their sandwich? really, you want me to spend my coaching time searching for a 15 year-old’s sandwich…
You’re walking? You’re jogging? Are you even trying?!!
You want to skip practice for what? a haircut? a prom-posal? your cousin’s best friend’s brother’s 8 year-old birthday party?…
Sometimes, it’s just easier to be an asshole. Sorry for my swearing. But it feels like it fits here.
It’s just easier to say NO. NOPE. NOT TODAY. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! WHO DOES THAT?! Just leave- quit the team- leave I never want to see you again.
I get why coaches just turn into a jerk.
Patience wears thin.
One hundred million decisions are made in one single day.
So many distractions.
Mostly, you’re just tired. Overwhelmed, run-down, and tired.
So I get it. A-hole vibes sometimes are just easier.
In the moment, it’s easier.
It gets the job done. Gets your point across.
Asserts your power in the situation.
But longterm… you’re just an ass.
You win that moment, but what about the moments that follow?
The relationships?
The trust?
The culture of your program, your team, your legacy?
I don’t know. Being an a-hole is easier, I get it. I wanted to scream and say snarky things all week.
Honestly, I did say a few. And well, I had to go back and apologize.
Because I may win that moment, but I lose the kid.
When I lose the kid, it’s hard to win them back.
To all my friends out there, I know you’re tired. I know spring just springs with a million appointments on your calendar. Take a moment, close your eyes, and
B-R-E-A-T-H-E.
Trust your values. Honor your boundaries. Keep doing the hard thing, and win the kid!
(and maybe, treat yourself to some ice cream!).
#playyou
Coach D