A successful track and field coach known for developing outstanding athletes was asked how he trained his team. Certainly he owed his success to some super-secret and unique training regimen, right? Probably he espoused a certain diet and a complex array of spectacular cutting-edge supplements, yes? Without question his success was dependent on a fancy, elaborate, exclusive and expensive training facility with state-of-the-art accommodations, correct?
No, in every case. The grizzled coach attributes his success to 4 tenets, none of which involves fancy-pants exercises, new-wave diets or posh digs. Each of the 4 seems unrelated to athletic accomplishment, but the possessor of numerous titles, awards, records and victories insists that they are accurate, reliable predictors of success on the track, in the classroom, and in life.
He answers in his typical gruff, no-nonsense way. "I require that every athlete on my team do 4 things, each day, in order to wear the uniform. If they do these 4 things on and off the track, I know they will triumph wherever they are in life. It's a given, as my record proves."
1. Floss their teeth twice per day. "If they can't take the time to floss, they won't take the time to get in shape and compete at their highest level. If they don't care enough to floss, they won't make the effort to be their best."
2. Make eye contact while they listen. "If they don't pay attention, they won't learn. And if they won't pay attention, they aren't worth my time."
3. Learn, and use, the names of all their teammates. "If they don't know, they can't care. If they don't care, they don't belong. Everyone is an individual, and an indispensable part of the team."
4. Use the phrases "yes, sir" and "no, sir" or "yes, ma'am" and "no ma'am." "Words mean specific things, and these words convey respect and caring and attention to detail. Anything less is unacceptable."
There is wisdom in his words, for everything in life is connected. Display appropriate behavior in a single area of your life and its influence permeates every aspect of your life. Make these 4 rules pillars of your behavior, and you'll be a great success.
No, in every case. The grizzled coach attributes his success to 4 tenets, none of which involves fancy-pants exercises, new-wave diets or posh digs. Each of the 4 seems unrelated to athletic accomplishment, but the possessor of numerous titles, awards, records and victories insists that they are accurate, reliable predictors of success on the track, in the classroom, and in life.
He answers in his typical gruff, no-nonsense way. "I require that every athlete on my team do 4 things, each day, in order to wear the uniform. If they do these 4 things on and off the track, I know they will triumph wherever they are in life. It's a given, as my record proves."
1. Floss their teeth twice per day. "If they can't take the time to floss, they won't take the time to get in shape and compete at their highest level. If they don't care enough to floss, they won't make the effort to be their best."
2. Make eye contact while they listen. "If they don't pay attention, they won't learn. And if they won't pay attention, they aren't worth my time."
3. Learn, and use, the names of all their teammates. "If they don't know, they can't care. If they don't care, they don't belong. Everyone is an individual, and an indispensable part of the team."
4. Use the phrases "yes, sir" and "no, sir" or "yes, ma'am" and "no ma'am." "Words mean specific things, and these words convey respect and caring and attention to detail. Anything less is unacceptable."
There is wisdom in his words, for everything in life is connected. Display appropriate behavior in a single area of your life and its influence permeates every aspect of your life. Make these 4 rules pillars of your behavior, and you'll be a great success.
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