Sharp. Focused. On top of his game. In the zone. Gifted.
These are just a few of the phrases that we use when talking about people who standout. People who we admire or aspire to model. It is easy just to look at their effortless genius in the moment of their greatest performance and forget what got them there. Things like sacrifice, commitment, hard work, perseverance, vision, and faith. It is equally as easy to think that they got there because they are just “that good.” The reality is that behind any leader, athlete, or performer, is a great coach; often more than one.
The reality is that behind any leader, athlete, or performer, is a great coach; often more than one.
Yesterday, I was reminded of the value of a great coach. My close friend, John-Erik Moseler and I, started Dream Year. This year-long coaching process lead by Ben Arment, focused on turning a dream (idea) into a reality based upon what we say are our goals. What struck me during our first call yesterday was the importance of submitting yourself to a coach or coaching process. During our conversation Ben was able to identify a critical point of contradiction in our thinking that could have led to failure before we ever got started.
Each year, a group of audacious people goes through a process to achieve a larger than life dream in one year. The participants include everyone from filmmakers and church planters to entrepreneurs and authors. No dream is too big, and no idea is too far-fetched.
The journey is called Dream Year.
Coming out of that call I reflected on what makes a great coach great:
- They encourage your strengths and direct you to build on them.
- They challenge you to say “No” to more than you say “Yes.”
- They fearlessly see and point out your blind spots.
- They are selfless in their desire to see you succeed.
- They are committed to see you grow even when you are not.
- They push you out of your comfort zone because they know that is where you will win.
- They give you access to their life experience, resources and a network of relationships.
I look forward to what the next 12-months will produce. I am confident that I will see our dream become a reality largely in part to having a good coach.
What are you dreaming of in your life? Do you have a coach that is guiding you? Tell me about it.
P.S. – Here is a great post by Ben that will give you a preview of what John-Erik and I will be facing over the next 12-months.
Hi David! I agree–Ben has a gift to guide, for sure. Looking forward to hearing more about what you and John-Erik are doing this year. I’m on DY this year too and have been praying for the whole team. Excited to see this year unfold!
Thea,
Thank you so much for your prayers. We can never forget that the source of ever good and right dream is the Lord. All of us need his courage, strength, help, and creativity to see the dream he is calling us to come to life. I look forward to hearing more about your dream. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. My sweet spot is design, video and web work. I would be happy to bring any value to you I can.
Dream Big and Pray Bigger!
Hey bro. The section about what makes a really great coach is so spot on. I’ve shared it with a lot of the staff this week and in my leadership meeting with some students. Great insight. ~J-E
Thanks JE. I appreciate the encouragement. This is the type of impact that I hoped would happen.
Hey David- As a DY’11 grad(?), I can’t wait to see what you guys can pull off this year. We still miss you guys out here in DC. Have fun! – nathan.
Nathan,
Didn’t know that you did DY… so cool. What are the top three things we should do to make sure we make the most of it? Kara and I miss DC all the time. Let me know what you are up to these day.
Thanks for reaching out.
Hi David! Nice to meet you. Fellow Dreamer here… so excited to begin this year-long journey with you! You’re right, coaches make a powerful difference in our lives. Having someone to encourage us and hold us accountable is a rare gift. I am so thankful for this opportunity! Look forward to meeting you live in person later this month. =)
Carrie,
Great to meet you as well. I’m really curious to learn more about your dream. Thanks for looking me up. I’ll be hoping over to cheaplovebook.com later today.
Blessings!
David