I just got done watching the True Hollywood Stories “Cheerleading” episode and yet again the industry is associated with all of the negativity that happens throughout the year, not all the great things cheerleaders are doing around the world. I want to get your perspective … who saw the show and what did you think?
As part of my position as Camp Director with COA (Cheerleaders of America), I run daily coaches classes where I cover various topics that hopefully help the coaches run a more successful program.
I recently came home from a camp in Columbus, Ohio and I think my second coaches meeting went so well that I’d like to share it with you…
As the coaches arrived, I had them each take 4 M&M’s from a bad I’d purchased minutes earlier. As they took their seats I explained that they were not to eat the M&M’s until I said so. I then went on to assign a question to each of the colors:
Red - What do you hope to learn?
Yellow - What is your biggest concern about being on/coaching team?
Green - What is the riskiest thing you’ve ever done?
Brown - What is the best team you’ve ever been on/coached? Why?
Orange - What is your major strength as a team player/coach?
Blue - What are you most proud of?
They had to find someone else with the same color and both share their answers to the correspconding questions. They got 5 minutes per color and then had to switch partners. The only rule was that they could not talk to the same person twice (even over a different color M&M). Once the 5 minutes was up, they could eat the M*M.
This ice breaking game was intended to show them a fun way that they can get their team to bond. Team bonding is a very important process that will help to ensure a close-knit team. A strong cheerleading squad is one that shares purpose and desire. Playing teambuiling games are a fun way to break down walls in communication, provide avenues that encourage discussion, and increase productivity.
I continued the class by taking about the importance of goal setting… When I am introduced to a new team, I have them right down 3 goals, sort of a personal mission statement.
1. Short term
2. Long term
3. Team goal
When writing their goals, they must write in present tense. Example of a short term goal: Today is September 15 and CheerOutLoud.com has successfully launched.
I believe that there is power behind writing down your goals because they are no longer just an idea. But I even more believe that by speaking your goals to people that will support and encourage you, you are already on your way to making them come to be.
Once the entire team, including the coaches, have spoken their goals (in the present tense, and with conviction), I collect the goals and hold on to them to refer back to throughout the season. Reminding the cheerleaders of their goals on a frequent basis will helping realize their goals much sooner.
I believe that if you, as a coach, can encourage your cheerleaders to consistently improve themselves by always trying to be better than themselves, that they will develop positive habits. And positive attracts positive so… I’d be willing to bet that not only will they achieve their goals faster, but long term goals will become short term goals and team goals will become a reason to celebrate.
To close out my class I shared two quotes that I have carried with me for many years:
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” - Buddha
“Be absolutely determined to enjoy what you do.” - Gerry Sikorski
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Now playing: Reel Big Fish - Sell Out
via FoxyTunes
“There is no achievement without goals.”
Mckain, Robert J.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to say “it was meant-to-be” whenever a dream or goal comes true? And how much easier it is to give up and walk away from a dream simply because it was difficult?
Some goals require a tremendous amount of effort, however, difficulty is not necessarily a sign that our hopes and plans are a lost cause. Quite the opposite actually, difficulties and challenges along the way can be more important than the initial goal.
I find that when I want something, the fastest way for me to get it is to write it down. When I create a list of what I want, citing each item in as much detail as possible, my aspirations take on new substance. What was once a mere wish becomes real and achievable when put into words. As you pour the contents of your heart and soul into your list, your well-defined ambitions become a part of you, and like magic, new opportunities related to your goals will appear in your path. The words and ideas that we think can shape our lives and drive us toward success and happiness or failure and distress.
How you think and feel can have a profound effect on your ability to recognize opportunity, how well you perform, and the outcome of the goals that you’ve set for yourself. Positive thinking dramatically increases your chances of success.
If you keep your list in a convenient spot and review it daily, you will remind yourself that you are truly committed while keeping your goals fresh in your mind. Once you are committed to embracing positive thinking, you’ll start believing that everything that you want is within your grasp.
As a player, a coach, and a spokesman, Mike Ditka has firmly established himself among the legends. I was fortunate enough to be one of about 100 people to hear him speak this morning. Prior to Mike Ditka was a guest speaker, a retired football player from the NY Giants, Brad Benson. Benson transformed his winning skills on the gridiron to become one of the area’s leading marketers and most successful business people! It was a privilege to hear them both speak.
Brad Benson’s most influential statement was this… “If you can revert to basics when others are in a crunch, you’ve got the edge.”
This was a simple reminder to me that fundamentals are the key. I remember my days competing, the long days spent at high schools around the area, sitting and waiting and pretending not to be nervous for benefit of my team. By the time I actually stepped out onto the mat, I had gone over the routine in my head so many times that there was no way I would forget where I was supposed to go or what words to say when. The all the sudden the music would come on and everything I had just prepared for was gone… I had nothing to rely on but my instinct. Focusing on the fundamentals and practicing as if it were competition, every time, had trained my mind and body to perform without even thinking.
After a 20 minute break, it was time for Mike Ditka to take the podium. Brad Benson was asked to introduce him. Brad had never personally met Mike and actual played for one of the other (arguably) best coaches in the NFL so what he said was interesting. He said that having just sat next to him for a few minutes, he got the distinct feeling that he [Mike Ditka] was the sort of person that could change your perspective on anything, in an instant; and that is the kind of coach he would have loved to play for.
Mike Ditka only spoke for about 40 minutes but the little he said was packed with valuable information. He said if you want to be mediocre, no one will stop you. If you want to be a winner, be successful, there’s a price to pay: you’ve got to stay longer, practice harder, and do everything right, all the time. You must have a commitment to excellence.
He said, “It’s all about the ACE.” ACE is an acronym for Attitude, Character, Enthusiasm.
Attitude is something that you choose. You are a product of what you think.
Character is who you are. Not your reputation (what people perceive of you) but what you do when you’re alone. Whether you do what you know is right.
Enthusiasm is the fuel that drives everything. If you don’t like what you are doing, don’t do it. If you do like what you are doing, do it as well as you can.
He left me with one final thing… he was talking about his Super Bowl experience as a player when he said that the day he fully understood how to be the best was when he realized how to play as a teammate and not an individual. He said that by playing more for the team than for himself, he was able to inspire others to be their best and they went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
Something extra… I’d like to start a conversation between all of us to get some feedback about your experiences… what are some things you really dislike about the sport? What are some things you’d like to see more of? I’m talking… at competition, in regards to your coaches, how your uniform could fit better, etc.
Either post a comment to this post, or email me directly at info@cheeroutloud.com
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