Self-assessment<\/p>\n

When looking at human nature objectively, it\u2019s very easy to identify common flaws. In my estimation, these flaws are clustered geographically, generationally, and culturally. One seemingly universal flaw that I\u2019ve found amongst nearly all individuals, to at least some degree of severity, is the inability to be honest and self-assessing. I personally struggle with this on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

I coach high school football. It\u2019s been a passion of mine for a few years now. It has allowed me to connect with student-athletes on an intimate level and impact them in ways that far supersede the field. It has also allowed me to continue my analysis of human nature from a unique perspective. Working with these young men gives insight into how pure and genuine a young mind can be. Let\u2019s briefly flash forward to July.<\/p>\n

As an annual tradition, our players and staff traveled to camp for a few days and nights. This allows for intensive targeting of our players. They eat, sleep, and breathe football. It becomes a mentally and physically trying time, testing our players\u2019 fortitude and capabilities. During a team meeting, each player and coach was required to write their goal for the season onto a large poster board. Many of the players wrote quantitative and measurable goals (e.g. undefeated season, state championship, etc.). For me, however, I wanted something a bit more meaningful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to have established team of young men that are honest, self-assessing individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n

When it was my turn to expound upon my goal, I looked amongst the athletes and saw inquisitive stares. As I explained my rationale, I began to think. This team flaw is merely a microcosm of an enormous societal inadequacy. It\u2019s something that, even though I\u2019m well aware of how it plagues us, I still need to mentally free myself from its captivity. The inability to be \u201creal\u201d with oneself is an overwhelming detriment that keeps us all from our goals.<\/p>\n

Each and every individual has some altered perception of self. Analogous to my athletes, we all think we\u2019re better than we actually are in some realm of life. At times, I\u2019m guilty of thinking I\u2019m a better bodybuilder, teacher, or coach than I truly am. This issue transcends itself even into our daily habits. Most people think they work harder than they really do, too. We identify with a fitness community that embraces \u201cthe grind\u201d. Everyone seems to have the perception that they work harder than everyone else and often want to feel rewarded for such. A social media post about how hard we work is great way to give ourselves the proverbial \u201cgood job\u201d. I tell my players on a daily basis: \u201cYou don\u2019t get rewarded for doing what you\u2019re supposed to do.\u201d We want to pat ourselves on the back for having a good workout. You do realize there are thousands of athletes across the country that worked their tails off today too, right? Thus, we didn\u2019t make any progress. They took a step forward as did we, hence the separation between us and mediocrity remained stagnant. I even address this issue with my 5th grade students. They often seek rewards in the form of bonus points or extra recess time for the most trivial of things, such as doing their homework. As always, I sound like a broken record; you don\u2019t get rewarded for doing what you\u2019re supposed to do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n