HOW ARE YOU COACHING OR BEING COACHED

Every morning I wake up and look for the light from the sun. I always like to tell my friends,  "if you wake up and there is no light, go find it! For light produces energy." It is very important to start the day with an optimistic attitude. But even more, it is important to have someone who will inspire and HELP you look for the light when you just can't seem to find it yourself. This is when the "coaching" begins.

This morning my sorority sister and I attended Impact Church in Atlanta, Ga. As soon as service ended I told her the pastor was speaking directly to me. However, I forgot to tell her he was not only speaking to me, but to her, to our friends, to our parents, to any and everyone who has been in the capacity to give another person advice. A coach, as Pastor Olu defined, is ANYONE who is able to bring out the very best in another. A person who is able to HELP bring forth those hidden gifts that someone may not know they have. A coach is able to identify greatness in someone and continuously push them to achieve all that God has set out for them. Without a coach(also a mentor), one may be able to achieve their goals, but it's less likely that he or she will use ALL that God has blessed them with.  In using Olu's definition of a coach, I would like to believe we all have been coaches or will be coaches at some point in our lives.  But the ultimate question to answer is, "How are you coaching or being coached?"

Pastor Olu presented four ways in which a coach should ensure he or she is fulfilling the duties of bringing out the best in his players. I strongly believe that if we are able to follow these steps as coaches, we will be able to watch our love ones excel beyond limitations. Even more, we will feel ourselves growing and using gifts we never thought to use before.

IDENTIFY


What are your friends hidden gifts and talents? Is it painting, singing, writing, dancing, spoken word? Once you  are able to help someone identify their hidden treasures, as a coach, it is up to you to give them information on how to further use their blessings.


INFORM

In giving information, it is most important that We ALL have a teachable spirit. Many times we remain apprehensive of the information presented to us because of who is presenting it. As Olu stated, misinformation is misinformation no matter who it comes from. As a coach, you must push your player to let go of misinformation so that new and beneficial information may come in. We must remain open to wisdom from our elders and remain open to wise information from our peers. Don't dismiss valuable lessons and advice from your doctor just because you are seeking a career in music.

INSPIRE


Look at it this way... If you are lacking inspiration in life, who are you listening to, who has been coaching you? Make sure you are able to INSPIRE your players to pursue their dreams!


IMPLEMENT


This is the stage of execution. If your were able to inspire your player, he or she will go on to live out the life God has planned for them. Many times all we need is someone to HELP us seek the light. Never give up on a player... ALWAYS push your player to find the light. After all, light produces energy.

" The ultimate way to successfully live out the life, is to have a teachable spirit."

Folasade Omogun