Taking the NEXT Step

Coaching Tip #1

Millions of fans tune in to cheer on their favorite college football teams during December and early January, culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship. These games are symbols of a successful season – defined not from the hope at the beginning of a season, but more from the reality at the end of the schedule.

For those that graduate or are finishing their eligibility, this will be their last game. The hope of a college football career now moves to the reality of what is NEXT. For 2% of players, NEXT may be the NFL, where hope will continue to germinate the mindset of athletic success and potential riches. For the other 98%, there is the harsh reality that this part of their life is ending.

Although there will be many celebratory moments of past accomplishments over the coming weeks, athletes need to acknowledge that looking back at what was is not going to help them move forward.

While you are still at school, I recommend reaching out to the athletic department support systems to discuss your current reality and set some broad-based goals for what you may want from the next part of your life.

This recommendation applies to all student-athletes – you have a right to get support.

In my coaching practice, I use 5 Questions to get the athlete thinking forward.

1. What is my definition of a WIN from today onward?

2. What qualities have I learned through sport that I can take forward in the next part of my life?

3. How do these qualities show up daily, now that sport is over?

4. In 20 years, what type of lifestyle do I imagine?

5. Does my degree support me working toward that lifestyle, or do I need further skills and qualifications?

If you do not have the support of an athletic department, take a few minutes, or longer, to answer these questions on your own.

If you are interested in diving deeper into this topic, sign up to learn more about the spring offering of my online course on Navigating Life After Sports.