How Can I Get You A Date In 10 Seconds?

Standards are set by you. Setting standards, knowing them, writing them down, and upholding them even through challenging moments. Standards may be different from one person to the next, but that’s okay, what is vital is having them.

It is an internal game in coaching, executing at a high level, relationships, and in living life. There is a key lesson that Kent shared, “make sure you have them…” Going through life with loosely based standards puts you in a position to live your life on other people’s terms.

Verbalize them. Double down to get more clear on your standards by writing them down and testing them over time. Changed your mind? Good! Iterate and improve them as you grow and evolve. Change is one of the only constants in our life. We will change throughout life and our standards can evolve with us. The KEY is having, knowing, and holding yourself accountable.

In the coaching, it could be standards on your setup routine before executing a deadlift, standards for how to execute a proper exercise, having a coaching checklist, and long-term enjoyment of the training process.

Standards as a student-athlete could be communication, focusing on what is in your control such as effort and engagement, knowing the playbook, having good body language, attending class whenever possible, and making time for yourself outside of sport.

Relationships and life can be different for everyone but the key is setting standards and respecting yourself.

Standards that consistently come up for me in coaching.

1. Be Early, Be Engaged, & Over-communicate. (Keep It Simple)

2. Make it point to fist bump, acknowledge, & say what’s up to every student-athlete before starting training. (How can I make this person feel like they are the only person in the entire world?)

3. Say thank you for the opportunity to coach you & ask for feedback from the session or ways I can do better for who I am coaching. (Gratitude)

Kent’s great lesson brings me back to what author Ryan Holiday has shared many times when practicing Stoicism. Stoicism is an internal game and a personal philosophy. Similar to setting standards, they are meant most of all for YOU! There is crossover when coaching, helping others develop, and being the best version of themselves when holding them accountable or shining a light on a new perspective.

Coaching creates an interesting space where there is a blend of setting standards for yourself, setting standards for a team to be a collective, and at the same time helping individuals develop their own. What gets difficult is improving the craft of coaching, developing accountability, & delivering valuable feedback to others. (Especially to people who may not want it.)

What are your standards? How have they evolved?

What is the most difficult standard to uphold in your life currently?

Some ideas I have recently been thinking about often.

Best Day of the Year, Until Tomorrow…

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