Being encouraging can mean different things to different people.
When I think of being encouraging as it relates to sports, All Star Cheer in particular, I believe encouragement has a number of different sides to it.
There is the encouragement that is needed from a teammate when a stunt looks like it is going to come tumbling down and a simple “You GOT this!!” mat talk boost of confidence to the others in your stunt group could save the sniper from hitting.
There are an infinite number of ways to be encouraging as a parent when not doing so can certainly be the easier road.
I have seen instances in the past where a disappointed athlete, upset about not being immediately placed on the level that they desired, or even a certain position on a certain team, whether at placements or along the course of the season, triggers the athlete to express an urge to quit and the parent caves in and allows it versus encouraging the athlete to stick with it, let the process play out, and put themself in a position where they simply cannot be denied.
It is so easy to give up, and even more so on the parent side to allow the athlete to do so.
It is the much more challenging path, however, to shore up an athlete’s confidence (even if it has taken a hit that seems insurmountable) through encouraging words and actions.
Coaches constantly have to figure out how to present corrections to athletes in a manner that brings attention to what needs fixing, but in a way that communicates, either verbally or non-verbally, that the coach knows the athlete can execute, but just has to adjust their approach in terms of whatever it is that the athlete may not be properly doing.
As an owner, I feel an absolute responsibility to offer encouragement wherever it feels as though it is needed.
This could be the random athlete I pass that looks like they could use a kind word or two, a staff member who I am aware of as going through some challenging times at home, or a family that finds themselves in a tough spot paying the bills after a sudden loss of work and is not sure how they will pay their gym note that month.
With all the issues occurring in the world these days, whether at the gym or away from it, there are seemingly endless opportunities to invoke words and actions that may inspire others and present an unexpected pick-me-up where one is really needed.
We all go through times in our lives, whether we realize it or not, when we could use someone to firm up any doubt in our mind in a wide variety of situations.
Although there is no road map for exactly showing how to display encouragement for those in our lives, a simple quick check of seeing someone who seems like they could need it and asking yourself “If that were me, what would I love to hear right now?” can provide all the answers you will need.
