The 10 Principles for Soccer Coaching Success
START BY DOING WHAT’S NECESSARY
THEN WHAT’S POSSIBLE AND
SUDDENLY YOU ARE DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE
St. Francis of Assisi
Listed are ten basic principles of success. If one could learn and put these ten principles into action in their coaching life, success will stand an excellent chance of succeeding. These principles operate all the time, much like the principle of gravity. When you drop something, it falls to the ground – not occasionally, not now and then – It falls every time – it’s called gravity, and it works every time. These principles of success work whenever acted upon.
#1 THE PRINCIPLE OF GIVING
The foundation of Giving: Give and you receive.
- There is no such reality as something for nothing.
- You always have something to give. It is built up by praise – Destroyed by criticism. Look for the good and give the word of praise.
- You always give with the expectation of receiving. We do not give to get. We give that in some way, our giving will be returned in some way to someone (give to get) vs. (give and receive). Give and be willing to receive. Receive and give it away. The power of giving will keep you busy.
#2 THE PRINCIPLE OF EXCLUSION
Foundation of exclusion: Get rid of what you don’t want to make room for what you do want.
Get rid of all negative, embrace all positives.
Examples:
- People with whom you associate – negative people.
- What you watch – (TV).
- What you listen to.
- What you read.
#3 THE PRINCIPLE OF CREATION
Foundation of creation: Decide what it is that you want. Define it clearly and precisely and write it down.
You must first decide who you as a person want to be. Clearly and specifically define that person in your mind and then write it down.
#4 THE PRINCIPLE OF VISUALIZATION
Foundation of visualization: Get a clear mental picture of exactly what you want – infuse it with all the emotion you can – and hold on.
The keyword here is “emotion.” There is power in the application of emotion. In your mind, you must get excited about what you want.
#5 THE PRINCIPLE OF COMMAND
Foundation of command: Whatever you speak out of your mouth, that’s what’s going to happen to you – so watch out what you say. The power of the spoken word.
In all areas of your life, you “speak into existence” what happens to you, be that good or bad. Seventy percent of the average person’s speaking time is spent talking to oneself. Make sure that what you are “speaking” about is what you want to happen to you.
#6 THE PRINCIPLE OF ACTION
Foundation of action: Do it now.
By taking action, you are defeating procrastination. By taking action, there is a great release of energy that permits you to accomplish your task.
#7 THE PRINCIPLE OF ENTHUSIASM
Foundation of enthusiasm: Give everything you’ve got to everything you do.
It would help if you got excited about coaching. Energize yourself, put all the emotion you can into your effort.
#8 THE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH
Foundation of faith: Faith is the substance of things hoped for – the evidence of things unseen.
Faith requires a commitment to everything you are.
#9 THE PRINCIPLE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE
Foundation of self-discipline: Do what needs to be done when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.
Self-discipline is a requirement for success in all areas of one’s life. Athletics is one example. How much self-discipline is needed for those who reach championships in their chosen field? The works, dedication, the time all require a great deal of self-discipline.
#10 THE PRINCIPLE OF PERSISTENCE
Foundation of persistence: I will until.
What does it take for the baby to learn to walk? Persistence. Never give up. To succeed, you must persist. Genius alone will not do it. Many with Genius have failed for lack of perseverance. Talent alone will not do it. Many with great talent have failed for the lack of persistence. Say yes to your potential and persist.
I am sure there are probably more, but if you learn and put these ten into action, your coaching life success will stand an excellent chance of succeeding.
THOUGHTS BECOME WORDS
WORDS BECOME ACTIONS
ACTIONS BECOME HABITS
HABITS BECOME CHARACTER
CHARACTER BECOMES DESTINY
Contributions by Skip Ross