I recently wrote an entry describing “necessary endings,” based on the book by Dr Henry Cloud. One of the theses of the book was recognizing when a situation needs to end and the methods one can use to execute an ending and then move forward.
I met this week with the athletic director of the high school where I have been head girls coach for the last 8 years. In that meeting, we went through a short review of the challenges of the program in the context of moving forward with a new head coach. The program has had ups and downs over the last few years and, for this reason, and others, the decision was not surprising.
In processing the decision, I have looked on the change as an opportunity for new beginnings and as a part of an on-going process in defining who I am, where I go, and what I will be doing. Because I have built an identity as a head coach of the high school program, I now must do some thinking about what a new identity will look and feel like. In dealing with the transition – presenting it to my family, to my friends, to my coaching staff, and to the players – I have relied on being true to the ethics and behaviors that I have coached, recognizing that those outside my circle will view it from their perspective. The change represents some new opportunities for the players – perhaps a chance to set aside previous results with a view to new ideas and challenges.
The creation of 205 Sports as a non-profit entity – with a focus on Zone 1 player development – is something that I have been thinking about for the last 18 months. Being at a stage in life where I can allocate my time and resources to inspirational and philanthropic activities has given me some freedom to find a path that is personally nourishing.
I’m looking forward to this new phase in my personal and professional life.
References
Cloud, H. (2011). Necessary endings: The employees, businesses, and relationships that all of us have to give up in order to move forward. Zondervan.