DRINKING COFFEE & BECOMING A BETTER COACH


 
Breaking Old Habits and Embracing New Ideas

For 64 years, I didn’t drink coffee. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it—I’d just decided at some point that coffee wasn’t for me. It became part of my identity: I was someone who didn’t drink coffee. I never questioned it; it was just the way things were.

Then, one day, something changed. I decided to try it. Maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone, but I gave coffee a chance. And to my surprise, I loved it. Now, having a cup of coffee is one of my favourite things to do each day. I look forward to it, and I’m genuinely happy that I broke the mold of who I thought I was.

But here’s the thing: it wasn’t easy to change. I had to let go of an attachment to my old way of thinking—of the story I’d told myself for so long. I had to open my mind to the idea that I could enjoy something I’d always dismissed. And by doing that, I found something wonderful.


What Does This Have to Do with Coaching?

As coaches, many of us are holding on to habits and ideas from our playing days. We stick to what feels familiar because it’s comfortable—it’s part of who we are. But just like my story with coffee, clinging to old methods might mean we’re missing out on something better.

Your players are growing up in a different era, facing challenges you never encountered as a player. The drills, techniques, and mindsets that worked for you might not be what they need to succeed. By refusing to adapt, you could be holding them back—and yourself too.

This is your opportunity to try something new. It might feel uncomfortable at first. You might resist the idea of letting go of what you know. But just like I discovered with coffee, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to something better—something you didn’t even know you were missing.

So, I challenge you to break the mould of who you think you are as a coach. Open your mind to new ways of thinking, teaching, and inspiring your players. You might just find that the changes you make bring you as much joy and satisfaction as coffee brings me every morning.

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