Thoughts from Donna:
I am currently reading a book entitled, The Coaching Bible, it is designed for football and was given to my brother, Rick, by notorious coach and enthusiastic leader Mack Brown. Inside the front cover he wrote, “Rick, Thanks for all you do for football and young people! I am really proud of you. Keep up the good work. Your friend, Mack.”
As we take on the calling to develop future leaders with character, I encourage you to be an eager recipient of the wisdom from just the first couple of chapters that I want to share with you. At this point in our lives we all realize that discipline, conditioning, attitude, commitment, motivation, and morale are all important to success. These crucial elements are therefore something we must continually study, monitor and address.
My passion for Legacy has grown from witnessing the fruits of our labor in smiling, confident faces. I am making extraordinary effort to gain bits of knowledge that I believe will help our team achieve success and never stop improving. As you all know, I am out to please God, not the world, and as a result I have developed an excellent vision on the line of scrimmage. I do hope to please you all and strive for excellent cohesiveness. Constructive criticism will be essential to our growth and communication is key.
Self-discipline has to do with control of your emotions and your decision-making process. It is important that we discipline ourselves by being accountable, making decisions with forethought, being safe, and by being part of the solution as we face the problems of life. We will face problems and there is bound to be strife, but as we build team unity based on honesty and truth we will grow strong. “Lessons taught on the field of strife, have been invaluable as I’ve faced my life.”
Youth today are looking for and in need of someone to teach them how to play the game and how to live life. They need coaches and mentors, and the great thing about positive influence is that it goes on and on, leaving a legacy.
As a part of this team, we need to be loyal and make every effort to contribute. Loyalty is not a problem when you are winning and rolling in the dough. Loyalty becomes a challenge when thing are not going so well and negativism abounds. Let’s continue to be loyal to our calling.
A credo that lays a foundation for success is, “We don’t care who gets the credit as long as the job gets done.” Here is a story to illustrate the point. A frog asked two geese to take him south with them. At first they resisted; they didn’t see how they could do it. Finally the frog suggested that the two geese hold a stick in their beaks and he would hold onto it with his mouth. So off the unlikely threesome went, flying southward over the countryside. It was quite a sight. People looked up and expressed great admiration at this demonstration of creative teamwork. Someone yelled, “It’s wonderful. Who was so clever to discover such a fine way to travel?” The frog opened his mouth and said, “It was I,” as he plummeted to the ground.
We are fortunate to be assembling the best of the best. As we continue to care, focus on our subject matter, expand, keep discipline, and teach self-motivation we will be the best teachers, coaches and mentors the kids could ever have. To be effective we need to encourage, praise, show acceptance and approval because doing so builds self-confidence. Every child should know how worthy they are of love and admiration. As we do our job well, people will seek us out, so be prepared to counsel and encourage! If you believe in what you’re doing and your heart is in your work, you will be able to motivate others to heights they never believed possible. The character of a leader, a team, and an entire program depends on honesty from all those involved. You cannot motivate without honesty. You cannot assemble a highly motivated team unless they know you speak the truth. The core of leadership is honesty. You can develop a trusting relationship with only people who believe in you, the program, the team and themselves. Someone told me recently that I discredit myself when giving the glory to God. I can honestly say, I have no other choice nor desire.
“The difference between champions and near champions is the ability to play for something outside of self.” As I delve deeper into my faith of the Creator, the power is inconceivable and exactly what we are going to need to get this job done. Let’s not just talk motivation, let’s live it.
Please read these words carefully and digest the message within:
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way;
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but examples are always clear.
And, best of all, the preachers are the men who live their creeds;
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it, if you’ll let me see it done;
I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very fine and true,
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do;
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give;
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live!
Raising my children, working on Legacy and praising God are all the things that make my heart “full of joy”.
Thank you all for your dedication to our vision! Full steam ahead!
Sincerely,
Donna
