Confidence

The posts on Mentorship by Dr. Giddings have certainly inspired my blog this week since they have come at a very appropriate time.

Last week was the first time in my coaching career that I wrote, and then led, a workout. It consisted of 4×1000 meter runs with a 45 second rest between each, followed by 5×800 meter runs with a 40 second rest between each, for a total of 5 miles. I had reviewed it with the head coach the night before and we were both on board with its purpose and potential benefits, and agreed it would be very challenging. I used the book that many distance coaches use – “Daniels’ Running Formula”– for inspiration. I was set. With all this preparation, I should have had confidence in the workout – and in myself – but instead I came home rather disappointed. One of the athletes was not happy with the workout and her comments made me doubt my coaching abilities and leadership skills. The other athletes who completed the workout did not complain, some even liked it, and the head coach was also pleased! Why, then, was I so upset and fixated on one athlete’s comment?

I know the answer to this question because it has plagued me my entire life: doubt, lack of confidence, perfectionism, and the drive to make everyone around me happy…all of the time. How am I going to become a head coach with skin so thin?

In Coach Summitt’s video in the post below, the first of her 12 principles on how to build a championship team is “Respect Yourself and Others.” I would break this step in half because for me, and perhaps for others, I have to first respect myself before I can start respecting others.