The Throws Doc Podcast

Thank you Liz and Sean for asking great questions yesterday that I could answer on today's episode about goal setting.   Liz's question was-What's a process that actually works? SMART seems superficial/not always helpful Sean asked-When looking long term, how many short term goals are necessary to achieve your long term goal I tried my best to answer these two questions by reviewing what the SMART goal template looks like, the process I've incorporated with my collegiate and post-collegiate athletes, how I'm planning my half ironman training, and how focus plays a key factor in achieving your goals. I've written about goal setting before.  You can click the following link to read more about how I've incorporated Lou Holtz's process with my collegiate athletes https://www.forzathletics.com/docs-thoughts/a-letter-to-my-collegiate-athletes I've also incorporated Jon Gordon's message about telescopes and microscopes as well.  You can read more about that by clicking here

In this brief episode I ramble about coaching, expectations and professional goals for the upcoming year.  If you haven't had the chance to read Jon Gordon's book One Word, you can purchase his book by clicking this link  You read other articles I've written about being focused by clicking here and here You can learn more about Forza Athletics by visiting www.forzathletics.com Instagram www.instagram.com/forzathletics Twitter www.twitter.com/forzathletics Use code "throw" to save on my latest book Thrower: Propelling Towards Greatness - 2nd Edition You can purchase the pdf version by clicking here

We began this season by looking at our vision as a coach, why we coach, and how we want to be remembered.  Looking at Episode 3, the focus was on the end of our career's.  In this episode, I wanted to spend some time discussing how to develop your coaching philosophy.  Our philosophy will change a little bit as we move along with our coaching journey, but some of our core values will remain the same. My philosophy is to illuminate a path for my athlete's that helps them achieve their goals.  I'm ashamed to say that it wasn't always as such.  When I first began coaching my philosophy was "coach-centered".  I was more concerned with what my peers would think of me and how far my athletes threw.  That was pretty much it.  As I have traveled along in my coaching journey, I've had a paradigm shift in the way I coach.  My focus is now "athlete-centered".  I provide my athletes a lot of autonomy in regards to their training, goals, meet selection, etc.  When I first began coaching, I didn't feel comfortable with athlete input.  Now I thrive upon learning more about myself as a coach and most importantly what my athletes think and how I can better coach my athletes throughout the course of a season and their careers! What is your coaching philosophy?  Has it changed since you began coaching?  Why or why not?

It probably isn't something we think about often, but do you ever wonder what people will say about you at your 80th birthday party?  Or, has the thought of what will people say about me at my funeral come across your mind?  If you answered no, you are probably in the majority.  I'm not sure how many people think about these two questions on a daily or even regular basis, but I think about it quite often. In one of my doctorate courses we were asked to present our future legacy to the class.  We were instructed to think about the two questions above, and to provide examples of how we think we had left or would leave our legacy.  We had 30 minutes to give our presentation.  It was a surreal presentation to say the least.  My presentation was filled with tears.  Not of sadness, but of joy.  I asked four former athletes to send me a 30 second video explaining to the class the legacy they think I left upon them.  I didn't watch the video's until class that night.  It was a big chance, but I wanted my expression to be genuine.  I think we all do, don't we? My homework for those of you that listened to this episode.  On a 3x5 index card, write down what you think your coaching legacy will be.  Be as detailed as possible.  Second, after you have written down your legacy thoughts, under each one provide an example or two that suggests you might really be left with this legacy.  This is your opportunity to share all the good things you perceive to have done during your time as a coach.  You don't need to show anyone anything, but be honest with yourself.  How do you think people will remember you?  They may forget all about the awards and championships, but I'm positive they won't forget how you made them feel.

In this episode I discuss how I got back into collegiate coaching by becoming the throwing coach of the Alfred State Pioneers.  I also share my thoughts about coaching through restrictions, quarantine, and limited schedules.

The Throws Doc: Episode 50-The Art of Journaling

The Throws Doc: Episode 49-Positive Self Talk

The Throws Doc: Episode 48-Conference Submission

The Throws Doc: Episode 47-Next Ox Up

The Throws Doc: Episode 46-The Blueprint

The Throws Doc: Episode 45-Walking Through The Process

The Throws Doc: Episode 44-Use Deliberate Words

The Throws Doc: Episode 43-Where You Want To Be

The Throws Doc: Episode 42-Pride, Discipline and Attitude

The Throws Doc: Episode 41-Clarity of Purpose Part 2

The Throws Doc: Episode 40-Clarity of Purpose

The Throws Doc: Episode 39-What Coach Barr Taught Me About Coaching, Competing, and Life

The Throws Doc: Episode 38-Keeping Your Fire Lit

The Throws Doc: Episode 37-Creating an Action Plan

The Throws Doc: Episode 36-Finding Your Commitments