"CHANGE!"
When I play hockey and I am sitting on the bench between shifts I cannot wait to get back out on to the ice. I sit with gloves perched over the top of the boards, watching the man I am going out for slowly run out of gas, hoping to see him turn towards the bench and hear him call out "change!" That's about the only time in life I like to hear that word.
You see, outside the rink, I am all about comfort and familiarity. I don't assume new roles very easily. I do it but I usually think I'm not good enough if I haven't done it (whatever 'it' may be) before. For the last two years I have served as an assistant coach for Danny's hockey team, and in doing so, I have worked for one of the best leaders, motivators, and coaches I know.
Now it's all changed. Danny made the jump up from Squirt 4s to the Squirt 2s this year, leaving his old coach, his closest friends, and familiar teammates behind. Now he has all new teammates and a new head coach - me. I am now the one responsible for leading, motivating, and coaching thirteen 10 year olds, four days a week, for the next 8 months.
When asked if I would be willing to consider coaching the team my first reaction was, "I can't do that - there are so many other, better qualified people." I know what huge responsibility it is and my greatest fear is that I would somehow fail the kids. But, after some thought, and listening to Deb tell me I was ready, I accepted.
As a result, my comfort zone is being pushed and I find myself in situations that I usually don't feel comfortable in. I still can't help but compare myself to others, but I am really enjoying the kids and the role of Coach, and I find myself wanting 'it' even more - for a change.
When I play hockey and I am sitting on the bench between shifts I cannot wait to get back out on to the ice. I sit with gloves perched over the top of the boards, watching the man I am going out for slowly run out of gas, hoping to see him turn towards the bench and hear him call out "change!" That's about the only time in life I like to hear that word.
You see, outside the rink, I am all about comfort and familiarity. I don't assume new roles very easily. I do it but I usually think I'm not good enough if I haven't done it (whatever 'it' may be) before. For the last two years I have served as an assistant coach for Danny's hockey team, and in doing so, I have worked for one of the best leaders, motivators, and coaches I know.
Now it's all changed. Danny made the jump up from Squirt 4s to the Squirt 2s this year, leaving his old coach, his closest friends, and familiar teammates behind. Now he has all new teammates and a new head coach - me. I am now the one responsible for leading, motivating, and coaching thirteen 10 year olds, four days a week, for the next 8 months.
When asked if I would be willing to consider coaching the team my first reaction was, "I can't do that - there are so many other, better qualified people." I know what huge responsibility it is and my greatest fear is that I would somehow fail the kids. But, after some thought, and listening to Deb tell me I was ready, I accepted.
As a result, my comfort zone is being pushed and I find myself in situations that I usually don't feel comfortable in. I still can't help but compare myself to others, but I am really enjoying the kids and the role of Coach, and I find myself wanting 'it' even more - for a change.
2 comments:
The Big Coach in the sky has yelled "change" a couple of times this year for me, Scott. And, no, I don't handle it well. After 18 years at a middle school where I had to explain to students what end of the pencil to write with, I started teaching at a high school where students apply to Duke just in case they don't get into Brown (ok, maybe that's an exaggeration). URI may as well be a community college. Yes, I can completely relate to what you are going through. You will succeed. I think I have learned to embrace the line change. At least we are still on the team. When that coach in the sky cuts you from the team, then we may have some bigger issues. Keep us posted...
This is classic. I am googling a client of mine and your name comes up! What's up buddy?!?! I am glad to see that you,Debbie and the kids are doing well. I cannot believe that it has been this long since I have seen them. I am actually meeting a buddy of mine in Boston this weekend. Call me at 917-690-2179 or 212-795-0072 to catch up. Say hello to all!
-Peace,
Ron Schneider
(your favorite URI and DC Roomie)
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