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Another class I'm excitedly taking this weekend: a Level I coaching clinic at Stetson. I have a little bit of coaching experience, volunteering at a local high school for a couple of months before I was kinda fired (short story: I couldn't be there 3 days a week, so they hired someone who could), and filling in a few times at my club when the coach didn't show up. So I figured I should get some formal training, especially if it's something I think I might want to pursue at some point.
Coaching's not something I thought would ever jibe with my personality. I've still not figured out whether it does. Good coaches are good leaders, which puts them in the spotlight. I don't like the spotlight. Good coaches work well with people. I like to work independently. Good coaches are patient with those who aren't 'getting it.' I typically don't suffer fools easily. But most importantly, I think a good coach has to be a great communicator, which is something I'm not and tend to shy away from.
With that said, when I did coach, once I got past my initial fears -- driving a launch (small motorboat), taking a leadership role, being more confident in myself and feeling comfortable correcting people -- I really enjoyed it. I think the reason was that I liked to think I was helping people improve themselves. Plus, I figured it was helping me get over my personality flaws by weaving what could be a painful, jarring process into an activity I know and like.
On a related note, I have the strangest resume to cross any employer's desk: Part-time journalist, part-time licensed massage therapist, former Web producer, part-time crew coach. I'm the ultimate jack of all trades, master of nothing.
Current mood: Wiped
Current music: Riptides | Dub Pistols
Replies: 1 shoutout
That's awesome. Doing things you consider out of character is a great way to explore yourself. People will often say things like "that's not me" as a way to avoid doing things that may seem uncomfortable. Most of the time it's a cop-out.
I'm the shyest person I know, I can't stand being in the spotlight, but I know I can do it if I want/have/need to because I have before. It's very empowering though I still won't chose to do it because I simply prefer not to. Not because I think I don't want to.
Posted by Wiph @ 01/30/2006 03:09 PM EST